How an Attorney Helps a Crime Victim Win in Court
In Maryland, victims of crime have important rights. Maryland Criminal Procedure Article § 11-1002 offers guidelines for helping victims of a crime, declaring that they should be treated with “dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity”.
Unfortunately, due to heavy caseloads, crime victims are sometimes lost from the view of those who are responsible for prosecuting their offender. In fact, most crime victims are unaware of their rights and are never apprised of the legal rights and services available to them.
Why a Crime […]
Sending a Cease and Desist Letter Represents a Less Costly Way of Getting Your Abusive Neighbor to Stop Harassing You. But Will It Work?
When you’d like to stop someone from harassing you with annoying or dangerous conduct, the law requires that you first tell them to stop before you can file a peace order against them. An effective and relatively inexpensive way to do this is to send that person a cease and desist letter.
What is a cease and desist letter?
A cease and desist letter is a letter which either you or a lawyer writes to someone which (1) outlines their offending behavior, […]
October Update on Maryland Courts
Published October 9, 2020 by Marc Emden
All Courts in Maryland are slowly reopening their doors to members of the public.
Jury trials for example have begun to take place throughout several counties in the State of Maryland, like Montgomery and Frederick Counties and Baltimore City
Many District Courts throughout the state are now allowing the parties to appear in person. All counties however still offer the right to participate virtually by Zoom or […]
Does Sending the offender a Cease and Desist Letter stop the Harassment?
While Maryland’s harassment laws do not require the victim to formally request the harasser to stop by letter, some documentation goes a long way in establishing your displeasure with the offender’s actions—hence the cease and desist letter- often at a lower cost than hiring an attorney to pursue other actions.
What is a cease and desist letter? A cease and desist letter is a letter sent to the offender which outlines their offending behavior, informs of the legal reason that the […]
How Social Stigma Silences Domestic Violence Victims
Reprinted with permission from the author: Wendy Patrick, Esquire, PhD.
Many domestic violence victims suffer in silence. Enduring a steady pattern of abuse and humiliation at home, they bravely attempt to present a solid exterior in public. Sometimes they pull it off; usually, they do not. We notice the signs. Whether physical or emotional, red flags are flying.
In such cases, some people wonder why victims continue to deny […]
New Rules for Peace and Protective Orders in Maryland during COVID-19
The on-going situation with COVID-19 has changed the way Maryland courts are handling restraining orders. Learn more about how it impacts you and what changed about the process here.
New Rules for DUI Cases and Bond Hearings in Maryland during COVID-19
The on-going situation with COVID-19 has impacted how Maryland handles drinking and driving offenses as well as emergency hearings. Learn more about how it impacts you and what changed about the process here.
Facts You Should Know Before You File A Protective Order in Maryland
If you have been abused by a family member or someone with whom you are in a romantic relationship, you are eligible to file a Petition for Protective Order against the person responsible for the abuse. While filing the Petition itself may seem straightforward, there are a few things you may not know about the legal process. Learn more about the process here.
What You Should Do If You Cause a Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, it can be a stressful event. There are certain basic steps you should take when it first happens. Learn what to do and what not to do here.
Can a Driving While Under the Influence Conviction Prevent My Citizenship?
If you are an immigrant, after you are convicted of a DUI you may be wondering if it will impact your chances of citizenship. While it is still possible to become a citizen with a DUI charge, you will be required to prove to that you are still a person with “good moral character.”
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Charges in Maryland
If you are charged with a felony in the State of Maryland, the general rule implies that you are facing at least one year of potential jail time for the charge, while misdemeanor charges usually carry a maximum in jail of one year or less. However, due to changes by the Maryland General Assembly, some crimes no longer fall within the general rule and some misdemeanors carry longer sentences than felonies.
For Protective and Peace Orders, Maryland Law Provides for a Cooling Off Period Between the Parties
Whether you’re the person filing for a protective order (Petitioner) or the person against whom the Protective Order is filed (Respondent), Maryland law gives the parties a period of up to six months to decide whether to seek a final protective order or to dismiss the case, if they choose to. This window often serves as a golden opportunity for the parties to enter into discussions to attempt to settle some of their outstanding differences. Find out more about this cooling off period in this post.
