Every year, Maryland lawmakers pass bills that take effect on October 1, the traditional date for new state laws to roll out. In 2025, several criminal law changes will reshape the legal landscape, from harsher penalties for reckless driving to expanded expungement rights. For residents of Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties, theseRead More
Maryland Law Updates
Can Police Search Your Car If They Smell Weed in Maryland?
If you’re driving through Southern Maryland and an officer pulls you over, can they search your car just because they smell marijuana? That used to be the law. But thanks to recent changes in Maryland legislation, the rules have changed—and it’s crucial to understand your rights. Maryland’s New Cannabis Law: Odor Alone Is Not ProbableRead More
Jeremy B. Widder Receives 10.0 “Superb” Rating on Avvo
We’re proud to announce that Jeremy B. Widder, partner at Southern Maryland Criminal Defense, has earned a 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo, one of the most respected attorney rating platforms in the country. This recognition is a testament to the skills of Jeremy Widder in the legal community. 10.0Jeremy Benjamin Widder This top-tier rating reflectsRead More
Maryland Second Look Act: What You Need to Know
On April 22, 2025, Maryland took a major step in reforming its criminal justice system when Governor Wes Moore signed the Second Look Act into law. Officially known as House Bill 853, this new legislation provides a structured process for certain incarcerated individuals to request a review and potential reduction of their sentence. The lawRead More
Jeremy Widder Quoted in The Baltimore Sun on Landmark Depraved-Heart Murder Case
Southern Maryland Criminal Defense attorney Jeremy Widder was recently featured in The Baltimore Sun’s coverage of a high-profile criminal case involving a Havre de Grace man sentenced to 12 years for depraved-heart murder in a fatal fentanyl overdose. The March 4, 2025 article provided in-depth coverage of the legal implications surrounding Maryland’s handling of overdose-relatedRead More
