Blog: Criminal Defense
- What is a Maryland Plea Bargain?
May 6, 2022
A plea is a statement by a defendant where the accused admits guilt or innocence in response to criminal charges. If the defendant pleads “not guilty” then the case proceeds to trial. In many instances, however, the case will not go to trial. A plea bargain occurs when the defendant — with the advice of their Ocean City criminal defense attorney — and the prosecutor come to a deal. The Baltimore plea bargain will include...Read More - What is assault under Maryland law?
Apr 18, 2022
In a recent high-profile event, a popular movie star slapped a well-known comic during a nationally televised awards show. The comic has reportedly declined to press charges but if such an event happened in Maryland, what kind of charges could result? Maryland law defines assault as the offensive touching of another person without permission that creates fear. The phrase “assault and battery” is often used in television shows. Battery is the unlawful and...Read More - What are the penalties for shoplifting in Maryland?
Apr 8, 2022
Shoplifting is the theft of merchandise from a business. Under Maryland law, it’s a crime to willfully and knowingly obtain unauthorized control over property if the person taking the property intends to deprive the owner of the property and conceals the property in a way that deprives the owner of the property. Penalties for shoplifting in Maryland depend on the value of the items. Shoplifters in Maryland can receive both jail time and fines,...Read More - What is Maryland Shopkeeper’s Privilege?
Apr 1, 2022
Shopkeeper’s Privilege is the name given to a law that allows business owners to detain people they suspect of shoplifting. Maryland is one of several states that has such a law. Shoplifting is the theft of merchandise from a business. When a business owner believes that a store patron has shoplifted items or is attempting to shoplift merchandise, the store owner has probable cause to take the individual into custody. However, the business...Read More - Will ghost guns become a thing of the past?
Mar 26, 2022
Owning a firearm can sometimes come with a significant amount of red tape. Depending on the type of gun you want and where you want to be able to take it, you may need a permit and background check. It was only a matter of time before 3D printing became another way for people to make their own guns that do not have the traceable serial numbers of other firearms. Now, the Maryland legislature...Read More - What is the “fruit of the poisonous tree?”
Mar 18, 2022
Not all evidence is admissible in court. In instances where police misconduct is suspected, several rules prevent the evidence from being used against a defendant facing criminal charges. The exclusionary rule allows courts to exclude evidence at trial if it was obtained in violation of the Constitution. The exclusionary rule often comes into play when there is a violation of the Fourth and Fifth Amendments. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures...Read More - How many points is a speeding ticket in Maryland?
Feb 14, 2022
In Maryland, there is not one answer. It depends. If you are traveling 1-9 miles per hour over the speed limit, you would be assessed 1 point upon conviction. That goes up to 3 points if you are speeding and involved in an accident. If you are traveling 10-19 miles per hour over the speed limit, it is 2 points. This also carries 3 points if there is an accident. If you...Read More - How to avoid Violation of Probation
Feb 11, 2022
So, you’ve been arrested, convicted, and placed on probation to the Court. What now? When you were sentenced and placed on a period of probation, you signed an Order setting forth certain responsibilities and obligations the Judge imposed. Failure to comply with ANY of those requirements can result in a warrant for your arrest for Violation of Probation (VOP). Your probation agent monitors your compliance with the conditions. A few of the standard...Read More - Teen accused of stealing car
Jan 26, 2022
A teenage boy in Maryland was accused of car theft and unlawful possession of a firearm. Police in Glen Burnie detained the 15-year-old boy on Jan. 5 when he was allegedly found to be in possession of a loaded gun. Police said that they were also looking for a second suspect in the reported car theft. Reported car theft According to police, a witness reported a The police officer who responded...Read More - Are Americans leaning towards more lenient sentencing?
Dec 15, 2021
Public sentiment about punishing criminal behavior may change depending on many factors. Many more people feel willing to explore criminal justice reform steps that reduce penalties in the current climate. How widespread such feelings are might be debatable. Reports suggest the public is evenly divided about sentencing matters. Some feel the courts should impose harsher sentences, while others prefer less punitive sentences. How a Maryland judge, jury, and prosecutor approach sentencing may center on the...Read More