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.
Some of the Ways in Which Marijuana and Other Drugs are Sent in the Mail
With the legalization of marijuana in places like Colorado and its decriminalization elsewhere, more marijuana is now being shipped through the U.S. mail than in recent years, according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, whose seizures of marijuana parcels have increased by more than 400 percent since 2007.
Body Camera Use by Law Enforcement in Maryland
The creation of body cameras has added a new and helpful additional weapon to law enforcement as well as criminal defense work. No longer will any of us have to rely solely upon witness accounts of criminal activity. Learn More.
Hiring a Lawyer for Your Criminal or DUI / DWI Case
While the answers to questions you ask your lawyer will vary widely, it is important to keep in mind that nothing should be taken as a guarantee. Instead, these questions should give you some general knowledge of a specific lawyer's experience and skill-level, and whether the lawyer is a good fit for you. Learn More
Supreme Court News on Criminal Law in Rockville
On June 23, 2016, the Supreme Court decided the case of Birchfield v. North Dakota. As we described in our previous blog on criminal law, the Court in Birchfield took up the issue of whether under the United States Constitution, a state can punish someone by suspending their right to drive simply because they refused to take a blood or breath. Learn More.
