Blog: Criminal Defense
- Maryland authorities start holiday crackdown on coronavirus restriction violations
Nov 30, 2020
Maryland is stepping up enforcement of coronavirus restrictions for the holiday season. The move comes in the wake of information that infections stemming from friend and family gatherings are fueling a worrisome spike in coronavirus infections in the state and the nation. The Maryland State Police is expanding its COVID-19 Compliance and Coordination Center and deploying “High Visibility Compliance Units” across the state. The units will be sent to several areas including Bel Air,...Read More - Man assaults two officers after being arrested for assault
Nov 6, 2020
When motorists in Ocean City, Maryland, or elsewhere interact with law enforcement, it is likely to result in two ways. They could either get a warning or they could face legal consequences for a traffic violation or face a criminal charge. Because the later is a far more concerning predicament to be in than the former, it is important that one understand the rights afforded to them if an arrest does occur. Specifically, one should...Read More - Annapolis man successfully claims self-defense in killing of man on his property
Nov 5, 2020
An Anne Arundel County jury recently acquitted a Pasadena, Maryland man of murder, manslaughter and felony firearms charges, deciding that he acted in self-defense when he fatally shot an acquaintance during an altercation at the man’s home. The homeowner had called 911 before the man arrived, telling the dispatcher that the man had threatened to burn his house down. The deceased man had come to the house to collect money he claimed was owed...Read More - What is a Probation Before Judgment?
Oct 28, 2020
In a previous blog, we discussed how obtaining a stet – getting your case placed on the inactive docket at the courthouse — can be a good result in a criminal case. Another possible result and one that can be used to good advantage in Baltimore and Ocean City criminal law and Baltimore and Ocean City traffic cases is probation before judgment. Probation before judgment is commonly called a “PBJ.” In a PBJ, a...Read More - What is a “stet?”
Oct 21, 2020
Stet is a Latin term that means “let it stand.” According to the Baltimore County state’s attorney office, a “stet” is an indefinite postponement. A guilty verdict is not entered, but a “stet” is not an acquittal or dismissal. The charges remain; but, they are not active in the system. Basically, a stet in Maryland means that the case is placed on the inactive docket and forgotten by the State. In fact, in...Read More - Maryland’s handgun licensing requirements under review by court
Oct 7, 2020
A federal appeals court has reinstated a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Maryland’s handgun licensing law. The handgun licensing requirements are part of the Maryland Firearm Safety Act of 2013 (FSA). The FSA was enacted to protect Maryland citizens and law enforcement officers by regulating the sale, transfer and possession of certain types of firearms in the state. The law applies to the purchase and carry of handguns. A permit is not needed...Read More - What kinds of actions are prohibited under the fourth amendment?
Oct 2, 2020
Ocean City area residents likely know that they are guaranteed certain rights under the Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution, but without understanding what exactly those rights entail, it might be difficult to prepare an aggressive criminal defense. Generally speaking, the What the court will review The court balances legitimate governmental interests, like public safety, and the intruding on someone’s fourth amendment rights, when conducting a search and seizure. This is why...Read More - Maryland Attorney General says phony mortgage companies targeting Marylanders
Sep 23, 2020
The Office of the Attorney General has issued a strong warning about scammers impersonating mortgage companies. The scams are taking several different forms. In one instance, claiming to be mortgage company employees, the scammers are offering loan modifications. The scammer will ask for your full name, address, date of birth and social security number. They may tell you that you have to immediately provide this information in order to qualify for the loan modification...Read More - Criminal defense strategies for allegations of rape
Sep 10, 2020
In Maryland, rape is a serious crime that can result in significant sanctions. This post discusses some of the Defense Option #1: Consent At the heart of rape and sexual assault charges is the assertion that the alleged victim did not consent to the alleged acts that were committed against them. Without evidence of this element of a crime, a prosecutor’s case may fall apart. When a defendant and their...Read More - Ocean City Police Department arrest local for credit card fraud
Aug 24, 2020
Being arrested is scary, period. But, facing felony The Alleged Crimes Last week, the Ocean City Police Department received a call about potential credit card fraud. The victims sent the OCPD screen shots of her bank that showed the alleged fraudulent charges. The OCPD followed the charges on the card. After pulling video footage, they saw the accused purchasing items. The alleged credit card user came back, but this time, the...Read More