Category Archives: Criminal Defense
From Protest to Treason: Understanding the Terms of the Times
Recent events at the Capitol in Washington D.C. have sent myriad vocabulary words whirling through America. Was it a protest? A riot? An insurrection? Legally, these and other words have specific meanings linked to differing penalties. Do you, or someone you know– need an attorney after involvement in such activity? Charges related to January… Read More »
Know Your Rights When You’re Pulled Over
No one wants a surprise encounter with law enforcement on the road. Nevertheless, most of us have been pulled over at one time or another. As you ease to the shoulder, you should mentally prepare for the upcoming police interaction. Now, more than ever, it is essential that you understand your rights. Goal One:… Read More »
Police Interactions: Know Your Rights!
You’re driving along when you see the dreaded red and blue lights flashing in your rear-view mirror. You get a pit of fear in your stomach, hoping beyond hope that maybe the police are after someone up ahead. But no, as you pull to the shoulder of the road, the lights follow you, and… Read More »
Changes to Hate-Crime Standards
Getting a conviction for a hate-crime, along with the associated stricter penalties, just got a lot easier in Maryland. If you are charged with a hate-crime, you are looking at some pretty serious sentences, as the hate crime designation increases incarceration lengths and fines above those associated with typical convictions. The best thing you… Read More »
More Arrests & Jail Time for “COVID-19 Crimes” Here in Maryland, But Are They Constitutional
In late September, a Maryland man was convicted and sentenced to prison time for violating Governor Larry Hogan’s COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings. According to reports, the defendant held two parties that had at least 50 people in attendance while, at the time, Gov. Hogan’s emergency order prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people. According… Read More »
Your Right to Protest and “Unlawful Assembly” Charges
There is no question that, in recent months, America has seen widespread protests denouncing police brutality, including here in Maryland, which has had thousands of people march in demonstrations statewide just over the death of George Floyd alone in cities such as Baltimore and Annapolis. In response, both local and federal law enforcement have… Read More »
With Thousands Being Arrested at Protests, It Is Imperative That You Know Your Rights
With protests taking place around the country, the issue of how, exactly, one interacts with police, and how this can affect you as a potential criminal defendant has rarely been as relevant as it is right now. Whether you are exercising your First Amendment right to assemble and express yourself through protest, being pulled… Read More »
What Should I Do if the Police Pull Me Over?
In Maryland, the standard for pulling someone over is reasonable, articulable suspicion that a traffic offense or a crime is in the process of occurring or has occurred. Driving under or over the speed limit, with equipment violations like a broken headlight or taillight, or committing a traffic offense, such as failure to signal,… Read More »
What Are Bench Warrants?
A bench warrant is issued by the judge “from the bench” usually when a party fails to appear for a court date. An arrest warrant is issued at the start of a case. If you are issued a citation or a summons, or arrested, you are will be ordered to appear at court at… Read More »
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Former Prosecutor?
It’s more common than you might think for a prosecutor to pursue a career later on as a criminal defense lawyer. Although these two legal professionals face off against each other in the court room, the skills that a prosecutor acquires can make them an exceptionally skilled defense attorney when the time comes. What… Read More »
