A criminal conviction can be devastating and life-altering. Your final sentence must comply with applicable laws and regulations, but when your sentence feels unjust, you have the option to file for relief. What is post-conviction relief? Post-conviction relief is the...
Since the 1990s, the United States has been trying to resolve a dangerous opioid crisis. The issue has had a crucial effect on public health and the nation’s economy. Over 500,000 people have died due to opioids since 2000, and in 2020, overdoses related to the drug...
Social media has revolutionized the way investigators collect evidence when appealing criminal cases. This platform now serves as a rich repository of personal interactions, opinions and even real-time activities, which can impact legal proceedings. As people continue...
Suffering from a wrongful criminal conviction is hurtful and damaging. However, a convict may still seek post-conviction relief by requesting a DNA analysis. Through DNA technology, it would be possible to identify the offender and present new evidence about the...
Sex offenses are heinous crimes that leave lasting scars on victims. However, in cases with limited evidence, the pursuit of justice can lead to wrongful convictions. In Maryland, DNA testing has emerged as a powerful tool for exonerating the wrongly accused in sex...
In Akers v. State (September Term 2022, No. 0925) (unreported), Moira Akers searched the Internet for information about aborting her pregnancy. Akers’ pregnancy was in the first trimester, and she was within her rights to investigate her options to end...
In March 2024, the Supreme Court of Maryland (SCM) granted the State’s petition for certiorari in State v. Scarboro, ACM No. 1646 (Sept. Term 2022), SCM No. 4 (Sept. Term 2024), an unreported decision by Chief Judge Wells. The State’s petition presented the following...
The state of Maryland generally has measures shielding certain offenses on one’s record from public view, but these may not be enough to protect you from the social stigma and lasting negative effects of a criminal conviction. If you qualify, you may seek to clear or...
Going through a criminal trial is an overwhelming experience. More so if the court’s decision was not in your favor. Still, it might not be the end of the road for you. After receiving the court’s final decision, you still have the right to appeal your case. The...
In a criminal case, the process begins when police officers suspect a crime has been committed. They initiate an investigation, gather evidence at the scene and may arrest the defendant. Following the arrest, the defendant goes through the booking process, during...