Posted on September 09, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Children can get into all sorts of potentially harmful situations. Routine things like riding a bike, climbing a tree, and playing in a playground can easily end up leaving your child with cuts, bruises, and even fractures. When children repeatedly have these types of injuries, other well-meaning adults might mistakenly get the impression that the children are being abused at home.

Even when they are false, child abuse accusations can have harsh consequences. In addition to any legal penalties resulting from a criminal charge, a person could suffer from a tarnished reputation, social damage, and deteriorated mental health. If you are facing accusations of child abuse, speak with an experienced Baltimore, MD criminal defense attorney who can offer invaluable guidance at this sensitive and challenging time.

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 Posted on August 22, 2024 in Peace/Protective Orders

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects Americans’ right to bear arms. While people might disagree over issues like background checks and waiting periods before someone can buy a firearm, there is a general consensus that owning a gun is a constitutionally protected right. However, it is not a right that should be taken for granted, with recent Supreme Court rulings restricting gun ownership eligibility for people with restraining orders against them. Violating the conditions of a restraining order can result in criminal charges. If there is a restraining order against you, speak with a seasoned Harford County, MD criminal defense lawyer to understand how this can affect your ability to own a gun.

Protective Orders in Maryland

Restraining orders, officially called protective orders in Maryland, are a legal measure for protecting victims of abuse, harassment, assault, sex crimes, and other forms of violence. However, in an effort to protect victims, these orders can be issued almost automatically without needing a full investigation or court case to prove that you actually were violent and pose a threat. If you are issued a restraining order, you face restrictions in many parts of your life. You will be limited in where you can go, who you can contact, and sometimes, when and where you can see your family. Another restriction imposed along with a restraining order against you relates to your right to bear arms.

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 Posted on August 09, 2024 in Criminal Defense

It can be very overwhelming when you are facing an assault charge. You are likely worried about what will happen next and how it might affect your future. Assault charges can have serious consequences, including fines, probation, or jail time. If you are in this situation, speak with a skilled Baltimore, MD criminal defense lawyer who can help you understand your situation and work toward the best outcome.

Understanding Assault Charges

Assault charges can vary depending on the case. For example, if you are accused of threatening someone or causing minor injuries, that would likely be charged as simple assault. If the case involves more serious harm or the use of a weapon, it is generally charged as aggravated assault. The differences from one type of charge to the next can be significant and penalties can be severe, and it is important to take your defense seriously.

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 Posted on July 26, 2024 in Sex Crimes

Sex crime allegations can have far-reaching consequences for the accused. You could face long prison sentences, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and irreparable damage to your reputation. Out of prison, these allegations can follow you for years and can limit your employment, schooling, housing, and social opportunities. If you think you might be facing accusations of sex crimes, speak with a dedicated Harford County, MD criminal defense attorney who can build an aggressive defense and fight hard to protect your rights.

What to Do if You Are Accused

As soon as you are accused of committing sex crimes, you should get started on building a strong defense. This requires a deep understanding of criminal law in general and the complexities of sex crime allegations in particular. Every aspect of your case needs to be scrutinized so you can challenge the prosecution’s narrative. A strong defense against sex crime allegations often includes:

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 Posted on July 05, 2024 in Drug Crimes

The governor of Maryland, Wes Moore, recently announced he would be launching a program that will help those with cannabis-related criminal offenses enter the workforce.  Known as the Cannabis Workforce Development Program, this is the first initiative of its type. The program comes on the heels of more than 175,000 pardons by Moore for those with marijuana convictions.

The goal of this program is twofold—to help those with a marijuana conviction on their record find a job and to create pathways to cannabis industry jobs. Those who choose to participate in the plan will have access to courses taught by licensed operators, college professors, and industry experts.

The courses, while led by instructors, are self-paced, allowing participants to learn independently. Included are 100 hours of virtual coursework, instruction, and eligibility for the intensive occupational two-day course. Interested parties can apply for the program beginning on July 1, 2024.  

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 Posted on June 17, 2024 in Criminal Defense

A DWI charge in Maryland is a serious matter that can lead to severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. However, being charged with a DWI does not guarantee a conviction. A Maryland lawyer can potentially help you fight the charges and possibly get your case dismissed or reduced.

What are the Consequences of a DWI Conviction?

It is helpful to understand the potential consequences of a conviction. In Maryland, a first-offense DWI can result in up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a license suspension of up to six months. Subsequent offenses carry even harsher penalties. Additionally, a DWI conviction can have long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life, including higher insurance rates, difficulty finding employment, and a criminal record.

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 Posted on June 06, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Arson is one of the most serious criminal charges you can face in Maryland. A conviction carries heavy penalties, including lengthy prison time and hefty fines. Even worse, arson accusations can arise from misunderstandings, mistakes, or false allegations. A Maryland lawyer can help you understand how to protect yourself if you are wrongfully accused of this crime.

Know the Law and Your Rights

First, make sure you understand exactly what constitutes arson under Maryland law. Arson, in the first degree, is the most serious charge and involves willfully and maliciously setting fire to or burning a dwelling or occupied structure. In the second degree, arson covers burning unoccupied structures, vehicles, and other property. Both charges require intent, as accidental fires are not arson.

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 Posted on May 23, 2024 in Harassment

If you find yourself accused of stalking in Maryland, you might be surprised, offended, and even embarrassed. But even if you are sure you are not guilty of stalking, you need to make sure you understand the legal definition of this offense and the potential consequences you may face. Stalking charges can lead to severe penalties and long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life. A Maryland criminal defense lawyer can help you explore what constitutes stalking under the law and the steps you should take if you are accused of this crime.

What is the Definition of Stalking?

Under Maryland Criminal Law Code § 3-802, stalking is characterized as a “malicious course of conduct,” which includes actions such as approaching or pursuing another person with the intention to instill a reasonable fear of serious assault, death, rape, bodily harm, sexual offense, or false imprisonment. This behavior must occur on more than one occasion and can involve the person accused of stalking but can also include someone acting on his behalf.

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