What is a Motion to Reconsider? Maryland Rule 4-345 allows for anyone sentenced in a criminal case to file a motion asking that the Judge reconsider their sentence. The motion needs to be filed within ninety days of the sentencing date, but the Judge has five years to set the motion in for a hearingRead More
Rights & Procedures
What You Need to Know About Maryland’s Good Samaritan Law
Quick action can mean the difference between life and death in moments of crisis or emergency. Like many other states, Maryland has a Good Samaritan Law designed to protect individuals who offer assistance in such situations. In 2021, Maryland’s opioid-related deaths topped 2,500, and the number of overdoses due to heroin and opioid use has increasedRead More
Understanding Indictment and Criminal Information in Maryland
In Maryland, the legal system utilizes two primary methods to charge individuals with criminal offenses formally in Circuit Court: indictment and criminal information. Both processes serve as the initial step in the criminal justice system, yet they differ in their procedural aspects and the cases they apply. The choice between criminal information and indictment canRead More
Understanding Arraignment in Maryland Criminal Cases
In the Maryland criminal justice system, an arraignment is often the first court appearance after someone has been charged with a crime. It plays a key role in the criminal procedure, setting the stage for the legal process that follows. Below, we break down what happens at an arraignment, what rights are involved, and whatRead More
Understanding Criminal Summons in Maryland: What You Need to Know
The terms “criminal summons” and “warrant” often surface in law enforcement and the judicial system, triggering distinct legal procedures and implications. While both serve as instruments to ensure compliance with legal proceedings, they carry unique features, functions, and consequences. Understanding the differences between these legal tools is crucial in understanding their various roles in theRead More
