The crime of felony murder has always carried some controversy. As we’ve discussed here before, a person can be charged with felony murder if someone died during the commission of a felony -- even if the intention of those committing the crime was never to kill...
Personal Attention.
Aggressive Defense.
Felonies
What should you know about arson in Maryland?
Arson charges have to do with setting things on fire, but not all fires are arson. Certain fires, such as those for burning leaves or bonfires, aren’t considered arson. Instead, arson has to do with intentionally trying to destroy property by setting it on fire....
Issues with evidence that could help your defense
When you are charged with a crime, remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. It might not always feel like that, but that is how the law works. The prosecution has to prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that you committed the crime. Any uncertainties should...
What’s an “accessory after the fact” in Maryland?
It’s hard to put aside your loyalties to your friends or relatives when they come asking for a favor – even when you know it’s wrong. That’s exactly how a lot of people end up charged with the crime of being an “accessory after the fact.” Essentially, an accessory...
To what extent is deadly force justified?
It may be easy to react with skepticism to claims that a person accused of committing a violent crime (such as homicide) in Upper Marlboro was only acting in self-defense. Yet when you are that person, your hope is that others will understand your position and believe...
Man acquitted of five attempted murder charges in Baltimore
Many people celebrating Memorial Day this past weekend did so at neighborhood cook-outs and block parties. Although joyous in nature, sometimes events happen at these celebrations that result in criminal charges. Nevertheless, an individual is innocent until proven...
What are the elements of first-degree murder in Maryland?
In Maryland, there are varying degrees of murder. After all, sometimes a murder is committed in the heat of passion, or sometimes it is a deliberate act. It is important to understand that not every killing is automatically first-degree murder. When one person kills...
How does Maryland code define the crime of burglary?
When a person thinks of the crime of burglary, he or she may think of popular television shows or movies that depict a person smashing through a door or shattering a window in order to enter another person's home in the dead of night. It might make for good television...
What usually happens at a preliminary hearing?
One of the benefits of the American criminal justice system is that it is very thorough. Someone in Maryland accused of a crime is entitled to due process which includes legal representation, a jury trial and a sturdy appeals process. But what is a preliminary...
How the state of Maryland views felony identity theft
The crime of identity theft has been continually rising throughout the nation. The state of Maryland has not been immune from this increase and has also seen an increase in the number of identity theft crimes. To help combat this epidemic, the Maryland state...