Drug charges that occur within 1,000 feet of a school in Maryland carry some of the most severe penalties in the state’s criminal code. What might otherwise be treated as a standard drug possession or distribution charge can be dramatically enhanced when a school zone is involved, potentially adding decades to a prison sentence. IfRead More
Maryland Expungement: How to Clear Your Criminal Record
The Expungement Process Step by Step Filing for expungement in Maryland requires following specific procedural steps. First, you must obtain a copy of your criminal record from the Maryland Judiciary Case Search to identify which cases and charges are eligible for expungement. Next, you file a petition for expungement with the court that handled theRead More
Maryland Jury Trial vs Bench Trial: Which Is Better for Your Case?
If you are facing criminal charges in Maryland, one of the most important strategic decisions you and your attorney will make is whether to have a jury trial or a bench trial. Each option has distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on the specific facts of your case, the charges, the judge,Read More
What Happens When You Violate a Protective Order in Maryland?
How Protective Order Violations Are Investigated Protective order violations are typically reported by the petitioner (the person who obtained the order) to local law enforcement. In Charles County, Calvert County, St. Mary’s County, and Prince George’s County, police take these reports seriously and respond promptly. When an officer investigates an alleged violation, they will reviewRead More
What Happens at a Bond Hearing in Maryland?
If you or someone you love has been arrested in Maryland, one of the first and most important steps in the criminal process is the bond hearing. This is where a judge or commissioner decides whether you will be released from custody while your case is pending and, if so, under what conditions. Understanding whatRead More