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
Rights & Procedures
Understanding Sentencing Guidelines in Maryland
If you have been convicted of a crime in Maryland — or are facing the possibility of conviction — understanding how sentencing works is critical to preparing for what comes next. Maryland’s sentencing guidelines provide judges with a framework for determining appropriate sentences, but the system allows significant judicial discretion. The sentence you receive dependsRead 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
Your Rights During a Police Interrogation in Maryland
Common Police Interrogation Tactics Understanding the tactics police use during interrogations can help you protect yourself. Officers are trained to build rapport and create a conversational atmosphere that encourages you to lower your guard and talk freely. They may minimize the seriousness of the situation (“we just need to clear a few things up”), suggestRead More
Reckless Driving vs Negligent Driving in Maryland
Reckless driving and negligent driving are two distinct traffic offenses in Maryland, but many drivers confuse the two or do not understand the significant differences in how they are charged, penalized, and treated on a driving record. If you are facing either charge in Charles County, Calvert County, St. Mary’s County, or Prince George’s County,Read More
