There are a number of ways to respond to a criminal charge in Maryland, including “not guilty,” “guilty,” and “no contest,” also known as nolo contendere. When you haven't committed a crime, choosing the "not guilty" plea can be the simplest of options. It means that you are telling the court you did not do [...]
In the world of criminal justice and defense, there's a term that often comes up: “plea bargain.” But what exactly is a plea bargain, and why does it matter? In simple terms, a plea bargain is a deal made between a person accused of a crime (the defendant) and the prosecution. This agreement allows the [...]
Maryland, like many other states, has strict laws in place to combat driving under the influence (DUI) offenses. One important aspect of DUI enforcement is administering breathalyzer tests to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC). However, you may wonder whether you have the right to refuse a breathalyzer test and what consequences may follow such a [...]
Burglary charges in Maryland are serious legal matters that involve entering a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft or another felony. The state's laws define burglary and establish the penalties for those convicted. Burglary is addressed under Title 6, Subtitle 2. Section 6-202 of the Maryland Code, which defines [...]
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects citizens like you from unreasonable searches and seizures. This fundamental right extends to Maryland, but its application can be murky and complicated. To protect your rights and properly navigate any potential interactions with law enforcement, it’s important to understand the legal framework governing searches and seizures. [...]
Being arrested stinks. There’s no way around it. It doesn’t matter what you did (or are accused of doing) or how it’s done — few things are more humiliating and demeaning than having to get into the back of that car. It’s only natural to want to resist that sort of thing, especially if the [...]
We all like being independent and we all like having fewer calls to make and fewer appointments to keep. For those of us who have experienced some form of legal troubles, there are SO MANY calls, appointments, papers, conditions — you get the gist. There’s a lot. Just, a lot. So it makes sense that [...]
If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI), you may be forced to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. The IID is supposed to ensure that you cannot drive under the influence of alcohol. But that does not mean you cannot still have a drink on a Saturday night at home, [...]
Remember in kindergarten when you learned it’s rude to hog all the crayons or claim territory on the playground? Remember figuring out this lesson with your siblings through painful trial and error (probably more painful for your parents, but painful nonetheless)? Well, as an adult, this largely still rings true. If you bring in a [...]
Just because a state’s law allows something doesn’t mean it’s allowed entirely, for everyone, without regulation. We largely know this, right? Every law has caveats and loopholes and conditions, meant to cover as many specific situations as possible so no one is left out. When substances deemed dangerous are involved, those conditions become even stricter [...]
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.
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