If you are currently on probation in Maryland, you may wonder, can a probation officer search your phone. This question comes up often because smartphones contain nearly every detail of a person’s life. In Maryland, the answer is sometimes yes, but it depends on the exact terms of your probation, the purpose of the search,Read More
Legal questions
How Long Can Police Hold Your Property for Evidence?
If officers have taken your phone, cash, vehicle, or other belongings during an arrest or investigation, one of the first questions you will have is simple: how long can police hold your property for evidence. In Maryland, the answer depends on whether your property is still needed for a pending case. Police can hold itemsRead More
How to Authenticate Text Messages for Court
In the digital age, one of the most common pieces of evidence in criminal cases is the text message. If you are facing charges or advising someone who is, it’s crucial to know how to authenticate text messages for court. In Maryland — including Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties — both prosecutorsRead More
Is a Speeding Ticket a Misdemeanor in Maryland?
Many Maryland drivers are surprised to learn that a speeding ticket is technically a misdemeanor under state law. While most people think of speeding as a minor traffic infraction, Maryland’s Transportation Article actually classifies nearly all moving violations — including speeding — as misdemeanors unless the law specifically designates them as civil offenses or felonies.Read More
Do You Have to Open the Door for Police (Noise Complaint)?
If the police show up at your door because of a noise complaint, you might wonder — do you have to open the door? In Maryland, the answer is generally no. You do not have to open the door for police responding to a noise complaint unless they have a warrant or an emergency reasonRead More
