Can a case be dismissed at a status hearing? Yes—while it is not the most common outcome, cases can and do get dismissed at status hearings in Maryland. A status hearing is a pretrial court proceeding where the judge, prosecutor, and defense attorney review the current state of a criminal case. Understanding what happens atRead More
Can You Open Carry in Maryland? What You Need to Know
Can you open carry in Maryland? No—Maryland does not allow open carry of handguns without a valid Wear and Carry Permit, and obtaining that permit is one of the most difficult processes in the country. Maryland has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, and understanding these laws is critical if youRead More
Can Charges Be Dropped After Indictment?
If you or a loved one has been indicted, you may be wondering: Can charges be dropped after an indictment? The short answer is yes—criminal charges can be dismissed even after a grand jury indictment, but it depends on several legal and procedural factors. Here’s what you need to know if you’re facing an indictmentRead More
What Does First-Degree Murder Mean in Maryland?
When someone is charged with first-degree murder in Maryland, it means they’re facing the most serious type of homicide under state law. But what exactly does “first-degree murder” mean—and how is it different from other types of homicide? In this post, we break down the legal definition, examples, and penalties for first-degree murder in Maryland.Read More
Larceny vs. Theft: What’s the Difference?
When someone is accused of stealing property, the terms larceny and theft are often used interchangeably. But are they really the same thing? While the two terms are closely related, there are some important distinctions—especially when looking at how different jurisdictions define and prosecute these crimes, including the debate of larceny vs theft. What isRead More
