If the police come knocking at your door, do you have to let them in? Depending on the circumstances, perhaps not. In general, the police must have a valid search warrant or arrest warrant before they can enter your home. This is to protect your Fourth Amendment...
Criminal Defense
Do I have to stay with my public defender?
Public defenders are the backbone of our justice system. In most areas, they represent the majority of those charged with crimes, and at both the federal and state level, they are free, upfront. However, some local systems do bill the clients at the conclusion of the...
Is it legal to record conversations in Maryland?
Considering how common mobile phones and other electronic devices have become, it’s now easier than ever to record conversations and interactions we have with others. But just because you have the ability to hit the record button, it doesn’t mean the law lets you do...
What to do when police start asking questions
If there is one takeaway from every police drama we have all scene, it is that we all have the right to remain silent, full stop. Remember this in all police interactions. This does not mean that we can simply walk away from police officers when we are being questions...
Traffic violations would follow non-Maryland drivers with new law
In Maryland, drivers are frequently cited for traffic violations. In many cases, it does not involve a law enforcement officer as cameras do the work for them. People who are said to be driving at excessive speeds or run red lights can suddenly receive a citation in...
Penalties and defenses for forgery and identity theft
If a person is accused of forgery or identity theft, he or she can face serious penalties. Forgery occurs when a person intends to defraud another person. He or she makes or uses a document and represents that it was signed or made by another person. Identity theft...
How can you prepare a criminal defense strategy?
It is easy to forget that in America an arrest is not the same as a conviction. Why? Well, because anytime someone is arrested the perception of that person, typically, becomes one associated with guilt. After all, some might think, why would there have been an arrest...
Theft and consequences
Thefts are very common in U.S. cities. Sadly, when a theft occurs, the damage often goes beyond the loss of property. In many cases, there is also collateral damage. With every action, there is a consequence. Under Maryland law, a person convicted of theft of...
Do you know how to exploit depositions to your advantage?
To present the best criminal defense possible, you have to be thoroughly prepared to litigate your case. That’s why the discovery process is so important. During the discovery phase of your case, you diligently work to find out what the other side knows so that you...
Understanding embezzlement
Embezzlement is a serious crime and most often, it occurs in a business setting. It occurs when a person has lawful possession of another person’s property, then takes that property or converts it for his or her own use and does not intend to return it. It may also...