DNA evidence has transformed the justice system, accurately determining guilt or innocence. It can exonerate the wrongfully convicted, but it is expensive. For those seeking justice after wrongful convictions, the decision to invest in costly DNA evidence can be a...
Criminal Defense
What should you do if you believe you are under investigation?
Criminal investigations can bring potentially life-altering consequences. The uncertainty surrounding the outcome, as well as the invasive nature of the investigation, can be emotionally overwhelming. During these challenging times, there are steps you can take that...
What Makes DNA Evidence Effective In Criminal Defense
DNA evidence has become crucial in modern criminal investigations and court proceedings. Yet, its strength hangs on a web of factors that wield immense influence over its trustworthiness and impact. Understanding these factors is essential to grasp how DNA evidence...
Is drug court better than going to jail?
Faced with drug-related charges in Maryland, you might feel unsure about your options. The conventional court system, with the prospect of jail time, looms large. Yet, another option exists that could potentially offer a more constructive path forward: Drug court....
Should you always plead guilty?
Most people want to get criminal charges behind them as soon as possible. The court also banks on that, expecting many people to plead guilty to certain crimes. However, pleading guilty might not actually be the best option. In fact, it might cause some major...
How much is too much? A look at doctors and speaker fees from prescription companies.
Getting a doctor to change their ways is not always an easy task. Savvy entrepreneurs within the pharmaceutical and medical device industries know this and realize the benefit of bringing in a physician who has used their products to help explain the benefits to their...
Understanding the punishment for auto theft
Maryland reports that motor vehicle thefts make up more than 10% of property crimes. Auto theft carries severe legal consequences that you need to be aware of if you are facing charges in this state. It is important to understand the potential punishment associated...
How does forensic psychology aid in criminal defense?
Psychology plays a significant role in the legal system. While criminal psychologists focus on examining criminal behavior, forensic psychologists focus on clinical evaluations of those involved with the legal system. Forensic psychologists may work as...
Boundless at the Trial Level, Toothless on Appeal: Maryland’s Law on Sentencing.
A few weeks ago, our Editor-in-Chief, Steve Klepper, wrote a piece entitled “Mental Illness and Maryland’s Toothless Review of Criminal Sentences” regarding the unreported decision, Robbins v. State. In Robbins (Nazarian, J.), the Court lamented, in dicta, about the...
Evaluating the reliability of eyewitnesses in criminal cases
Eyewitness testimony plays a significant role in criminal cases, often carrying substantial weight as evidence. However, questions persist about the reliability of eyewitnesses and the potential for inaccuracies. If you are on trial for a criminal offense, it is...