Articles
Rules for You to Follow While in Court
If you’re a defendant in a criminal case, there are several important rules and guidelines to follow to ensure that the proceedings go smoothly and that you present yourself in the best possible light. Here […]
LEGAL ADVICE FOR FEUDING NEIGHBORS
It is always best to know a well-trained attorney skilled at winning cases at your disposal. Someone trained in litigating Maryland Peace Orders can save you from facing unwelcome legal stress if you find yourself […]
Not Competent to Stand Trial vs Not Criminally Responsible: What Do These Terms Mean?
Most Americans over a certain age remember when President Ronald Reagan and three other people were shot by a lone gunman. The accused, John Hinkley, was captured and found not guilty and not criminally responsible […]
Can the Police Force Me to Provide Them with My DNA?
In the United States, the police can force you to provide a DNA sample under certain circumstances, but this depends on several factors, including the nature of the case, the jurisdiction, and whether you are […]
Must Potential Jurors Be Asked About Bias Against Homosexuality in Maryland Courts?
During the voir dire process, the lawyers can ask questions of potential jurors during jury selection to identify a juror’s potential biases. In criminal cases and those involving issues of discrimination, bias, or […]
Can a Maryland Court Remove Another Employee from my Job Who is Harassing Me?
Yes, a judge can take legal action to prevent someone who is harassing you from returning to their job, particularly if their job allows them to continue the harassment. This is typically done through peace […]
IS THE USE OF DRONES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT A GOOD THING FOR EVERYONE?
Surveillance and Monitoring: Law enforcement is employing drones to monitor large areas, especially in situations like public events, protests, or crime scenes. They provide a bird’s-eye view, which can be crucial for assessing situations and […]
Can a Judge make the losing party pay my legal fees? – Maryland Rule 1-341
In many legal systems, whether the losing party can be required to pay the prevailing party’s legal fees depends on the jurisdiction, the nature of the case, and the specific circumstances. Here are some general […]
Domestic Violence Central Repository
Did you know that Maryland retains records of your peace or protective order cases in its own database even after your case is concluded?
Starting in 2020, the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy created […]
Could I go to jail for a violation of a Peace or Protective Order?
Typical scenario: The Petitioner has obtained a protective or peace order against you from a Court in Maryland. This order contains a no-contact provision and other provisions defining the nature of contact between you and […]
What is the crime of second degree assault in Maryland?
In the State of Maryland, the Legislature determined that there are two degrees of assault: First Degree Assault and Second-Degree Assault. The Legislature codified what constitutes each and what penalties a person can face if […]
WHY THE ENTRY OF A PROTECTIVE ORDER AGAINST YOU COULD HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS IF YOU WERE CONVICTED OF A CRIME
Under Maryland Law, a Petition for a Protective Order, as well as the granting of a Temporary or Final Order, are part of civil procedure. In a protective order case, the Petitioner files for protection […]
Parent commits ‘Mental Injury of a Child’ by berating child over child’s sexual orientation
In the case of C.M. v. J.M., Maryland’s mid-level appellate court recently decided in a published Opinion that a parent’s demeaning comments about his two adolescent children’s sexual orientation could serve as the basis for […]
Electronic Stalking in Maryland
In the 2022 General Assembly session, the Maryland Legislature expanded the law of Stalking. In response to decisions in the courts and to public sentiments against stalking behavior through electronic devices, Maryland lawmakers added a […]
What to Do If Revenge Porn Happens to You
Imagine you are at the beach in Ocean City, Maryland with your wife and children. It’s a beautiful summer day and you take a “selfie” of yourself and your family to have a memory of […]
WHAT ARE THE PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL RISKS OF A PROTECTIVE ORDER?
Protective Orders in the State of Maryland arise in a civil proceeding in which the Petitioner must establish, by a preponderance of the evidence, that domestic abuse occurred against him or her. Often, the person […]
Witness Testimony is Evidence That May Make or Break Your Case
Everyone relates best to the testimony of a witness sitting just a few feet away from them. Data shows that the in-court testimony of a witness can still make or break your case with judges […]
Maryland’s Changing Legal Landscape Over Possession of Marijuana
Marijuana laws in the United States are currently an ever-changing patchwork. Bills have been introduced in Congress to legalize marijuana and a number of states have legalized medical marijuana (37 states & DC) and recreational […]
How to Testify Effectively in Court
If you find yourself as a witness or party to a case in court, adopting the suggestions we offer may improve the strength of your testimony. This article offers you several skills to employ. It […]
Can Someone Modify or Rescind a Protective Order?
If a Protective Order is in place, a Court can modify or rescind (void) it at any time during the term that the Order is in effect upon a showing of “good cause”.
Under Maryland Law, […]
2021 CHANGES TO MARYLAND PROTECTIVE AND PEACE ORDER STATUTES
Protective Orders
Under Md. FAMILY LAW Code Ann. § 4-501, et seq., a new category of persons eligible for relief has been added. This change by the legislature now permits “an individual who alleges that the […]
Top Legal Questions for Victims of Domestic Violence
What exactly is meant by the term Domestic Violence?
When most people hear the term “domestic violence,” they often assume some physical abuse is occurring. According to experts, domestic violence is measured by fear and not […]
WHAT QUALIFIES AS PAIN AND SUFFERING IN A PERSONAL INJURY CASE?
Personal injury attorneys often advertise that they will “get you paid” for your pain and suffering. But what exactly does “pain and suffering” mean in a legal sense, and how do you […]
Can You Drop a Protective Order?
It is all too common that a spouse files a petition for a protective order in the heat of the moment, then upon reflection wishes to withdraw his/her […]
What To Do If You Are In A Car Accident
Every day on Maryland roads, drivers are involved in traffic accidents. Many accidents are minor fender-benders, but more serious ones can result in serious damage to property as well as injuries or even death. The […]