Recent Blog Posts
What To Expect From a Domestic Violence Case in Maryland
In the aftermath of a domestic violence incident, you have a window of opportunity to start building a strong case to challenge the charges against you and fight to protect your rights. To ensure you have the most robust defense strategy available, you need the guidance of an experienced Glen Burnie, MD domestic violence defense attorney. The laws that govern these cases can be complex, but with legal counsel, you have an invaluable asset to help challenge the prosecution’s evidence against you and protect your future.
Criminal Proceedings for Domestic Violence Cases in Maryland
If you have been charged with a crime, like assault, for an act of domestic violence, you will face criminal proceedings in Maryland. After your arrest, which should only occur if the police who arrived at the scene had probable cause to believe that you committed a crime, you make your first appearance in court. During this appearance, the judge will make decisions regarding bail availability and release conditions.
Potential Penalties for Felony Possession of a Firearm in Maryland
If you were charged with felony possession of a firearm, you could be facing severe penalties, including prison time and hefty fines. A knowledgeable Glen Burnie, MD illegal firearm possession attorney can help you understand the charges against you and the potential defenses that apply to your case. Consider the possible penalties and what you can do to protect your rights.
What Are the Types of Gun Crimes Related to Illegal Possession Under Maryland Law?
Many gun offenses can be related to illegal firearm possession. Some examples of felony or potential felony charges include:
The DUI/DWI Court Process in Maryland: From Arraignment to Trial
If you are facing a DUI/DWI charge, especially for the first time, you likely have many questions about what to expect from the legal process. Knowing what to expect offers some comfort in an otherwise difficult situation, and a Bel Air DUI defense attorney will walk you through the different phases as they apply to your case. Consider the basic elements of the DUI legal process so that you can make an informed decision about choosing legal representation.
What Happens During an Arraignment for a DUI in Maryland?
The court process begins with your arrest and the charges against you. Following your arrest, you will go before a judge for arraignment. This is where the charges against you are formally presented, and you will enter your plea, which can be guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Searches and Seizures: Were Your Rights Violated?
The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution affords you a very important right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. When that right is violated in an investigative process, any evidence collected during the search likely cannot be used against you. An experienced Bel Air, MD Fourth Amendment defense rights attorney can help you understand the law that governs searches and seizures and how it may impact your case.
Understanding Your Fourth Amendment Rights
The Fourth Amendment explicitly states that people have the right "to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures." It also clarifies that without probable cause, a warrant cannot be issued to search you or your property. This does not mean that all searches and seizures are unconstitutional. It just means that they have to be for a good reason. Unfortunately, even with the legal requirements clearly stated, illegal searches and seizures still occur.
Common Defenses Against Drug Possession Charges in Maryland
Drug possession is a serious crime. If convicted, you can face jail time, heavy fines, and a stain on your permanent record, but you do not have to fight these charges alone. An aggressive Glen Burnie, MD criminal defense attorney will walk you through how the most common defenses may apply to your case and work in your favor.
Lack of Possession
According to Maryland law, "possession" can be actual or constructive. Actual possession refers to drugs found directly on you, whereas constructive possession means the drugs were found somewhere that is controlled by you. For example, drugs found in your pockets would constitute actual possession, but drugs found in your car or house would be constructive possession.
Facing Child Pornography Charges in Maryland
Being charged with child pornography can be one of the most difficult things you have ever faced in your life. Whether you are guilty of the charges or not, the court of public opinion will certainly want to weigh in. Because child pornography has received so much media attention over the last ten years or so, defendants facing these charges can be treated just as harshly as those who commit violent crimes such as rape and murder.
The sentence can be harsh, and you could be required to register as a sex offender, which will alter your life in many different ways. If you think you might be under investigation or have been arrested and charged with child pornography, it is extremely important that you speak to a Glen Burnie, MD criminal defense attorney.
Is Child Pornography a State or Federal Crime?
If a child pornography case affects interstate commerce, it will likely be charged under federal statutes. Federal convictions typically have more serious penalties, including longer prison sentences. Federal sentencing guidelines are complex and full of aggravating factors that can affect the sentence. If no interstate commerce is affected, the offense will be charged by the state.
Will I Lose My Nursing License for a Felony Conviction?
It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to become a nurse. You have put in countless hours studying and learning through hands-on experience, and you are now in an immensely rewarding and in-demand line of work. Losing your nursing license due to a felony conviction could be devastating. Fortunately, being convicted of a felony does not automatically mean that your nursing license will be revoked. However, the Maryland Board of Nursing will likely conduct an investigation and hold a hearing to determine whether you can keep practicing. The MBON may choose to revoke your license, suspend your license, or place you on probation. What happens in your criminal case can have a great impact on how the MBON will look at your case. It is important to promptly inform your Bel Air, MD criminal defense lawyer that you hold a professional license. When protecting your nursing license is a high priority, your attorney will need to approach your case with special care.
Can a Juvenile Sex Offender Go to School?
Juvenile sex crime prosecutions for things like revenge porn and child pornography have increased during the age of cell phones. It is easier than ever for teenagers to photograph or film other minors in sexual situations, with or without permission. Incidents of minor-on-minor sexual assault are being taken much more seriously today than they may have been in the past. Minors who are convicted of a sex crime are placed on the juvenile sex offender registry. Traditionally, registered sex offenders are not permitted on school grounds. Up until now, many juvenile sex offenders have been permitted to keep attending brick-and-mortar schools in Maryland.
However, a new bill that passed the Maryland legislature in April of 2024, will prohibit juvenile sex offenders from attending school in person with other students. If your child has been accused of a sex crime, you should reach out to an aggressive Towson, MD juvenile sex offenses attorney immediately. Being convicted of a sex crime, even as a juvenile, can have lifelong repercussions.
What is The Difference Between Theft and Robbery?
Theft and robbery are two closely related offenses. Both involve the illegal taking of another person’s property. However, robbery is considered a violent crime, while theft is considered a mere property crime. This usually means that robbery is punished much more harshly than simple theft. The main difference between theft and robbery is that robbery involves using force or threat of force to deprive another person of his or her property. Theft is usually carried out while the property owner is not present or at least is not actively watching his belongings. Robbery is only charged when the property was taken forcibly from the owner or when the offender threatened to use force to get the owner to give up his or her property. If you are facing robbery, theft, or burglary charges, you need an experienced Towson, MD criminal defense lawyer. All of these charges can result in substantial jail time and should be taken seriously.
Preparing For a Court-Ordered Substance Abuse Evaluation
It is well-known that substance abuse disorders can drive ordinarily law-abiding people to become involved with the criminal justice system. People who become addicted to drugs are often motivated to commit crimes like theft, robbery, or prostitution to keep paying for substances. Violent crimes like assaults are another common result of substance abuse. Then, there is the fact that people can be arrested just for possessing the illicit drugs they are addicted to. Alcohol use can be just as problematic as illicit drug use for many. If you are arrested and the court suspects that you have a substance abuse disorder, you may be ordered to submit to a drug and alcohol abuse evaluation. A well-qualified Towson, MD criminal defense attorney can help you take advantage of court-ordered substance abuse treatment programs to resolve your charges and set you on a better path in recovery.
Why Seger Law
is the right
firm for you.
We are dedicated to providing you with the defense you need against criminal charges and protecting your rights at all times. No case is too big or too small, and our experience prosecuting and defending criminal cases ensures that you will have the skilled legal representation you need.
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100 West Road, Suite 300
Towson, MD 21204
P443-208-4692
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