There are thousands of criminal prosecutions in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., every single year. This means court dockets can become almost overwhelming. Still, the U.S. Constitution guarantees most criminal defendants speedy trials. Plea deals are one...
“The Defense Never Rests.”
Post-Conviction Relief
What kind of life could wait for exonerees?
DNA has become some of the most powerful evidence to stop murder and other serious, violent crimes in recent years. It has also become a tool with which innocent people have begun to fight the unjust convictions that changed their lives forever. Even a relatively...
Determining eligibility for post-conviction relief in Maryland
A Maryland criminal conviction has the potential to impact and upend many aspects of your life. Depending on the details surrounding your offense, some of the penalties you face in the aftermath of a criminal conviction may wind up impacting you for years to come....
What is post-conviction relief?
In instances where you feel you have been wrongfully convicted of a crime, you can ask for post-conviction relief. These examine all factual and legal claims related to your case and take precedence over other court-related processes. Here is what you need to know...
What are important details to understand about post-conviction relief?
Post-conviction relief in Maryland is an option if you are currently in jail or prison or serving probation or parole. The state distinguishes this from the type of relief you may seek to clear your record if you are not actively serving a sentence. The Officer of the...
Are confessions always admissible?
The American legal system can be confusing. Because police detectives have extensive experience interviewing witnesses, the criminal justice process also can be intimidating. If you are not careful, you may say something prosecutors can use against you at trial....
What to know in regard to appealing a conviction
If you are facing a criminal conviction, and you think that there was an error during your original trial, you have a right to appeal the decision. Because a conviction results in a major change of life circumstances, it may be worth examining the options for appeal....
Can I expunge a federal criminal conviction?
Expungement is the process of sealing a criminal record so the information no longer shows through most types of background checks. It is not available to everyone and does not apply to all situations. According to the Congressional Research Service, states typically...
How do collateral consequences affect people?
A felony conviction can have a deep impact on people. Even after people fulfill a prison sentence, they may experience additional consequences. A criminal conviction is often accompanied by collateral consequences. The State of Maryland defines collateral consequences...
Can I get back my gun rights after a felony conviction?
One of the consequences of a felony conviction is the potential to lose your rights to own or possess a firearm. Whether you can get these rights back depends on where you live. Each state manages its own laws concerning felony consequences and the ability to restore...