Blog: Criminal Defense
- Maryland courts moving to full operations on April 26
Apr 23, 2021
Beginning April 26, all of Maryland’s courts will resume full operations, including civil and criminal jury trials, according to the court’s website. However, social distancing and preventative health measures will be observed. Currently, the courts are in stage IV of the phased reopening plan which means that courts are hearing non-jury trials and contested hearings in civil, family and juvenile matters and that clerk’s offices are open to the public. Criminal trials with...Read More - Maryland addresses police reform
Apr 14, 2021
As issues of police brutality and the improper use of force during arrests became headlines amid demonstrations across the country last year, at least one state legislative body has decided to confront the issue head on. On Saturday, legislators in Maryland enacted All of this came about over the vetoes of Governor Larry Hogan, who charged that the changes will erode public confidence and lower police morale. Other critics suggested that the reforms...Read More - Do expunged records show up on background checks?
Mar 31, 2021
A criminal record can create difficulties. For example, employers and landlords commonly ask job applicants and rental applicants whether they have ever been convicted of a criminal offense. If the answer is “yes,” many employers will choose not to hire and landlords often chose not to rent to someone with a criminal record. Some of the nation’s largest employers have been sued by current and former employees after background checks revealed criminal records that,...Read More - How do I get my driver’s record expunged?
Mar 19, 2021
Because of an expansion in the law that went into effect in 2017, it’s fairly easy for many types of negative entries to your Maryland driver’s record to be removed. In many instances, they fall off automatically after a certain amount of time has transpired which means that Maryland drivers no longer need to apply for expungement in many, but not all, situations. Expungement refers to the removal of specific entries from a driving...Read More - What are the basics of getting a criminal record in Maryland expunged?
Mar 10, 2021
Expungement is the process of asking the court to remove certain court and police records from public view. It mostly applies to records that did not result in a conviction, but several types of convictions can be expunged. Recent changes in the law have expanded the number of crimes that can be expunged. Described as “the broadest criminal justice legislation in decades,” sentencing guidelines for drug dealers, thieves and other offenders have been reduced...Read More - 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