If you are accused of a crime, can you claim you were insane or not in the right state of mind at the time of committing the offense and did not know what you were doing? The short answer is yes. In Maryland, this is known as a plea of not criminally responsible, and...
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Criminal Defense
What you need to know about the exclusionary rule
Throughout the history of the United States, legal precedents have formed the foundation of our judicial system. They serve as examples and guidelines for interpreting the U.S. Constitution and are typically established based on the decisions of higher courts. One...
A stop-and-frisk search can be a violation of someone’s rights
Police officers need to conduct searches to find evidence, but they also need to respect the civil rights of the individuals they investigate. The tension between those two obligations may lead to illegal conduct and violations of people's civil rights. The Fourth...
What are the collateral consequences of a conviction?
Most people know the penalties of a criminal conviction, such as fines and imprisonment. However, defendants are rarely warned of the collateral consequences. Knowing the collateral consequences and their impact can have profound implications for your situation....
Do you understand the different types of plea deals?
Plea bargains are a crucial part of the criminal justice system. A plea deal can help expedite your case so you can get the matter behind you and carry on with your life. Plea bargains can also be beneficial to the prosecution. They guarantee them a result. However,...
3 reasons why you should walk away from a bar fight
Patrons frequenting bars expect to have fun and socialize, but the typical cramp and alcohol-infused atmosphere of these establishments can sometimes turn things hostile. Misunderstandings and judgment impaired by alcohol can lead to heated interactions. When this...
What those facing sentencing should know about Blakely motions
Most people know that criminal laws come with guidelines that judges use when sentencing someone who’s been convicted of or pled guilty to a crime. These are in place to provide some type of uniformity so that people who have committed the same offense don’t face...
What’s the status of Maryland’s handgun licensing law?
It can be difficult for people who want to be responsible gun owners to keep up with the laws – not just here in Maryland but in neighboring Virginia and Washington, D.C. That’s not getting any easier. In November, a panel of federal court of appeals judges ruled...
What rights do hearing-impaired people have when arrested?
Having to deal with law enforcement on any level – even getting a speeding ticket – can be stressful and frightening. That’s often far more true for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, some officers aren’t particularly interested in whether someone needs their...
How can you get out of jail after an arrest?
After an individual is arrested, understanding the available options for release from jail is crucial. These options include bail, bond and release on their own recognizance. Each method ensures the individual's appearance in court while respecting their rights before...
