Blog: Criminal Defense
- Why you might want to reconsider a public defender
Jan 15, 2021
So you’re facing criminal charges in Ocean City. What do you do? Well, one of the first decisions that you’ll have to make is who you want to represent you, if anyone. Representing yourself is certainly risky unless you have extensive knowledge of criminal law and the rules of evidence, which most people don’t. As a result, most people who qualify for a public defender go that route. After all, a public defender is free...Read More - Maryland courts postpone jury trials until April 23
Jan 7, 2021
Jury trials in Maryland, which previously were suspended until December 31, won’t be held until April 23, 2021, the Maryland courts have said in the latest round of court restrictions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. The court made the Clerk’s offices in the District Court and Circuit Courts throughout the state will be open to the public for emergency purposes and by appointment for other matters. A Baltimore criminal law attorney can provide...Read More - A domestic violence conviction impacts child custody
Dec 15, 2020
Even if it is a misdemeanor and a first-time offense, a conviction related to domestic violence in Maryland can have far-reaching consequences beyond a short stint jail or probation. Those convicted of such Maryland judges may prohibit custody or parenting time for accused parents In fact, Maryland’s family law courts have the A conviction related to any type of child abuse would probably mean that the accused parent would...Read More - Man arrested in Ocean City after medley of weapons found in car
Dec 4, 2020
There are times when an Ocean City area resident may find themselves facing serious charges. These charges could lead to jail time and fines if a person is convicted. A man from Smithburg is now facing Man arrested on weapons charges A man from Smithburg was recently pulled over in the area of 13th Street by an Ocean City police officer. The officer observed that the driver was The officer...Read More - 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