Recent Blog Posts
Can You Get Your Firearm Rights Restored in Maryland?
Some people lose the ability to own or possess a firearm because of a conviction, while others have those rights taken away due to a court order or a finding in a criminal case. The process of restoring firearm rights is complex, and not everyone is eligible. It depends on state law, federal law, and the details of your record. Speaking with a Towson, MD criminal defense lawyer can help you determine whether restoration may be available in your situation.
When Do People Lose Their Firearm Rights in Maryland?
Under Md. Public Safety Code § 5-133, certain individuals are prohibited from possessing firearms. People may lose their rights because of a felony conviction, a misdemeanor classified as a crime of violence, or a domestic violence offense. A permanent protective order can also restrict gun ownership. In some cases, these restrictions apply under state law, federal law, or both.
Is It Possible To Avoid Registering for the Sex Offender Registry for a Sex Crime?
The Maryland Sex Offender Registry is a public database that affects housing, employment, and travel. When a sex offense conviction requires you to register, it can have a profound impact on every aspect of your life. However, depending on the outcome of your case, there may be ways to avoid registration or shorten the time you are listed. A knowledgeable Bel Air, MD sex crimes defense lawyer can help you understand your legal options and the laws that apply to your situation.
How Does the Maryland Sex Offender Registry Work?
When convicted of specific sexual offenses, offenders are placed into one of three categories based on the seriousness of the crime:
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Tier I: This includes less severe offenses, such as certain fourth-degree sex offenses or indecent exposure. Registration lasts for 15 years.
What Should I Do If My Child Was Accused of Cyberbullying in Maryland?
Cyberbullying can refer to using phones, social media, or other online tools to threaten, embarrass, or harm someone. In Maryland, even one misconstrued message or post can lead to school discipline or a juvenile court case. As a parent, you need to understand the allegations against your child and hire an attorney immediately. An experienced Glen Burnie, MD juvenile crimes defense lawyer can guide your family through the process and protect your child’s rights.
Understanding Cyberbullying Under Maryland Law
Cyberbullying is covered under Maryland Criminal Law § 3-805, which makes it illegal to use electronic communication to purposely harass, alarm, or upset another person. This can include sending mean messages, spreading lies, or posting private pictures without permission.
What Happens If You Are Caught With a Loaded Handgun in Your Vehicle in Maryland?
Maryland has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Without a permit, Maryland generally bans wearing, carrying, or transporting a handgun. Limited exceptions apply, and the handgun must be unloaded and carried in an enclosed case or enclosed holster. If police stop you and find a loaded handgun in your car, you could face serious charges. Even if you thought you were being responsible, you need a Towson, MD handgun violation defense lawyer to explain your rights and fight the charges.
Does Maryland Law Allow Concealed Carry?
Maryland does allow people to carry handguns, but only with a permit. Under Maryland Public Safety Code § 5-303, anyone who wants to wear, carry, or transport a handgun must first apply for and get a permit. This permit is commonly known as a Wear and Carry Permit. Maryland does not allow permitless concealed carry like some other states.
Fighting a Charge for Online Solicitation of a Minor in Maryland
In Maryland, accusations of the online solicitation of a minor are serious. Police often conduct sting operations, collecting evidence against you. However, a charge is not the same as a conviction. With the right defense strategy, you may be able to reduce or even avoid the life-altering consequences of a conviction. A Bel Air, MD sex crimes defense lawyer can help you understand the law and fight back.
Understanding Maryland Law for Online Solicitation of a Minor
Under Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-324, it is illegal for anyone over the age of 18 to knowingly use a computer, phone, or other electronic device to solicit, request, or seduce a minor into unlawful sexual activity. Solicitation means asking, encouraging, or attempting to persuade a minor to take part in sexual conduct. Even if no physical contact ever occurs, the attempt alone is enough to trigger criminal charges.
What Are My Rights at a Maryland DUI Checkpoint?
