If you're a defendant in a criminal case, there are several important rules and guidelines to follow to ensure that the proceedings go smoothly and that you present yourself in the best possible light. Here are some key rules to follow when you're in court: 1. Respect the Courtroom and Judge Be respectful to the judge: [...]
Most Americans over a certain age remember when President Ronald Reagan and three other people were shot by a lone gunman. The accused, John Hinkley, was captured and found not guilty and not criminally responsible for the shooting. Stories like this appear in the news from time to time. Attorneys for the man accused of [...]
In the United States, the police can force you to provide a DNA sample under certain circumstances, but this depends on several factors, including the nature of the case, the jurisdiction, and whether you are under arrest. Here's a general overview: If You Are Under Arrest (for a crime of violence crime): In some cases, [...]
During the voir dire process, the lawyers can ask questions of potential jurors during jury selection to identify a juror’s potential biases. In criminal cases and those involving issues of discrimination, bias, or civil rights, the question of whether jurors might harbor biases based on sexuality can be significant and could affect the outcome of [...]
Surveillance and Monitoring: Law enforcement is employing drones to monitor large areas, especially in situations like public events, protests, or crime scenes. They provide a bird’s-eye view, which can be crucial for assessing situations and making informed decisions by local police for: Search and Rescue: Drones are valuable in search and rescue operations, especially in [...]
In many legal systems, whether the losing party can be required to pay the prevailing party's legal fees depends on the jurisdiction, the nature of the case, and the specific circumstances. Here are some general principles and considerations: General Principles American Rule: In the United States, the general rule provides that each party bears its [...]
Typical scenario: The Petitioner has obtained a protective or peace order against you from a Court in Maryland. This order contains a no-contact provision and other provisions defining the nature of contact between you and the Petitioner. The Petitioner then alleges that you have violated the no-contact provision. What happens next? How Do They Report [...]
In the State of Maryland, the Legislature determined that there are two degrees of assault: First Degree Assault and Second-Degree Assault. The Legislature codified what constitutes each and what penalties a person can face if found guilty of assault. Here are three situations in which the crime of second-degree assault may arise: A woman pulls [...]
In the 2022 General Assembly session, the Maryland Legislature expanded the law of Stalking. In response to decisions in the courts and to public sentiments against stalking behavior through electronic devices, Maryland lawmakers added a new provision to the Stalking law, which included cyberstalking as a potential basis for the criminal charge of stalking. Maryland [...]
Marijuana laws in the United States are currently an ever-changing patchwork. Bills have been introduced in Congress to legalize marijuana and a number of states have legalized medical marijuana (37 states & DC) and recreational marijuana (18 states & DC). While Maryland has a medical marijuana law, generally marijuana is still considered contraband in the [...]