When it comes to criminal cases, courts consider DNA evidence as a reliable indication of a person's guilt or innocence. A technician will collect DNA samples at the scene of the crime, take them to a lab, and test them to look for a potential match. When there is a...
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Criminal Defense
What can corrupt DNA evidence?
DNA was a breakthrough when law enforcement first began using it to identify suspects. The technology has also increased and improved by leaps and bounds. However, despite its high-tech nature, DNA is not infallible. The US Department of Justice explains human error...
What are the penalties for bribery in Maryland?
Bribery is the acceptance of anything of value in exchange for influence over the actions of someone holding a public or legal duty. Bribery can take the form of money, favors or other gifts of value. Bribery cases typically involve people in public office, police or...
What are the common DUI penalties in Maryland?
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration, there are a variety of criminal and administrative penalties for driving under the influence in the state. These penalties may result in jail time, fines, license suspension, and...
What should you know if you are under investigation?
Being the subject of a criminal investigation can be harrowing. Even if you are innocent of the crime that police are investigating, you may have reason to be extremely concerned. This type of situation can seem fraught with uncertainty, but your plan of action needs...
Drug court as a possible alternative to imprisonment
A drug conviction has the potential to set you back in many areas of your life. It may hurt your family and your bank account, for starters. It may, too, leave you facing time behind bars, which may hinder your ability to hold down a job. However, depending on...
Criminal acts that have immigration consequences
A criminal conviction sometimes has consequences related to immigration status. However, not every crime leads to deportation, as it needs to be a specific type of crime. Examples of crimes that result in deportation are aggravated felonies, domestic violence, most...
Shoplifting rises across the U.S.
Theivery comes in many different guises and takes many different names: embezzlement, fraud, larceny, grand larceny and petty theft, to name a few. The reasons for theft involve many complicated factors such as joblessness, desperation and hunger. Recent statistics...
Can the police enter your home without a warrant?
When dealing with police, it is always important to understand your rights. This includes your rights when they come to your doorstep. Many people feel like they must do as police say even on their own property, but is that the case? When police show up, you need to...
How reliable is eyewitness testimony?
If facing criminal charges and you learned the authorities have an eyewitness, your heart likely sank. Judges and juries have long placed significant weight on the testimony of people who witnessed alleged crimes. However, many factors may affect the reliability of...