Inmates in Maryland are often offered parole as a way to end their jail sentence early. The state offers parole to reward and encourage good behavior during incarceration and also alleviate crowding in jails and prisons. While parole is an opportunity to get out of jail, it also comes with its own set of limitations [...]
In the state of Maryland, it's illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance that restricts your ability to drive safely. When it comes to alcohol, the standard of intoxication is clear-cut. A blood alcohol level of at least .08 percent is sufficient to warrant a DUI. For a [...]
Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming soon and, according to the statistics, these are the two holidays when you are most likely to run into DUI checkpoints around the Annapolis area. Many people will be taking the opportunity during the holidays to have a drink or two during their time off from work, celebrating with friends and [...]
By now we should all be familiar with the convoluted plot twists commonly found in police procedural. Need a refresher? Just catch any episode from one of the many Law & Order franchises in syndication. Honestly, any Law & Order will do: original Law & Order; Special Victims Unit; Criminal Intent; the short lived Law [...]
Twible. What does that even mean? It's twitter (or social media/Facebook) defamation. Don't think that angry, drunken tweet against your ex can be used against you? Think again. Anything that you post to a social media account may be used against you in court. In August 2012, U.S. District Judge William Pauley III ruled that [...]
With summer at a close and school buses back out on the streets we're reminded of the three speed cameras the City of Annapolis operates to enforce school zone speed limits. Of course those of us who drive with a lead foot may have gotten a reminder earlier in the year. It turns out the [...]
Over the years you've probably heard countless legal dramas discuss the right to a speedy trial, or the right for a case to be heard by a jury of one's peers. But unless you're facing a day in court yourself it's not something you likely gave much thought to. So when does your trial have [...]
Ignorantia juris non excusat, ignorance of the law is no excuse. We've all heard the phrase, but perhaps we haven't taken the time to consider the full range of laws we truly may be unaware of. Between the legislature, county governments and municipalities, the book of laws here in Maryland has been accumulating since the [...]
If you are pulled over and receive a traffic ticket, you have a few options: pay the ticket and move on, fight the ticket in court by yourself or enlist the help of a lawyer. Before you dismiss the idea of paying for legal assistance to fight a ticket, consider all your options. Factors to [...]
The U.S. judicial system consists of several types of courts that are further split into the two categories of district and circuit courts. District courts hold federal trials, while the circuit courts hold both trials and appeals for cases decided by district courts. Within the country and its associated territories, there are 94 district courts (at least one [...]
Drew has helped me out several times over the years. He has a high standard of professionalism, and is also highly personable. He has given me some of the best guidance and also referrals. I also refer Mr. Cochran to anyone ever in need.
[Google Review]
