What 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 MoreWhat Happens When a Probation Violation Occurs in Maryland?
When a convicted person receives probation, they must adhere to the conditions imposed by the judge. Failure to do so can result in a violation. This could mean serving the jail time probation allowed them to avoid. Anyone charged with a probation violation needs an experienced probation lawyer. Common Probation Conditions The conditions placed on probation
Read MoreHow Donald Trump’s Presidency May Impact Estates in Maryland
The 2016 Presidential campaign had varying proposals from both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in many different areas. One area with the most pronounced differences between the two was on estates. When looking a policy around estate related issues, taxation typically is the most heated topic. On the campaign trail, Hillary Clinton proposed a 65%
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 MoreInfluence of Genetics Within the Criminal Mind
Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film Minority Report, set in 2054, focuses on the PreCrime division of a police department. The PreCrime Unit’s job is stopping crimes before they occur. That’s now just 37 years in the future, and it is possible that sci-fi thriller accurately portrays the future. The answer may lie in genetic testing. Society
Read MoreCreating a Living Trust in Maryland
People are increasingly turning to living trusts because of the flexibility of these estate planning tools. Also known as inter vivos trusts, a living trust permits you to place your assets in the trust while still controlling the property during your lifetime. The trust owns any assets placed in it. However, you can name yourself
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
Read MoreDrug Possession Statistics
Drug possession has become one of the largest crimes in the United States and is a small portion of the parent category: drug offenses. We’ve compiled and organized statistics from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the FBI for your convenience in relation to drug possession charges. Note: All of these statistics do not include
Read MoreWhat are the Average and Maximum Jail Times for Common Crimes?
When you or a loved one are facing charges, the first question on your mind may be, “How much jail time will I have to serve?” Unfortunately, it changes from violation to violation, and is also often different based on your state. Each crime, whether misdemeanor or felony, may carry a prison term. The average
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What is Bail?
If you are placed in jail, the judge will likely set a bail amount. Many people do not fully understand what bail is and how bail works. It’s common to assume that posting bail is like a “get out of jail free card.” In fact, bail is merely a financial assurance for the court that
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