Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid After an Arrest in Maryland
In the first few moments after getting arrested, your mind is probably racing. You might be asking yourself, âWhat just happened? What should I do now? Who should I call?â Itâs absolutely normal to feel overwhelmed by emotions, but how you respond after an arrest can affect your case. At Carey Law Office, weâve seen…
Read MoreOctober 2024 Updates to Marylandâs DUI/DWI Laws
Maryland changed its DUI laws on October 1, 2024, with new requirements for ignition interlock devices and the ability to expunge some DUI charges. Here is a rundown of the changes. Mandatory ignition interlocks A new provision of âNoahâs Lawâ recently became effective, closing what many considered a dangerous loophole in Marylandâs DUI legislation. Noahâs Law…
Read MoreAI, Technology and White-Collar Crime
Artificial intelligence (AI) and other evolving technologies have opened the door to new forms of white-collar crime. At the same time, itâs allowing investigators to identify criminal activities and file charges for these new types of violations. One good example of a novel type of crime took place in April 2024, when a Maryland athletic…
Read MoreMarylandâs Duty to Retreat Law vs. Stand Your Ground Law
Violent crime remains common throughout Maryland, although crime rates vary according to jurisdiction. Crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault are grave concerns in many of the stateâs higher population areas, including Baltimore. Marylandâs violent crime rate is 5.3 incidents per 1,000 people, 34 percent higher than the national rate of 4.0 and…
Read MoreHow Criminal Charges Can Impact Your Immigration Status
When an immigrant is charged with a crime, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) files a detainer with law enforcement, asking them to keep the person incarcerated under federal officials assuming custody. As a result, a non-citizen’s immigration status may be significantly impacted by criminal charges, even if the charges did not result in a…
Read MoreWhen Drug Diversion Programs are an Alternative to Incarceration
Maryland drug diversion programs offer alternatives to incarceration for individuals facing criminal charges due to substance use disorders. These programs are designed to provide treatment and support instead of traditional criminal penalties. When are drug diversions available to offenders in Maryland? There are some circumstances under which drug diversion programs may be considered as alternatives…
Read MoreThe Role of Expert Witnesses in Criminal Trials
Expert witnesses play a critical role in criminal trials, providing specialized knowledge to help the court understand complex evidence and issues beyond the average person’s understanding. Despite being hired by one side of the litigation, they must be impartial and objective because they are bound by professional and ethical standards to base their testimony strictly…
Read MoreUnderstanding Bail in Maryland
The bail process in Maryland involves several steps to determine whether a defendant can be released from custody while awaiting trial and under what conditions. Hereâs a general overview of how it works: Arrest and initial detention: After an arrest, the defendant is typically taken to a police station, booked, and held until a bail…
Read MoreWhat Happens When You Are Accused of a Hate Crime in Maryland?
A new website has recently been created in Maryland to help identify and combat hate crimes across the state. This website has raised concerns and curiosity about the implications of being accused of a hate crime. Accusations of hate crimes are serious, and in today’s society, individuals are often presumed guilty by the public, even…
Read MorePossible Strategies to Defend Against Charges Based on Facial Recognition
Maryland recently passed two bills that would regulate how law enforcement officers use facial recognition technology during investigations of certain types of crimes. The bills elaborate and describe various requirements for facial recognition, which are said to be the strongest in any state across the United States. These new rules and regulations are being put…
Read MoreUnderstanding Attorney-Client Privilege
Trust and confidentiality are crucial when working with a criminal defense attorney in Bowie or Dunkirk. Certain discussions during the legal process require a high level of privacy, and attorney-client privilege works to protect this confidentiality. Attorney-client privilege is important because, without it, clients would be afraid to speak openly with their lawyers, which could…
Read MoreDUI for Prescription Drugs in Maryland
Many people are unaware that they can receive a DUI (driving under the influence) for taking prescription drugs if that medication affects their driving capabilities. In Bowie, Dunkirk, and across Maryland, such accusations are considered serious crimes, often leading to some of the most challenging legal battles. The good news is that a professional drug…
Read MoreHow Do Jury Deliberations Work in Criminal Cases?
