Posts by Drew Cochran
Verbal Threats Count as Domestic Abuse
Yes, really. It’s a common and dangerous misconception that you have to actually raise your hand at your partner or child for it to be considered abuse — at least in our state. Sure, no SWAT team is going to kick down your door and tackle you if you jokingly threaten to kill your wife…
Read MoreCollecting DUIs Like Pokemon Inadvisable
It’s not exactly a leap to say that the point of law is to deter crime. That’s what punishments like fines, jail time, and community service are for, and that is the basis of pretty much our entire justice system. You do the crime, you do the time — as often as needed. Yeah, this…
Read MorePut the Belt Down, Bud. It’s Abuse
Look, I know what you’re going to say. It’s discipline! It’s how your pappy raised you and his pappy raised him and so on and so forth. What better way to instill respect and manners into a child than with fear of physical punishment? After all, it worked on you — you turned out just…
Read MoreProbation Before Judgment Is a Good Alternative to a DUI on Your Record
It is human nature to make mistakes. Being arrested for driving under the influence can be a frightening experience, and one that you immediately regret. Our justice system seeks to penalize those who break the law, and this goes for DUI offenses as well. This is how the legal system works. However, with proposed changes…
Read MoreSt. Patty’s Day? Shoulda Put Those Keys Away!
Everyone knows that if something has a rhyming title, it contains nothing but the truth (…the whole truth, so help you—) and should be listened to without question. …Okay, fine, not really, but this is still important and you should still listen, so take the rhyme and buckle up, pun absolutely intended. As we make…
Read MoreWill New Electronic Stalking Bills Protect Victims of Domestic Violence? Probably Not
Living as a victim of domestic violence is an emotional and distressing experience. Even when victims can escape their abusers, they can still be harassed (or worse) through online or electronic stalking. Pending legislation in the Maryland Senate aims to prevent abuse via electronic stalking; however, authorities are raising concerns that the new software required…
Read MoreIs It a Crime to Lie About Domestic Assault?
Yup, it sure is. While lying in any criminal case, in any circumstance, is a dangerous and largely illegal move, it’s even more of a big deal in something as big as a domestic assault case. Crimes relating to that sort of abuse are regarded as especially serious and horrific, and therefore all those who…
Read MoreStreet Racing and Other Things That Aren’t Worth It
The need for speed can be swell indeed. Wind blowing through your hair, the adrenaline, the feeling of both power and danger in equal measure — going fast is fun! When we were kids, this high came in the form of races and go-carts, but we’ve got something a bit better now. Most of us…
Read MoreInnocents Suffering from Police Misinformation About Fentanyl
It’s not too much to ask that police know what they’re talking about, right? Of course there are risks associated with their job, but surely they know the actual difference between fact and fiction — right? After all, they have the authority to put people behind bars and charge them with crimes, something that can…
Read MoreCriminal Charges for Autonomous Driving Is Becoming a Real Thing
The future is here, folks. We may not have flying cars and commercial teleportation, but the times are still a-changing at a rapid pace. Now, some cars can drive themselves (in theory)! Aside from sounding like something right out of science fiction, this new innovation is an exciting and welcome development for all people who,…
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