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 the Justice Reinvestment Act Will Impact Criminal Law in Maryland
The Justice Reinvestment Act recently passed in Maryland with the objective of making substantial reforms to the state’s criminal justice system. One of the key themes of this Act is its prioritizing punishment and sentences for inmates based on the nature of the violence in their crimes. The purpose of this Act was to streamline
Read MoreCommon Mistakes Made by Police Officers During an Arrest
There are many common mistakes made by the police during arrests. The infographic above discusses some of those mistakes, so you can be aware of how to combat them in a criminal case. No probable cause – Oftentimes, officers make their arrests based on suspicion, but it is not based on probable cause. Walking down
Read MoreMaryland Crime Statistics
Crime is a problem across the country, and it usually falls to the statisticians to determine how well law enforcement is decreasing it. The numbers for Maryland are surprising in that there are so many theft charges. However, that amount has decreased from 2010 to 2013. Murders and rapes have also decreased in this time
Read More