Criminal Defense

A suspended sentence allows you to avoid some or all of the jail time you would otherwise face if you comply with certain conditions imposed by the court. It means that instead of going to jail or prison, you will be placed on probation or a conditional release.  The...

There’s no doubt that technological advancements have helped law enforcement agencies. Some of those advancements, many argue, violate people’s constitutional rights. One of these is facial recognition technology. The federal government has been building a giant...

The police should not search your car without a valid reason because it is your private property. The ability of the police to search vehicles is subject to several restrictions. An unlawful search could give you the right to challenge the search in court.  You must...

You’ve probably heard it said that ignorance of the law is not a defense. For instance, maybe you get pulled over driving 80 miles an hour in your car. You can’t tell the officer that you shouldn’t get a ticket because you didn’t know that you weren’t allowed to go 80...

Eyewitness testimonies are often used in criminal cases. Someone who is unrelated to the event will have witnessed it happen, and they will give their testimony regarding what they saw, who was there, how the event played out and much more. This account can be very...

Being pulled over by a police officer can be a stressful experience, but knowing how to handle the situation properly can help make the encounter go more smoothly. Remember, the officer is trying to ensure they remain safe, and you must be sure that your rights are...

The criminal justice system is complex and often overwhelming, especially for those caught up. You may wonder if the victim can drop criminal charges against you if you have been accused.  The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on several factors. Victims...

Legal terms can be challenging, and while some are commonly used interchangeably, they may mean different things. And good examples are parole and probation. Maryland's Division of Parole and Probation under the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services...

Everybody has good times and bad times, but the bad times can feel very overwhelming – and people sometimes take desperate actions that they know are wrong at the time. That includes “borrowing” a child’s identity to obtain credit or something else in their name. This...

If the police decide to arrest you, there is little point in arguing and no point at all in trying to stop them.  Once they’ve made up their mind, you might as well let them get on with it. It reduces the chance of getting hurt or picking up additional charges for...