The SCOTUS Decision in Van Buren Is More Important Than You Think

The Supreme Court of the United States has a juicy slate of opinions coming out this June. Some of cases have received significant local and national coverage, covering topics like healthcare, voting rights, and religious liberties. Others, such as the rulings released today, may receive far less coverage – but that doesn’t make them any…

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What a Former Reality Star’s Felony Stalking Charge Can Teach Us

If you are a fan of the reality television show Big Brother, then you probably heard about Mike “Boogie” Malin’s plea to a felony stalking charge related to his fellow star Dr. Will Kirby, and the penalties associated with it. Those penalties are significant: $370 in fees and restitution (with additional restitution to be determined…

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Panicked Over Rising Crime Rates? Don’t Be.

Pick up any paper, check any website, or listen to any local or national news station, and you are bound to hear about the rising crime rates, or the “surge” in violent crime, or the “spike” in criminal activity. There is outrage and handwringing and lots of blame to go around. The discussion keeps circling…

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What Does a Prosecutor Do?

The prosecutor is supposed to be the people’s lawyer. A prosecutor is supposed to fight for the safety of the people in the community he/she represents. Many people have an opinion of prosecutors based solely on what they see on TV and in films about the criminal justice system. It is natural to think their…

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Pros and Cons of a Jury Trial vs. a Bench Trial

Jury trials and bench trials are both options in a criminal defense case, and they offer different benefits and risks. Defendants who are charged with a criminal offense have the Constitutional right to a trial. For many criminal cases, a jury trial could be a defendant’s best option. A jury trial is not mandatory, though.…

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Sentencing Alternatives to Incarceration in Maryland

Not every conviction results in a prison sentence. Maryland recognizes that communities and defendants are both better served by focusing on treatment instead of imprisonment. Some of the factors that may indicate an alternative is viable include the type of offense that was committed, whether you have a prior record, and whether Maryland has established…

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Do Sex Offender Registries Actually Work?

In Maryland, a person who is convicted of a sex crime must register with a sex registry when he/she leaves prisons and starts private life. A sex registry is a database of information about people who have been convicted of various sex crimes. The information is public and available to law enforcement and anyone who…

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Potential Companion Charges to a DUI/DWI

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or a DWI (Driving While Impaired) conviction in Maryland has serious consequences. The level of seriousness holds true whether the conviction is based on a DUI, where your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 or more, or your conviction is based on a DWI, where your BAC is lower,…

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The Prosecution’s Duty to Disclose Exculpatory Evidence

Criminal trials are serious business, and a defendant’s rights are enshrined in law. You have a right to due process. The prosecution is required to play fairly. Playing fairly means if the prosecution has evidence that you didn’t commit the offense charged or evidence that would reasonably be expected to help your defense, the prosecution…

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Teen Carjacking Crimes Are on the Rise

Nationwide, teenagers have not been physically present in a physical classroom because of the fear of contracting the disease. Instead, most schools in 2020 and 2021 held classes online. This lack of in-person schooling makes it much easier (and more tempting) for teens to skip school when classes are online. According to recent reports, some…

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3 Common Grounds for Suppressing Evidence in a Criminal Case

Suppression of evidence is a fancy way of saying the evidence cannot be used in court. In order to suppress evidence, the criminal defense lawyer must file a formal motion to exclude the evidence. The motion can be filed in federal or state court depending on where the case is being tried. The motion normally…

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Hidden COVID-19 Fees May Constitute Fraud

For the last year, many companies and businesses have been charging fees to cover COVID-19-related health and cleaning services. Those fees can range from $5 for disinfectant in a hair salon to up to $1200 for cleaning and food in senior-living centers. Many consumers do not become aware of the fees until they receive their…

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Overdose Deaths Increased in Maryland During COVID-19

The number of deaths due to drug and alcohol overdoses increased in Maryland during the pandemic. Minority communities are being affected the most. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that between May 2019 and May 2020 deaths from all types of drugs have increased by nearly 17%. ABC News reports…

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Why Maryland Needs to End Home Detention Fees

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the criminal justice system in Maryland is taking steps to depopulate jails and prisons to help reduce the risk of exposure to the disease. In Baltimore, the City’s attorney’s office and the police have stopped prosecuting some low-level offenses. They have dismissed a number of cases and eliminated a…

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Why Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

If you are arrested, or believe you are the subject of a criminal investigation, you are likely considering whether you will need a criminal defense attorney in your corner. Perhaps you are doing this research for yourself, a friend, or family member. Even when charges seem minor, it is always a good idea to have…

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What Is Probation Before Judgment in a DUI Case?

When charged for driving under the influence (DUI) in Maryland, you may be facing penalties like fines, a suspended license, jail, or an ignition interlock device. You might feel overwhelmed and hopeless about your case. However, you may have another option, especially if this is your first offense. The “Probation Before Judgment” (PBJ) disposition can…

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Witness Intimidation Can Take Place Anywhere, Even on Instagram

Instagram is one of the most popular social media apps. Its popularity does not diminish its dangers, however. While witness intimidation is nothing new, the sheer numbers of people who are threatening one another online seem to grow every day. According to reports, multiple Instagram accounts based in Baltimore were deactivated after it was found…

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Debunking 5 Common DUI Myths

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only dangerous; it is against the law in Maryland. If you are caught, you can be charged with a DUI and face the loss of your rights, significant fines, and potentially even jail time. Often, people share misinformation about drinking and driving, and that…

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Sexual Assault in the Military

For the past 15 years, the United States Pentagon has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to fight sexual harassment and assault in all branches of the military. Despite this, sexual assault continues to be a glaring problem. Despite these efforts and a zero-tolerance policy, military sexual assault survivors claim that they are being failed…

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Teen Magicians Arrested, Strip Searched, and Detained

In one of the more shocking news stories of the year, teen siblings who found fame on America’s Got Talent were detained, strip searched, and forced to spend a night in a juvenile detention center. The teens, 15 and 13, were arrested by police in Louisiana in November for refusing to leave their father and…

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Maryland Hate Crime Statistics for 2019

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently released is 2019 hate crimes statistics, and Maryland had 19 hate crime incidents recorded in 2019. Hate crimes are separated into multiple categories based on the type of incident, location, and agency reporting the crimes. The data was provided by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. The…

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