Most serious criminal cases (where a prison sentence is likely after conviction) are decided by juries. Juries are generally chosen from the community where the defendant lives. In state court cases, juries are chosen from the county where the defendant lives. In federal cases, the jurors are chosen from several nearby counties. Since jurors decide…
Read MoreWhy You Need a Lawyer When Your Security Clearance is at Risk
Many Maryland workers need to obtain security clearances to view and handle classified documents as part of their job. The loss of the proper security clearance can mean the loss of your job. A criminal record may affect your security clearance. Often, the best way to keep your security clearance is to obtain a dismissal…
Read MoreCriminal Charges Stemming from Car Crashes
When a car accident happens in Maryland, the police should be called to the scene of the accident. The police clear traffic, obtain each driverâs relevant information (driverâs license, insurance policies, and other information), and tend to anyone who is injured; then, theyâll investigate how the accident happened. If the police believe a crime occurred,…
Read MoreGov. Moore Pardoned My Misdemeanor Marijuana Charges. What Now?
Today, Maryland Governor Wes Moore is signing an executive order that will pardon approximately 175,000 misdemeanor marijuana charges. This is the largest blanket pardon at the state level to date, and the only pardon that includes misdemeanor convictions for possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia, as well as misdemeanor possession convictions. Per AP News,…
Read MoreHow Does a Criminal Trial Work in Maryland?
There are many stages of a criminal case from the arrest, arraignment, and bail hearing to the criminal discovery process, motions to suppress evidence, and plea bargain negotiations. Carey Law Office has over 40 years of experience and advocacy skills to try your case in state and federal courts. Defendants have the right in Maryland…
Read MoreWhat Medical Conditions Can Affect Field Sobriety Tests?
Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are a staple in roadside DUI investigations. These standardized tests, consisting of the horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand, aim to assess a driver’s physical coordination and mental state. Ideally, these tests provide officers with probable cause to suspect alcohol impairment. However, this overlooked element often gets sidelined: the significant…
Read MoreEmbezzlement and Fraud Crimes in Maryland
Financial crimes like embezzlement and fraud can have devastating consequences for both victims and the accused. Here in Maryland, these offenses are treated seriously, with potential penalties ranging from hefty fines to significant jail time. If you are facing embezzlement or fraud charges, understanding the specific laws and potential defenses is critical for your defense.…
Read MoreWhat to Do When Pulled Over by Police
Being pulled over by the police can be a nerve-wracking experience, but staying calm and following proper protocol can significantly improve your outcome. Todayâs blog equips you with comprehensive knowledge and practical steps to manage a traffic stop safely and respectfully. Before youâre stopped Familiarize yourself with Marylandâs traffic laws and your rights during a…
Read MoreDebunking Common Myths About Criminal Law
Thanks to film, television, and armchair pundits online, a lot of folks have inaccurate expectations and beliefs about the legal system. This can be detrimental if youâre facing criminal charges, as you may act or behave in ways you think will protect your rights â when in fact, they do anything but. This blog aims…
Read MoreWhat Are the Most Common White-Collar Crimes?
White-collar crime is a category of non-violent offenses typically committed by individuals or entities in the context of business, finance, or professional settings. Unlike traditional âstreetâ crimes, white-collar crimes are characterized by their deceptive or fraudulent nature, often involving schemes to obtain financial gain through illegal means. Following is a discussion of some of the…
Read MoreMeet Margaret Brent and Etta Haynie Maddox, Marylandâs First Women Attorneys
This Womenâs History Month, our practice would like to shine a light on two women who made history in Maryland. Margaret Brent and Etta Haynie Maddox were Marylandâs first female attorneys, working to their utmost even in a political climate that didnât accept them. We thought this month would be a good time to learn…
Read MoreUPDATE: Both Parents Michigan School Shooter Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter
In November 2021, a 15-year-old child brought a gun into school; he killed four students and injured another seven. He pled guilty to 24 criminal charges including first-degree murder and terrorism. His name is Ethan Crumbley, and he admitted to killing those other children. Jennifer Crumbley is his mother. She didnât shoot anyone, but a…
Read MoreAI Facial Recognition Technology Isnât Accurate Enough for Use in Criminal Cases
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used for many different reasons â many exciting and many terrifying. One use of AI is to recognize a personâs face. The core ideas are that software developers: Design programs that start with a current face, such as the face a person presents to a security system or a face…
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