Posts by Drew Cochran
Google Maps Has Got Your Back, and the Police Don’t Love It
Did you know that over 1 billion people around the world use Google Maps every month to get to the places they need to go? Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze have revolutionized the way we travel by taking the guesswork out of getting from Point A to Point B. What’s more, these platforms…
Read MoreDo You Get Drunk Faster in Cold Weather?
Do you notice your drinking habits changing when temperatures start to drop? As the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder, many people find themselves reaching for a drink more often during the winter months. But is it possible that the winter weather can actually impact your alcohol tolerance? With holiday parties, happy hours,…
Read MoreDiscipline or Abuse? What Maryland Parents Need to Know About Corporal Punishment
Were you spanked as a child? Do you spank your own kids? For many parents, corporal punishment is considered the norm. However, in the eyes of the state, the issue may not be so straightforward. It’s not uncommon for parents to cite the fact that they themselves were spanked, “whooped” or otherwise hit as children…
Read MoreCan I Get My Gun Rights Back After a Criminal Conviction?
If you have been convicted of a crime in the state of Maryland, you may have questions about whether you will ever again be able to own a firearm. Many individuals with criminal records assume their gun rights are permanently revoked. However, there are exceptions and legal pathways that can help restore these rights under…
Read MoreWhen Does Bullying Become a Criminal Offense?
There are many different types of bullying – verbal, physical, social, and online are some examples. Some bullying in Maryland is against the law – and if you’re found guilty, you could face prison time, huge fines, and other consequences. What is bullying? According to Psychology Today, bullying involves a pattern of repeat and intentional…
Read MoreDefending Against False Allegations of Domestic Violence
The penalties for domestic violence can be severe. They can include imprisonment, exclusion from the family home, changes in your ability to spend time with your children and other members of your family, an order to pay financial support, damage to your reputation, and impacts on your ability to find or keep a job or…
Read MoreThe Suppression of Evidence in Criminal Cases
Every criminal case depends on evidence. Physical evidence often includes drugs, cash, or property found on or near a person. Physical evidence taken from a person can include blood, breath test samples, or urine. Confessions and defendants’ statements are another form of evidence. The US Constitution’s Fourth Amendment protects defendants by providing that law enforcement…
Read MoreSteps in the Juvenile Records Expungement Process
Maryland’s juvenile justice system treats juveniles differently than adults. Its fundamental aim is rehabilitation, not punishment. The purpose of the juvenile justice system is to help minors by focusing on their misconduct through treatment, a review of their family dynamics, and many other social issues. Incarceration is generally limited to cases involving violence and other…
Read MoreOpening and Closing Statements in a Criminal Trial
Most criminal cases are tried before a jury of your peers. Criminal defense lawyers must have the skills and experience to handle each phase, including the opening and closing statements to the jury. You’ve probably seen TV lawyers and lawyers in the movies make opening and closing statements. The ways the prosecutor and your defense…
Read MoreCommon DUI Mistakes to Avoid
In Maryland, drivers can be charged with a DUI (Driving under the influence) if their blood alcohol content level is .8 or higher. Drivers can be charged a DWI (driving while impaired) if their BAC is .07 or higher. The penalties for both offenses, even for first-time offenders, can include prison and substantial fines. Your…
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