Criminal Defense
Understanding Marylandâs Definition of âAggravatedâ Assault
Things were much easier when we were little kids with little baby fists and little baby problems. If we got into any sort of altercation, we just had to be pried apart like crying Velcro and put in separate corners for a bit, and then we happily moved on with our juice boxes. Now as…
Read MoreSelf-Defense Versus Assault in Maryland
We donât typically walk around in our day-to-day lives expecting to get into a physical altercation of some sort, but the same is true for pretty much anything negative we may face. Humans arenât known for their mind-reading abilities. But what we lack in telepathy, we make up for in resourcefulness and self-preservation, right? Someone…
Read MoreYouâre Not in the MMA: Understanding Marylandâs Assault Laws
Many people use the terms assault and battery interchangeably, e.g., first comes the assault and then sometimes the battery. Assault refers to the threat of violence, not the violence itself, while battery involves offensive physical contact or bodily harm. Although many states distinguish between assault and battery, Maryland does not. As a result, threatening violence…
Read MoreLetâs Talk About Victim Impact Statements
It isnât 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 isnât 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 MoreYes, You Can Still Get Busted for Driving with Marijuana â 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
Letâs 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 itâs not hard to get charged, either. According to Maryland Code 3-202, you can be charged…
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…
Read MoreTouched a Neck in a Fight? First Degree Assault Charges for You
Can you be charged with a first-degree felony in Maryland just for placing your arm around the neck of a spouse, date, relative, friend, or anyone? The answer is maybe. If the placement is considered âpressureâ and you intended to place your arm where you did, and the placement impedes the normal breathing or blood…
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