Homicide, a term laden with gravity and legal implications, is a subject that demands careful examination, particularly when considering how it is categorized. Understanding the nuances of Maryland’s legal framework regarding homicide is crucial for anyone who may be...
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Aggressive Defense.
Violent crimes
New state law mandates longer preservation of DNA evidence
Today, DNA evidence is often used to identify suspects in a wide range of crimes, including rape and sexual assault. In the 1970s, one Baltimore forensic pathologist at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) began collecting what’s now considered DNA evidence...
How can mitigation affect sentencing for murder or manslaughter?
Murder and manslaughter cases are often complex and emotionally charged, with serious consequences hanging in the balance – and some cases do end in a conviction despite the best efforts of the defense. However, that doesn’t mean that the defense’s job is over:...
Former MD police chief gets life for arson, attempted murder
If anyone has doubts about how seriously Maryland takes the crime of arson, the sentencing of a former police chief should make it clear. While the man’s crimes were particularly egregious, the testimony from victims showed the human toll of arson even when no one is...
Does a heat wave equal a crime wave?
This may or may not come as a surprise, but heat waves and crime waves tend to run together. Whether you’re looking at old studies that correlate the two or you’re just going off anecdotal evidence from what you hear on the news, the connection is clear – but the...
What factors can worsen murder charges in Maryland?
You might think that facing a charge of murder is about as bad as a situation could get. Unfortunately, you would be wrong in that assumption. Unlawfully taking the life of another is indeed considered one of the most heinous offenses in the nation. However, certain...
Could expert witness testimony pose any risks to defendants?
As a criminal defendant in the U.S., you have the right to participate in decisions that may impact your case. One decision you may face is whether to engage expert witnesses to testify on your behalf. The testimony of an expert may lend credibility to your account of...
Why are there no battery laws in Maryland?
You may have heard the words “assault” and “battery” in movies and television programs as well. People frequently mix up the words "assault" with "battery" and their uses in each state. There are laws separating assault from battery in several places, with the...
The differences between first- and second-degree assault charges
In Maryland, you can be charged with assault in the first or second degree. It all depends on the type of harm involved and the circumstances of your offense. While both types of assault involve threats or actual violence or force against another person, there are...
How to handle an arrest warrant in Maryland
If you have an outstanding arrest warrant in Maryland, it is important to take immediate action to resolve the issue. A judge issues an arrest warrant, which allows law enforcement officers to arrest you legally and take you to court. Failure to address an arrest...