If you’ve ever watched a courtroom drama or followed a high-profile legal case, you’ve likely heard the phrase: “I plead the Fifth.” But what does it actually mean—and when can someone legally say it? In the United States, pleading the Fifth is shorthand for invoking the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. This right allows individualsRead More
Legal questions
What is Reckless Endangerment in Maryland?
Reckless endangerment is a serious criminal offense in Maryland that often catches people off guard. You don’t have to hurt someone—or even intend to—for the state to charge you with reckless endangerment. If prosecutors believe your actions created a substantial risk of serious injury or death, you could face jail time, fines, and a permanentRead More
How Old to Babysit in Maryland? What Parents Need to Know
If you’re a parent in Southern Maryland—whether in Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, or Prince George’s County—you might be wondering: How old does a child need to be to babysit in Maryland? The answer isn’t as simple as a single number. Maryland law doesn’t set a hard-and-fast rule about babysitting age, but it does give usRead More
What Is the Age of Consent in Maryland?
If you’re a parent, teen, or adult in a relationship with someone younger, it’s crucial to understand Maryland’s age of consent laws. The state takes sexual offenses involving minors seriously, and the penalties can be life-changing. In this post, we’ll explain the age of consent in Maryland, the exceptions, and how the law treats authorityRead More
What Happens if a Cop Enters Your House Without Permission in Maryland?
Your home is your castle — and in Maryland, the law strongly protects it. The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article 26 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights both guarantee you the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. That means police usually cannot enter your home without a search warrant.Read More
