It is a relatively well-known trope that if the police arrest you, you have the right to remain silent. This right is directly in the Miranda Rights. However, a very little known case in 2013 that went to the Supreme Court now makes it a bad idea to actively invoke...
Criminal Law
Why would a defendant consider a plea bargain?
Prosecutors may offer a criminal defendant the opportunity to make a plea bargain, or a defense attorney may request one. Defendants may be reluctant to plead guilty, even if pleading guilty to lesser charges may be advantageous. All defendants’ situations are...
What is the brain defense?
When you face criminal charges, it is essential to formulate your defense and find a way to combat the claims made by the defense. In some cases, it is impossible to prove you did not do the crime, but your defense in this type of situation could still help you to...
Belt leads officers to arrest Baltimore teen
Accusations of criminal activity in Silver Spring can easily stir up people's emotions, leading them to make assumptions and form opinions on a matter before all of the relevant facts become available. The danger in this is that it may prejudice any chances one...
Understanding the steps of a police investigation
If someone is facing criminal charges in Maryland, he or she should learn how police will investigate the charge. The State Attorney’s Office as well as the state troopers or local law enforcement investigate criminal occurrences. Knowing the stages of a police...
Two teens charged in death of 17-year-old girl
On July 1, Maryland authorities charged two teenagers in connection with the death of a 17-year-old Hagerstown girl. The victim's body was found near a trail in Frederick on June 27. According to local media reports, the victim spent the night of June 26 at the home...
Defendants should understand plea agreements and their effect
During a criminal proceeding, a Maryland defendant will likely consider a plea bargain. This is because very few criminal cases end up going all the way to trial. Before they accept the deal that's offered, they should know more about what a plea agreement means for...
U.S. Supreme Court Will Rule On Use Of Drug Sniffing Dogs And The Fourth Amendment
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases this term that addressed a fundamental question based on the Fourth Amendment — in what circumstances do we have a reasonable expectation of privacy? The cases before the high court both involved the use of...
Tougher DUI Penalties Could Be Coming To Maryland If Bill Passes
On behalf of James Papirmeister Proposal would require ignition interlock devices for all first-time DUI offenders Maryland is poised to become the latest state to require all DUI offenders to install ignition interlock devices in their cars. According to WBOC 16...
The Truth About The Validity Of Eyewitness Testimony
Eyewitness testimony is often considered strong evidence but often times, it is full of errors. In Maryland, the trial of two men began recently. According to the Baltimore Sun, the men, who are brothers, allegedly raped a woman leaving a restaurant in Harford County....