Maryland law recognizes two different drunk driving offenses. They are driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI). A DUI can be issued if you are driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more. A DWI is issued if you are...
Annapolis Criminal Law Blog
Controlled substance schedules and possession charges
Because of their addictive tendencies and the high potential for abuse, certain substances are regulated by state and federal governments. The Controlled Substances Act was enacted in 1970 and designates controlled substances into five separate categories. This list...
Search warrants and the application of the Fourth Amendment
Many of us are somewhat familiar with the basics of search warrants from what we see on television. Often in a piece of Hollywood entertainment, a police officer knocks on the door of a home or business, providing a document deemed a search warrant moments before they...
Financial crimes and theft charges
When we see famous financiers taken down for financial crimes, we often forget that these are theft crimes as well. While the dollar amounts may be astronomically more than petty theft, the basis of the charges are essentiall, the same: the deprivation of property...
A domestic violence conviction can turn your life upside-down
Family life can be stressful, and even the best of us can lose our cool and make a serious mistake. On the other side of the coin, people can and too often do make up or exaggerate allegations of abuse. It can be hard for authorities to sort out the truth, and many...
If the police are knocking at my door, do I have to let them in?
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...
Can you be arrested for drunk driving if your BAC is only 0.07?
You are a careful driver, and you understand why drunk driving is dangerous. You also believe you know your limits and would not drive under the influence. However, you still could find yourself on the way home from the bar or a party being pulled over and accused of...
Defending against drug possession charges
You might have made a mistake and committed a crime. After all, the outcome can have a significant impact on your life and that of your family. But it’s critical to understand that being charged with a crime is not the same thing as being convicted of a crime. When it...
Defending against drug possession charges
You might have made a mistake and committed a crime. The outcome can have a significant impact on your life and that of your family. But it’s critical to understand that being charged with a crime is not the same thing as being convicted of a crime. When it comes to...
Are there ways to avoid a ticket if I get pulled over?
If there is one thing that we can all agree with, it is that tickets are terrible. It is the quickest way to ruin a great day, getting pulled over and getting a ticket. However, here are some tips to, maybe, avoid getting that ticket when you get pulled over. Start...