Posted on November 07, 2024 in Drug Crimes

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, America is in the throes of an opioid crisis. Prescription drugs like oxycodone and fentanyl are being distributed illegally more than ever before, along with other drugs that are only legal if prescribed by a doctor. In Maryland, the unlawful distribution of controlled substances like prescription drugs is treated harshly with heavy fines and prison time.

However, there are some differences between the penalties for distributing illegal substances like cocaine and the penalties for distributing prescription medication. For more questions or to secure a legal defense against drug distribution charges, consult an experienced Maryland drug crime defense attorney.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Distribution?

The penalties for drug distribution depend on several factors such as the type of drug, the amount distributed, whether any minors were involved, and any prior offenses.

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 Posted on October 24, 2024 in Sex Crimes

Sex crimes in Maryland can carry severe penalties including lengthy prison time and hefty fines. In addition, a person who is convicted of a sex crime must register as a sex offender. This makes his or her offense publicly available information and can affect the offender’s ability to find employment or living accommodations.

This article will discuss how the sex offender registry works, who must register, and what happens if you fail to register as a sex offender in Maryland. Make sure to contact a Maryland criminal defense attorney for more details or any questions about your specific circumstances.

What Is the Sex Offender Registry in Maryland?

The sex offender registry is a database that contains information about people who have been convicted of sex crimes. It is available to the public so that anyone can access information about a sex offender, referred to as a registration statement. A registration statement contains the offender’s:

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 Posted on October 07, 2024 in Domestic Violence

Domestic violence usually falls under the crime of assault, which carries severe penalties in Maryland. The difference between domestic violence and assault is that domestic violence involves a close relationship between the perpetrator and the victim. They might be spouses, parent and child, or roommates. Facing a domestic violence charge can be a daunting and frightening experience, which is why it is important to hire a Maryland criminal defense attorney to protect your rights and your future.

What Is Domestic Violence?

There is no Maryland statute that specifically outlaws domestic violence against spouses or household members. Instead, domestic abuse is charged according to the nature of the act, such as: 

• Physical assault
• Rape or Sexual assault

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 Posted on September 23, 2024 in Drug Crimes

A new law went into effect in Maryland last year aimed at legalizing most cannabis use in the state. Since this is still a relatively new law, some confusion remains about what is legal and what can end up with you facing drug charges. Similar to alcohol, which is legal to consume if you are over 21 years old and you abide by certain restrictions like not driving if you have had enough to cloud your judgment, cannabis is now generally legal for personal use, with some limitations. If you have questions about the legal implications of using or possessing marijuana, speak with a knowledgeable Harford County, MD criminal defense lawyer to learn more.

How Has Marijuana Legalization Impacted Maryland Convictions?

On July 1, 2023, recreational use of marijuana, officially called cannabis in Maryland, was legalized in the state for anyone from the age of 21 and up. The state even set up the official Maryland Cannabis Administration as a way to regulate its use. As a result, if you are of legal age, it is now legal in Maryland to have up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis in your possession. You are also legally permitted to grow up to two cannabis plants in your home and give cannabis to other people as a gift, as long as it is not in exchange for money.

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 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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