essential to grasp how it works and its limitations. The role of DNA in criminal defense To date, there have been 375 cases where DNA evidence has been instrumental in exonerating individuals from life-changing sentences, including the death penalty. Contrary to its...
Firm News
Denial of a Detail and Implied Fabrication under § CJP 10-923: A Matter of First Impression
In Green v. State (No. 0854, September Term 2022), the Appellate Court of Maryland (ACM) decided, as a matter of first impression, whether the defendant’s denial of just one of the elements of the offense amounts to an implied allegation of fabrication necessary for...
Stillbirth or Murder, and the Evidence of Internet Searches Regarding Abortion
In Akers v. State (September Term 2022, No. 0925), the Appellate Court of Maryland will decide, among other issues, whether information about abortion, pregnancy ambivalence, and lack of prenatal care is relevant to determining how the death of an infant...
Naked Florida Man Found Next To Body In Maryland. Was It Murder?
The Washington Post By Dan Morse August 6, 2023 Police say Gary Savage, 60, drove 900 miles to confront estranged wife and another man …“The signs of intoxication in this case, I mean you can really take your pick,” Raquin told jurors. “And objectively speaking, when...
3 types of medical fraud for physicians to be wary of
From prescribing essential medications to performing complex procedures, doctors carry the weight of high expectations. However, in the modern era, physicians also must be wary of the complex relationship between ethical medical practices and smart business decisions....
How can you find support after incarceration?
Incarceration can leave a permanent impression on your life. During your time away, you might lose friendships, miss out on educational opportunities and have to put your career on hold. Finding support after your release can facilitate your reentry into society. With...
RaquinMercer Secures Reversal On Appeal In Coram Nobis Case
RaquinMercer filed a petition for a writ of error coram nobis in the circuit court, seeking to set aside a conviction that resulted from an unknowing and involuntary guilty plea. To satisfy a necessary condition for the issuance of the writ, petitioner alleged that...
How effective is DNA at clearing convictions?
DNA is a relatively new tool in the criminal field. However, despite its rather young age, the technology for identifying and using DNA has grown exponentially. In fact, as technology has improved, DNA has helped to exonerate many people for crimes. Some people...
RaquinMercer LLC secures a another reversal on appeal in a First Degree Murder case
In Ford v. State, the Court of Special Appeals held that the trial court committed reversable error in refusing to propound Appellant’s proposed voir dire questions regarding the presumption of innocence, proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and his Fifth Amendment right...
Court tosses conviction of one defendant in murder of teens
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A Maryland appeals court has overturned the convictions of one of four men who were found guilty in the killings of two Maryland high school students on the eve of their graduation. The Court of Special Appeals ruled Thursday that a trial judge erred...