Recent Blog Posts
Are There Defenses for a Carjacking Charge?
Carjacking is a serious felony offense in Maryland, carrying potential penalties of up to 30 years in prison. If you have been charged with carjacking, you must understand your legal options and potential defenses. While the specific circumstances of each case vary, several common defenses may apply to your situation. A Maryland lawyer can help you determine the direction you should take for your case.
The First Thing You Should Do After Your Charge
After being charged with carjacking, the first and most important step is to secure experienced legal representation. An attorney can assess the unique facts of your case, advise you of your rights, and develop a strong defense strategy tailored to your situation. Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your lawyer, as statements made to law enforcement or others could be used against you in court.
Are There Defenses for a Felony Firearm Possession Charge?
If you are facing a felony firearm possession charge, you might feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your future. The consequences of a conviction can be severe, including hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. However, remember that an arrest does not equal a conviction. With the right legal strategy with a Maryland lawyer, you may have defenses available to fight the charges and protect your rights.
Make Sure You Understand the Felony Firearm Possession Charge
In Maryland, it is illegal for certain individuals to possess firearms, including those convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor, or a crime of violence. If you are caught with a gun under these circumstances, you could face felony charges.
Potential Defenses for Felony Firearm Possession
While every case is unique, there are several common defenses that a criminal defense attorney may explore when defending against felony firearm possession charges:
What is an Unreasonable Search and Seizure?
Unreasonable searches and seizures are a significant concern for individuals facing criminal charges. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution and Article 26 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights protects citizens from unlawful intrusions by law enforcement. A Maryland lawyer can help you understand what constitutes an unreasonable search and seizure under the law and how it can impact your criminal case.
The Necessity of Probable Cause
For a search or seizure to be considered reasonable, law enforcement officers must establish probable cause. Probable cause exists when sufficient evidence leads a reasonable person to believe that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime will be found in a specific location. If probable cause is lacking, any evidence obtained during a search may be inadmissible in court.
How to Fight Against Accusations of Drug Distribution in Maryland
Being accused of drug distribution is an extremely serious matter in Maryland. A conviction can result in years or even decades behind bars and a permanent criminal record that wreaks havoc on your personal and professional life. If you or your company have been accused of distributing illegal drugs, it is critical to understand the law and create a vigorous defense. A Maryland lawyer can help you with the necessary steps.
What You Should Know About Maryland’s Drug Distribution Laws
In Maryland, drug distribution charges fall under Criminal Law § 5-602, which prohibits the manufacture, distribution, possession with intent to distribute, or dispensing of controlled dangerous substances (CDS). This covers a wide range of illegal drugs, including heroin, cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamine, LSD, and more.
Potential Defense Strategies For Rape Charges in Maryland
Facing rape charges in Maryland is daunting, scary, and overwhelming. Being convicted of such a serious felony will have an irreversible impact on your reputation, future, and freedom. If you have found yourself in this troubling situation, you must understand the potential defense strategies available to you.
In Maryland, such as in other states, the legal system has specific laws and procedures that govern rape cases, and having as strong a defense as possible can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Building a strong and aggressive defense against the charge of rape begins with hiring a skillful attorney.
Consent and Lack of Evidence
One effective defense strategy in many rape cases is to argue that the sexual encounter was consensual. However, proving consent can be challenging, as it often comes down to a "he said, she said" situation. But especially when there is a lack of physical evidence or witnesses to support the accuser's claim that the encounter was non-consensual, the defense could argue the encounter was, in fact, consensual.