A successful defense against criminal charges is a journey of many steps. All steps are critical to reaching the desired destination, even if some occur before either side makes an opening statement at trial. Presenting the most robust and effective defense possible means ensuring that all of these steps are…
Maryland Criminal & Immigration Lawyer Blog
USCIS Creates a New Regulation Designed to ‘Modernize’ H-1B Visa Requirements
H-1B visas help workers in various professions, from engineers and scientists to IT professionals, doctors, architects, teachers, and investment bankers. The application process for obtaining an H-1B visa can be complicated, so whether you are a potential sponsor or H-1B visa recipient, obtaining representation from an experienced Maryland immigration lawyer…
Improper Argumentation and ