Maryland combines assault and battery into a single offense with first- and second-degree charges. Here is how the law works and what penalties you face.
What Happens If You Refuse a Breathalyzer in Maryland?
When a police officer in Maryland asks you to take a breathalyzer test after a traffic stop, you face a high-pressure decision with significant consequences either way. Submitting to the test may provide the prosecution with key evidence against you, but refusing the test triggers its own set of penalties under Maryland’s implied consent law.Read More
What Is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) and How Can It Help Your Case?
What Happens During the PBJ Process The PBJ process typically unfolds after plea negotiations between your defense attorney and the prosecutor, or after a finding of guilt at trial. When the judge agrees to grant PBJ, the conviction is not entered on your record. Instead, the judge suspends the entry of judgment and places youRead More
What Is a Stet Docket in Maryland?
How the Stet Docket Affects Your Criminal Record A case placed on the stet docket is not a conviction, which is its primary benefit. When a potential employer, landlord, or licensing board conducts a background check, the case will not appear as a conviction. However, the arrest and the charge itself may still be visibleRead More
What Happens When You Violate Probation in Maryland
Violating probation in Maryland can result in severe consequences, including the imposition of a previously suspended prison sentence. Whether the alleged violation is a missed appointment with your probation officer, a failed drug test, or a new arrest, the judge has broad discretion to revoke your probation and send you to prison. Understanding how probationRead More
