Blog: Criminal Defense
- 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 - Do You Need A Former Prosecutor To Be Your Local Criminal Defense Laywer? Not Really. Don’t Be Fooled By Sales Tactics. Uncorking The 5 Most Common Myths
May 19, 2023
It’s easy to be fooled by the Internet banner sales pitch: “Former Prosecutor, Years of Experience” and think that having a former prosecutor as your local criminal defense lawyer is somehow a “better” option. But don’t be fooled. It may have little or no bearing. Here are common myths that exist in this regard: MYTH #1: The Former Prosecutor Always Knows/Is Connected With the Current Team Former prosecutors, unless they recently worked in...Read More - Disorderly Conduct – Special Considerations for Ocean City, Maryland
May 17, 2023
Ocean City, Maryland, is a popular tourist destination during the summer months. With large crowds, public events, and a lively nightlife scene, instances of disorderly conduct become more common during the summer tourist season. Ocean City residents and visitors should be aware of unique factors that can affect your likelihood of being charged with disorderly conduct. Noise Ordinances: Ocean City enforces strict noise ordinances, particularly during the peak tourist season. Even if you’re...Read More - Police departments in Maryland are ready for a very busy summer
May 15, 2023
Every year, police departments across Maryland track how they respond to calls from the public. They then report on their activity in the interest of transparency. According to the Ocean City Police Department’s crime report for 2022, the number of calls for police assistance is decreasing. 2022 The department indicated that its proactive approach to public safety utilizes the presence of many officers out on the street, ready to interact with the public...Read More - What are the penalties for disorderly conduct?
Apr 21, 2023
Disorderly conduct is the leading reason for police calls in Ocean City, Maryland in the summer when tourists and Marylanders flock to the seaside town to spend time at the beach. Disorderly conduct can be a bit of a vague charge. Some say that Maryland law enforcement uses it as a “catch-all” for public disturbances. In general, an Ocean City, Maryland disorderly conduct charge stems from any behavior that disturbs the peace, endangers public...Read More