DUI checkpoints — also called sobriety checkpoints — are a regular occurrence on the roads of Southern Maryland, particularly on holiday weekends, during summer months, and around major events. While these checkpoints are generally legal in Maryland, you still have important constitutional rights during a checkpoint stop. Knowing what officers can and cannot require ofRead More
fourth amendment
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
Can Police Search Your Car Without a Warrant in Maryland?
Being pulled over by police in Maryland is stressful enough. But when an officer asks to search your vehicle, or begins searching it without asking, the situation can feel like your rights are being violated. If you are wondering whether police can search your car without a warrant in Maryland, the short answer is: itRead More
Can Police Seize Your Property Without a Warrant in Maryland?
When police seize your property during an investigation, it can feel like a violation — especially when you are not sure whether they had the legal right to take it. In Maryland, law enforcement can seize property under certain circumstances, but those circumstances are governed by the Fourth Amendment and Maryland law. If the policeRead More
