Why is Hiring a Lawyer for a Will Better Than Using Online Software?
The first, and most essential, step in estate planning is composing a will. Your last will and testament let you decide who receives your worldly goods once you die. Think of it as the ultimate financial planning document. Failure to leave a will means your estate falls under Maryland’s law of intestate succession, and your
Read MoreSettling An Estate? Work with a Probate Attorney for Probate Administration/Litigation Advice
It is difficult to deal with our grief when a loved one dies. Our emotional struggles may be compounded by financial and legal stress if we are responsible for overseeing their estate. Probate law in Maryland can be difficult to understand for laypeople and lawyers alike. A probate attorney from the Law Office of Blackford
Read MoreWhat to Do if You Are Experiencing Online Sexual Harassment
If you’re a woman, especially one of the millennial generation, the odds are good that you will experience some type of online harassment or digital stalking. According to a 2017 Pew Research Center survey, 21 percent of women aged 18 to 29 report being sexually harassed online. Overall, 70 percent of females believe online harassment
Read MoreWhat Do You Do When You Become a Victim of Domestic Violence?
You may have thought domestic violence would never happen to you – but it has. You’ve not only suffered physical harm, but the incident is tearing you apart emotionally. Those reactions are normal, but it’s essential that you act swiftly to protect yourself. For immediate legal advice, contact us now. Call 911 The first thing a domestic violence
Read MoreWhat are the Consequences of Fraud in Maryland?
As Sir Walter Scott wrote, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” Scott probably wasn’t referring to fraud per se, but the phrase is apropos. When it comes to fraud, there is no one size fits all when it comes to penalties. The consequences for fraud in Maryland depends on the amount
Read MoreWhat is the Difference Between Criminal Defense Lawyers and Trial Lawyers?
In the United States, licensed lawyers all have the right to plead in court. That doesn’t mean criminal defense lawyers and trial lawyers are interchangeable. The latter feel comfortable with appearing in court, and that is the primary part of his or her practice. Criminal defense lawyers represent those accused of crimes. They may
Read MoreWhat is the Process for Sentence Modification in Maryland?
In October, many of the provisions of the Justice Reinvestment Act (JRA) take effect. This extensive revision of Maryland criminal law means that certain mandatory minimum drug sentences may qualify for a retroactive reduction. The JRA “eliminates mandatory minimums for controlled dangerous substances felonies.” It also permits felony drug offenders – although not those considered
Read MoreHow Is Mental Health and Criminal Law Handled in Maryland?
Attorneys often realize that clients arrested and charged with a criminal offense may suffer from mental illness. Maryland does not differ from other states in that many mentally ill people are put in jail rather than in hospitals, where they can receive proper treatment. It does differ from all but four other states in that
Read MoreWhat Happens if You Die Without a Will in Maryland?
No one wants to think about his or her own death, but it’s a fact of life. You’ve worked hard all of your life and want your assets to go to your loved ones. If you don’t have a will, the state of Maryland decides who gets your worldly goods. That may not match your
Read MoreCommon Mistakes Made by Police Officers During an Arrest
Being arrested can be a terrifying experience, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and confused about what is happening. However, it is important to remember that you have legal rights and that the police must follow certain procedures when making an arrest. Unfortunately, police officers sometimes make mistakes during the arrest process, which
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