Blog: Criminal Defense
- Penalties for violating Maryland implied consent laws
Aug 10, 2022
If Maryland authorities believe that you’re driving under the influence of alcohol, you may be asked to take a Breathalyzer or other sobriety tests. Although you have the right to refuse such a request, you may face a variety of penalties for doing so. Refusing a chemical test violates implied consent laws When you obtained your license, you agreed to submit to a blood, urine or Breathalyzer test if asked to do so...Read More - New Video Series! Ask an Attorney Featuring Michael Walls
Jun 27, 2022
We’re debuting the first two episodes of our new video series “Ask an Attorney”. You’ll be able to keep up with the series here on our website, or on our Introducing Attorney Michael Walls Transcript Hi, I’m Attorney Mike Walls from Maronick Law offices. We’re here to answer your questions! [Assistant] Alright Mike, how long have you practiced Criminal Law, and how much of your case load...Read More - Explaining the Penalties for Violating Ocean City’s “Special Event Zones”
May 27, 2022
We are proud to be a statewide Maryland law firm and to be the go-to criminal defense and DUI law firm, as the best-reviewed firm with a local office in Ocean City. We constantly are getting locals and visitors asking us about the “special event zones.” Why can you suddenly go to jail for certain offenses that may seem minor? Why are you paying a higher fine for something as seemingly tame as speeding? The...Read More - Stalking in Maryland Changed to Include Use of Digital Devices
May 16, 2022
Maryland lawmakers have updated the criminal definition of Stalking in Maryland is defined as “a malicious course of conduct that includes approaching or pursuing another” in a way that would place that person in reasonable fear. Under the old definition, stalking had to be in person and the targeted person was followed physically. The Gov. Larry Hogan Technology-based stalking can occur in a number of different ways. Advocates...Read More - 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