Being charged with a crime is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face. The criminal defense lawyer you choose can have a big effect on the outcome of your case, from how you might be able to negotiate a plea deal to how you plan to go to trial and what sentence…

Maryland’s gun laws are among the strictest in the United States. Actions that are legal in nearby states can lead to criminal charges here. If you own, carry, or transport firearms in Maryland, it’s important to know those laws and what can happen if you break them. If you’re charged with a gun-related offense, talking…

Identity theft is now one of the most common crimes prosecuted in Maryland because technology makes it easier to access personal information. Just one accusation can bring serious criminal penalties, harm your career, and damage your reputation. If you’re accused of using someone else’s credit card, getting personal data without permission, or pretending to be…

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article 26 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights protect you from police searches and seizures that are unreasonable. These protections established by the Constitution form the basis of criminal procedure and can be the key to a strong defense. If the police infringe on these rights, the…

Maryland prosecutors are going after new types of crimes that have emerged in the digital age. Cybercrime charges can lead to long prison sentences and long-lasting effects on your career and future. They can range from unauthorized access to someone else’s computer to running complex online fraud schemes. Criminal investigation and prosecution are also moving…

Intent is a key element in many, but not all, Maryland criminal cases. Generally, whether a crime requires intent or not depends on the specific language in the applicable statute. Whether intent applies to a specific offense may also depend on whether the case is a federal case or a state case. Intent generally refers…

There’s an old saying that a defendant should never be their own lawyer. A more direct adage is that a person who represents themselves has a fool for a client. This saying is quite accurate. While defendants can often represent themselves in court (a process known as pro se representation), the risks of self-representation are…

Many criminal cases involve only the defendant, the defendant’s lawyer, local law enforcement, a prosecutor, and a judge. The case may also involve a victim, though some offenses are victimless crimes. Some publications may publish arrest notices and convictions. Generally, criminal case records, including convictions, are public unless restricted by court rule, statute, court order,…

While Ocean City is generally quiet during autumn and winter, it attracts numerous in-state and out-of-state visitors during spring and summer. Many students at the University of Maryland and colleges across Maryland and Washington, DC, enjoy the warm sunshine and cultural attractions that Ocean City provides. Many families reserve vacation time in Ocean City to…