Posts by Drew Cochran

House arrest, also known as home detention or electronic monitoring, is a form of alternative sentencing that allows individuals to serve their sentences at home under certain conditions instead of being incarcerated in a traditional jail or prison facility. Here’s how house arrest typically works in Maryland: Eligibility: Eligibility for house arrest depends on various…

For decades, crime shows like “CSI” and “Law & Order” have captivated audiences with their fast-paced investigations, showy forensic techniques, and seemingly foolproof scientific evidence. These shows definitely boost public interest in criminal justice, but the reality of forensic science is far from the dramatic portrayals we see on television. This begs the question: How…

Facing criminal charges can be a frightening and stressful experience. Whether you’re innocent or guilty, working your way through the legal system requires careful consideration and strategic decision-making. Unfortunately, many individuals make critical mistakes that can jeopardize their defense and lead to unfavorable outcomes. In today’s blog, we’ll explore the common mistakes to avoid when…

What if your child got into your stash? Perhaps it was a bottle of pain pills or even weed. They overdose. While you are suffering from incredible grief for such a terrible tragedy, you learn you are being charged with a crime. In fact, you could be charged with manslaughter in some states. How is…

Attorney-client privilege is a legal doctrine which applies to communications between a lawyer and a client. Basically, it means anything you say to me – with some exceptions, of course – goes into the vault, and I cannot be compelled to tell anyone what you said: not during testimony, not by sharing notes or emails,…

There are a number of ways to respond to a criminal charge in Maryland, including “not guilty,” “guilty,” and “no contest,” also known as nolo contendere. When you haven’t committed a crime, choosing the “not guilty” plea can be the simplest of options. It means that you are telling the court you did not do…

In the world of criminal justice and defense, there’s a term that often comes up: “plea bargain.” But what exactly is a plea bargain, and why does it matter? In simple terms, a plea bargain is a deal made between a person accused of a crime (the defendant) and the prosecution. This agreement allows the…