How 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 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 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
Read MoreKnow Your Rights: DUI
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious charge in every state across the country, including Maryland. Some drivers are pulled over and arrested for a DUI when they have not had any alcohol at all; others have had very little to drink, but have had enough to cause suspicion. According to FBI arrest statistics,
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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
Read MoreCurrent Status of Baltimore City Speed Cameras
Speeding has long been a problem in Baltimore, and with advancements in technology, it was inevitable that the government would use new tools to enforce traffic laws. In an effort to curb speeding, speed cameras were installed in strategic locations to monitor and ticket violators. Instead of hiring more police officers to patrol high-risk areas,
Read MoreExpungement vs. Seal
As criminal defense attorneys, our goal is not just to defend you in court, but to ensure that your rights and criminal history are protected. If you are arrested on a criminal offense in your younger days and are now applying for a government job, it may be a bit more difficult than you might
Read MoreNew Maryland Law: No Cell Phones While Driving
At the Law Offices of Blackford & Flohr, we understand there is a lot of confusion around many of the laws in place. It can be difficult to keep up with all of the new laws coming into play, so we’ve taken the liberty to start a new blog series on New Maryland Laws. Stay
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