If you’ve been arrested in Maryland, it’s important to know the differences between probation and parole. While there are some similarities, such as individuals on probation and individuals on parole are all monitored by the Parole and Probation Division of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, there are also significant differences. PROBATION Probation is when […]
Category Archives: Criminal Defense
10
Jul
Jul
In Maryland, felony cases are handled differently than misdemeanors. Usually, in a felony case, a person is arrested by a police officer, and a preliminary hearing date is set. During the preliminary hearing, the prosecutor has to demonstrate to the judge that the state has enough evidence to move forward with the case. However, a […]
07
Jul
Jul
Being charged with domestic violence is a serious matter. Arguments at home can sometimes escalate to serious charges. Many people who are charged have never been accused of a crime before and don’t know anything about domestic violence charges. WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE? In Maryland, certain crimes between family and household members are considered domestic […]
26
Jun
Jun
The bail system works by letting a criminal defendant out of jail in exchange for money or property that is held by the court until the criminal proceedings are finished. The money becomes a financial guarantee that the person will not flee the jurisdiction. If you leave town, the money is forfeited. Once a suspect […]
09
Jun
Jun
You’ve heard the Miranda warning a hundred times on television and in movies so you may think you know what it’s all about. You have the right to remain silent; you have the right to an attorney, etc. But there some common misconceptions about Miranda warnings of which the average person is not aware. Let’s […]
31
May
May
Not everyone knows what to do when faced with a criminal charge and it can cause a great deal of anxiety for most people. There are some steps you can take, however, to make sure that you don’t jeopardize your own criminal defense. 1. DON’T TALK TO THE POLICE It is always a smart choice […]
26
May
May
Not all teenagers are angels, and it is common for your child to make mistakes or be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. If your teenager is arrested, the last thing you want to do is ruin your child’s criminal defense. It is essential to take the necessary steps to protect your […]
22
Jan
Jan
The offense of shoplifting may seem minor—after all, many kids shoplift on a “dare” or as a prank. However, whether someone steals a candy bar or a costly diamond necklace, the law in Maryland takes shoplifting very seriously. Shoplifting is a relatively common criminal charge, especially during and after the holiday season. If you’ve been […]
18
Dec
Dec
The criminal justice system has many players, each with specific roles. The prosecutor’s goal is to enforce the laws by convicting offenders and ensuring they are sentenced to certain penalties. The judge is supposed to serve as a neutral decision-maker. The defense attorney is the individual who protects the rights of the defendant. Under United […]
17
Nov
Nov
Maryland has fairly stringent requirements for sex-offender registration. Those requirements establish tiers that determine how long an offender must stay on the registry, offender reporting requirements, and what kinds of restrictions are placed upon the offender. Any individual convicted of a sex offense set forth under Maryland law must register. There are three tiers of offenses, […]