In many cases, the police cannot search electronic devices without getting a warrant. They can also ask for consent, of course. If an officer is making an arrest, they could ask that person to give them access to their phone. But civilians are not obligated to do...
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Criminal Defense
Why prison time often increases reoffending rates
People often think of prison time as a way to reduce reoffending rates. If someone breaks the law, serving their prison sentence is a punishment, but it is also supposed to be a deterrent. When that person gets back out, they will have firsthand experience with the...
Is an accidental fire still arson?
If you’re facing allegations of arson, you may not deny that a fire took place. You may not even deny that you were involved. But you still do not believe that you should be charged with such a serious crime because you did not mean to do anything wrong. It was just...
The offense of DUI leading to life-threatening injuries
Maryland considers the act of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs as a criminal offense because such reckless behavior can result in injuries. A drunk driver might have poor control of their vehicle, raising their risk of causing a collision. But...
How can you challenge DNA evidence?
If the prosecution intends to use DNA evidence to seek a conviction, it’s important you don’t give up hope. While this evidence can appear compelling and has helped prosecutors score numerous convictions, it is not infallible. Defendants have still walked out of court...
Why seek bail?
If you are facing criminal charges, you might decide to let fate run its course. In doing so, you will reduce your chances of acquittal or a more lenient sentence. Getting the best outcome in a criminal case requires proactivity, and it’s a lot easier to do this when...
The troubling implications of forensic genetic genealogy
Commercial genetic databases, like 23andMe and AncestryDNA, have become a social phenomenon, giving consumers unprecedented access to information about their ancestral heritage, health and familial connections. They’re also providing law enforcement with new tools to...
What is charge stacking in a criminal case?
You made one foolish mistake and ended up arrested – but now you’re facing a whole slew of charges instead of one. What just happened? You may be a victim of “charge stacking.” Here’s what this means: It’s often used to apply pressure to a defendant and encourage a...
Why do some teens join gangs?
While Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is a relatively peaceful location, there have been some gang-related activities in recent years. And this is certainly the case for more populated areas across the state of Maryland. In the majority of these cases, the perpetrators are...
What are mitigating circumstances?
When determining sentences for criminal convictions, the court will look at a number of factors. No two cases are the same and sentences reflect this. For example, an individual with multiple prior convictions may receive a harsher sentence than someone with no prior...