Category Archives: Criminal Law
Negligent, Reckless and Aggressive Driving Laws in Maryland
In order to combat serious car and truck accidents, Maryland law makes it unlawful to engage in negligent, reckless or aggressive driving. To understand the boundaries of and differences between these three traffic offenses, the following sections will explore important considerations for each offense. Negligent Driving in Maryland The definition of negligent driving appears… Read More »
Possession of Illegal Drugs in Maryland
The subject for exploration today centers on the possession of illegal drugs and other controlled substances in Maryland. To gain a full appreciation of this legal issue, the following sections will examine key definitions and penalties for this offense. Possession of Illegal Drugs Under Code of Maryland Section 5–601, it is illegal to obtain… Read More »
Criminal Case vs. Civil Lawsuit for Crime Victims in Maryland
Criminal cases and civil lawsuits are not the same. In light of this, the following examines six differences between criminal cases and civil lawsuits for crime victims in Maryland. Purpose The purpose of a criminal case is to punish the perpetrator for violating state criminal law. The perpetrator is responsible to the state, not… Read More »
4 Key Stages of the Legal Timeline for Crime Victims in Maryland
Today’s blog entry will focus on the legal timeline for crime victims in Maryland. The following sections will explore four key stages of the post-crime process: Crime Reporting; Case Prosecution; Sentencing Hearing and Post-Sentencing Proceedings. Victim Reports the Crime to Law Enforcement There are certain rights that come into play after the victim reports… Read More »
How Does Maryland Address Juvenile Delinquency?
Under Maryland law, the term juvenile delinquency refers to criminal conduct by children under 18 years old. These children are not subject to the same laws and penalties as adult criminals. But juvenile delinquents can face harsh punishment for engaging in criminal behavior. To help understand the intricacies of juvenile delinquency in Maryland, the… Read More »
Maryland Kicks Off National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
For the 29th year, the state of Maryland held memorial services for crime victims, reported The Baltimore Sun. These memorial services are part of the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which unites individual efforts across the United States. What is the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week? As explained by the Office for Victims of… Read More »
Baltimore Crime Seems to be Decreasing After Violent 2017
The amount of crime in Baltimore seems to have decreased after breaking records last year, reported The Baltimore Sun. Comparing January-March data from 2017 and 2018, there appears to be a drop in criminal activity across the board. Homicide and murder decreased 27 percent from the same time period last year. Other violent crimes… Read More »
7 Types of Civil Lawsuits for Maryland Crime Victims
Even in the absence of a conviction in criminal court, crime victims in Maryland might be able to receive compensation from a civil lawsuit. Referred to as torts instead of crimes, the civil courts allow victims to sue the perpetrator for various types of wrongdoing. The following sections will provide an overview of common… Read More »
How to Avoid Hit-and-Run Charges in Maryland
With so many vehicles on the road every day — not to mention ever-changing weather conditions — car accidents and truck accidents are a common occurrence. Recognizing this unfortunate reality, Maryland and other U.S. states have laws that prohibit a driver from leaving the scene of an accident. Often referred to as a hit… Read More »
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) vs. Driving While Impaired (DWI)
This blog post will provide an overarching comparison of two types of drunk driving charges in Maryland — driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI). In order to gain a full appreciation of these two criminal offenses, the following sections will outline applicable definitions and penalties under Maryland law. What is… Read More »