Sobriety checkpoints are a common tool in Maryland, especially on weekends and holidays. If you are stopped, the encounter should be brief, the stopping pattern should be neutral, and the area should be clearly marked. Knowing your rights can protect you, especially if you are accused of driving under the influence (DUI). If a checkpoint stop leads to questions about your rights or your license, a Glen Burnie, MD DUI defense attorney can explain your options and help you plan your next steps.
How Does a DUI Checkpoint Work in Maryland?
Most drivers experience a quick screening at a DUI checkpoint. An officer will explain why you were stopped, check your documents, and look for signs of impairment. This may include slurred speech or the odor of alcohol. If nothing suggests DUI, you should be on your way within a minute. If the officer develops reasonable suspicion that you could be under the influence, you may be directed to a secondary area for more questions or testing. If you are unsure about your status, a calm "Am I free to go?" can clarify whether you are still being detained.
Maryland Police Question You Without Reading Your Miranda Rights
If you are arrested in Maryland, the police should inform you of your rights before any questioning begins. These rights are known as Miranda rights, and they are a critical part of protecting your freedom. What happens if the police do not read them to you? Can the case against you still move forward?
Understanding how these rights work is essential if you are under investigation or facing charges. A Townson, MD criminal defense attorney can help.
What Are Miranda Rights?
Miranda rights come from a 1966 Supreme Court case, Miranda v. Arizona, and they are directly tied to the Fifth Amendment, which protects people from being forced to incriminate themselves. Police officers must read these rights before they begin any custodial interrogation. They include:
Alternative Sentencing for Drug Offenses in Maryland
If you are facing charges for a drug crime in Maryland, the potential consequences of conviction can be intimidating. However, not every case ends with jail time. In some situations, the court may offer alternative sentencing options instead of incarceration. These alternatives focus on treatment and rehabilitation, especially for non-violent or first-time offenders. An experienced Bel Air, MD drug crimes defense attorney can help you understand alternative sentencing and fight for the best outcome.
What Does "Alternative Sentencing" Mean in Maryland?
Alternative sentencing refers to a court-approved program that allows eligible individuals to avoid jail or prison by completing certain requirements. These options are designed to address the underlying causes of drug-related offenses, such as addiction or mental health issues. Maryland courts recognize that locking someone up is not always the best way to prevent future crimes, especially when substance use is involved.
How Do You Fight a Carjacking Charge in Maryland?
Facing a carjacking charge in Maryland is rightfully intimidating. A conviction carries the risk of a long prison sentence and a permanent criminal record. Whether the allegations involve threats, violence, or weapons, the consequences are severe. A Glen Burnie, MD carjacking defense attorney can help protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. Understanding how Maryland law defines carjacking and knowing your potential defense is necessary if you want to fight the charge.
Definition of Carjacking Under Maryland Law
According to Maryland Criminal Code § 3-405, carjacking is a serious felony offense. The statute defines carjacking as the taking of a motor vehicle from someone by force, violence, or intimidation. Unlike auto theft, which typically involves stealing an unattended or parked vehicle, carjacking requires a direct confrontation with the victim. This element of force or threat sets carjacking apart, elevating it from a property crime to a violent offense.
Recent Legal Changes Addressing Revenge Porn in Maryland
The legal landscape surrounding tackling the non-consensual sharing of intimate images is evolving rapidly out of necessity. Both Maryland’s state government and the federal government have introduced new measures aimed at protecting victims and holding online platforms accountable for revenge pornography. If you are, or fear you might soon be, facing accusations of revenge pornography, an experienced Bel Air, MD revenge pornography defense attorney can help you understand how these updates could impact your defense strategy.
Revenge Pornography Law Changes in Maryland
Maryland House Bill 1248 (HB1248) is a newly introduced bill that focuses on addressing the non-consensual distribution of intimate images or depictions. The aim is to stop the creation and distribution of revenge porn by requiring online platforms, like social media companies, to establish procedures for individuals to request the removal of this content as quickly as possible. The law is an update to Maryland Criminal Law §3–809, potentially broadening the scope of what can be considered unlawful distribution.
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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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