Posts by Drew Cochran
Let’s Talk About Victim Impact Statements
It isn’t difficult to be accused of, charged with, and convicted for a crime such as assault. There are a lot of actions can be considered assault of one sort or another. The different types of assault have different sentences. No matter the crime, a myriad of factors can affect the sentence, but one of…
Read MoreThe Weed Test Is Coming, and We Have Some Concerns
With recreational cannabis soon becoming legal in Maryland, many people who want a new way to relax, relieve anxiety, or simply enjoy life in a different way are excited. The drug has already been legalized in other states, improving the economy and lowering the rate of arrests concerning cannabis possession. But that isn’t going to…
Read MoreMaryland Appeals Court Got It Wrong with Its Recent Assault Case
As a defense attorney in Maryland, I understand the serious nature of assault charges and the potential impact they can have on individuals’ lives. Each case is unique, and it is crucial to approach them with careful consideration and a thorough understanding of the law. Recent events, such as the controversial decision by the Maryland…
Read MoreWill Dash Cam Video Automatically Sink a DUI Defense?
It is not unusual for a prosecutor to obtain dash cam video footage of your DUI traffic stop that they plan to use against you in court. While this may cause you to worry or become overwhelmed with anxiety, the good news is that dash cam video does not automatically sink a DUI defense. In…
Read MoreSometimes, IID Violation Reports Are Wrong
So you got busted for DUI (should’ve called me) and now you’ve got to blow into this dopey little box every time you want to start your car. Sometimes the car starts screaming at you to blow into the device while you’re already traveling. Sometimes it tells you that you “violated” a rule, like you’re…
Read MoreHow Do You Challenge a Driver’s License Suspension in Annapolis?
A person’s driver’s license can be suspended for many different reasons, such as driving under the influence, not paying their parking tickets, speeding points, not paying child support, failing to attend court, drug possession, reckless driving, and more. When this happens, many people believe that there is nothing they can do about it. However, the…
Read MoreYes, You Can Still Get Busted for Driving with Marijuana – for Now
Even though the laws and rules surrounding marijuana use in Maryland have changed a lot in such a short time, driving while high is still considered illegal in the state, even if you have a medical marijuana medical card or prescription. While many Marylanders are excited about the new legalization of adult-use (21 years of…
Read MoreThe Role of Witness Statements in a First-Degree Assault Case
Let’s start with the obvious: assault in the first degree is a serious, potentially life-ruining charge. Not only can it land you in hot legal water, but the charge alone can destroy your reputation. A conviction? Forget it. And it’s not hard to get charged, either. According to Maryland Code 3-202, you can be charged…
Read MoreThe Push to Mandate Interlock Ignition Device Use for a PBJ Is Unwarranted
There are numerous severe consequences to a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction in Maryland. You can be sentenced to some prison time even for a first-time conviction. You will have to pay a fine and court costs. Your insurance premiums will skyrocket after you serve any suspension period. Your driver’s license could be revoked.…
Read MoreOf COURSE Maryland Has Traffic Ticket Quotas
Police officers should give traffic tickets based on whether drivers actually violate the law, and not because the officers are ordered to have a quota of tickets. Writing traffic tickets should not be a way to fund police departments or local governments. Law enforcement should be independent from any government funding to ensure the integrity…
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