Blog: Criminal Defense
- What is revenge porn? Understanding Maryland’s “revenge porn” laws
Dec 19, 2023
Maryland has laws making it a criminal offense to share sexually explicit photos and videos without consent. Also known as “revenge porn,” this illegal content often gets posted online by ex-partners or hackers aiming to emotionally harm and humiliate the person depicted. The Old Line State has had its own issues with revenge porn. The mayor of a small town in Maryland was recently charged with several counts of posting revenge porn. Maryland...Read More - Financial Aid options with a felony conviction
Dec 5, 2023
College students often use their newfound freedom to test their limits and explore less-than-savory activities, often with negative consequences. Getting arrested during college can significantly impact their educational and professional pursuits. However, with new laws in effect, students living with a felony in Maryland may have better options than ever to pursue and maintain higher education opportunities. Students and felony crimes Many Until recently, people who were convicted of ...Read More - Maryland Changes Laws to Allow More Child Sex Abuse Lawsuits
Oct 3, 2023
A new law that went into effect on October 1, 2023 allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits against their abusers and the institutions that enabled them, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. The “Child Victims Act” was A key driver behind the new law was the release in January 2023 of a scathing 463-page report by the Maryland Attorney General’s office, which revealed that over 150...Read More - Maryland Reduces Waiting Periods for Criminal Record Expungements
Oct 2, 2023
A new Maryland law shortening the waiting periods before certain criminal convictions can be Known as the “REDEEM Act of 2023,” the bill was signed into law earlier this year. Supporters say the measure provides a better chance at redemption for those with past nonviolent offenses. Under previous Maryland law, misdemeanor convictions could only be expunged 10 years after completion of a sentence. Felonies required a 15-year waiting period. The REDEEM Act...Read More - What to Expect at Your Maryland Arraignment Hearing
Sep 18, 2023
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a crime in Maryland, one of the first steps in the legal process is the arraignment hearing. This hearing marks the start of your criminal case in Maryland. The arraignment typically takes place within 24 hours after an arrest. The hearing itself is straightforward—you will be presented with the criminal charges filed against you. The judge reads the charges out loud and provides you with a copy...Read More - Nolle Prosequi: What It Means For Your Maryland Criminal Case
Sep 7, 2023
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Maryland, you may have heard the Latin term “nolle prosequi.” But what does it mean? How might it affect your case? Nolle prosequi, also called a “nolle pros,” simply means that the prosecutor has chosen to drop the charges against you and will no longer pursue the case. Rather than taking your case to trial, the State’s Attorney has decided not to prosecute you for the...Read More - What Is a “Stet” in Maryland Criminal Cases?
Aug 29, 2023
A “stet” is a Latin term meaning “let it stand” and is used in Maryland criminal cases. It’s an indefinite postponement of prosecution where the charges remain on file but are inactive. A stet is not a conviction, guilty plea, acquittal or dismissal. The case is simply placed on an inactive docket. The state can reopen the case within 3 years if the defendant violates any conditions. After 3 years, the case can be...Read More - What are the consequences of a DUI conviction for a lawyer?
Aug 15, 2023
Attorneys in Ocean City and throughout the rest of Maryland are expected to meet the standards laid down by the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct. One of these rules states that an attorney engages in professional misconduct when they commit a crime that raises questions about their honesty and trustworthiness and adversely affects their ability to represent their clients. The ABA’s rules also require attorneys to report colleagues who engage in unprofessional...Read More - The role of aggravating and mitigating factors
Jun 22, 2023
If the judge finds that the defendant is guilty at the end of a Maryland trial, it is the court’s responsibility to determine the punishment for the defendant. Criminal statutes set maximum penalties for both state and federal crimes. Judges have some leeway when it comes to sentencing. Prosecutors and defendants present evidence for the court to consider when deciding the defendant’s sentence. Aggravating factors In a Other aggravating factors include...Read More - Can I vote if I have a criminal conviction on my record?
Jun 1, 2023
People convicted of a crime in Maryland could face consequences even after they have completed their sentence. Many are concerned about their right to vote. In some cases, they will be allowed to vote. In others, they will not. Voting after a criminal conviction depends on the charges It is important to know the circumstances With a felony conviction, the person can vote unless convicted of buying and selling votes. For...Read More