Blog
- Local SWAT officer faces sex crime charges
Nov 25, 2020
Those who face criminal charges face a daunting task to clear their names, but for those charged with sex crimes, just being charged can be enough to destroy one’s life. This seems antithetical in our American system as those accused of crimes are supposedly presumed innocent. However, for those wrapped up in the often too broad net in government sex crime investigations, the presumption is often that they are guilty until proven innocent, at least...Read More - Maryland courts shutdown for second time this year because of COVID-19
Nov 19, 2020
All civil and criminal trials in Maryland’s courts, except for those for which a jury has already been seated, will be suspended through December 31 and other court functions will operate on a limited basis. Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera made the “After consultation with the leadership of the Maryland Department of Health and Judiciary leaders, I have determined that the Maryland Judiciary must return to restricted operations as...Read More - Postnuptial agreements can benefit Ocean City couples
Nov 19, 2020
Ocean City residents who are engaged to be married may want to think about their financial future, including the possibility that their marriage may not last. For this reason, they may execute a prenuptial agreement before walking down the aisle. However, couples who failed to execute a prenup prior to marrying have another option: executing a Postnups are similar to prenups While postnups are entered into after a couple marries, and prenups...Read More - As holiday season starts up, so do drunk driving incidents
Nov 11, 2020
As the holiday season starts up, it’s easy for drivers to find themselves in a position where they are drinking and driving. According to the National Highway and Safety Administration, drunk driving accidents increase during the holiday season. Starting Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day, there are more alcohol-related accidents than at any time of year. Nationally, over the past five years, 300 people on average died in drunk driving crashes the week between Christmas and...Read More - Man accused of sex crimes by other man after posting job offer
Nov 10, 2020
There is an understandable stigma when people are charged with sex crimes in Maryland. In addition to the possibility that the accused will face jail time and other penalties for a conviction, they may also need to register as a sex offender and face the lifelong consequences of sex offenses on their record. Regardless of the allegations and their severity, it is imperative to understand the need for a strong defense. Assessing the circumstances and...Read More - Man assaults two officers after being arrested for assault
Nov 6, 2020
When motorists in Ocean City, Maryland, or elsewhere interact with law enforcement, it is likely to result in two ways. They could either get a warning or they could face legal consequences for a traffic violation or face a criminal charge. Because the later is a far more concerning predicament to be in than the former, it is important that one understand the rights afforded to them if an arrest does occur. Specifically, one should...Read More - Annapolis man successfully claims self-defense in killing of man on his property
Nov 5, 2020
An Anne Arundel County jury recently acquitted a Pasadena, Maryland man of murder, manslaughter and felony firearms charges, deciding that he acted in self-defense when he fatally shot an acquaintance during an altercation at the man’s home. The homeowner had called 911 before the man arrived, telling the dispatcher that the man had threatened to burn his house down. The deceased man had come to the house to collect money he claimed was owed...Read More - What is a Probation Before Judgment?
Oct 28, 2020
In a previous blog, we discussed how obtaining a stet – getting your case placed on the inactive docket at the courthouse — can be a good result in a criminal case. Another possible result and one that can be used to good advantage in Baltimore and Ocean City criminal law and Baltimore and Ocean City traffic cases is probation before judgment. Probation before judgment is commonly called a “PBJ.” In a PBJ, a...Read More - Having sex with a minor is serious charge
Oct 27, 2020
Certain sexual behavior is illegal in Maryland based on the ages involved, regardless of both parties’ consent. Statutory rape is one of the serious Age of consent The age of consent is the legal minimum age limit where a person is considered old enough to consent to sexual activity. In Maryland, the age of consent is generally recognized to be 16 years old. Certain sexual behaviors are illegal, based upon the age...Read More - What is a “stet?”
Oct 21, 2020
Stet is a Latin term that means “let it stand.” According to the Baltimore County state’s attorney office, a “stet” is an indefinite postponement. A guilty verdict is not entered, but a “stet” is not an acquittal or dismissal. The charges remain; but, they are not active in the system. Basically, a stet in Maryland means that the case is placed on the inactive docket and forgotten by the State. In fact, in...Read More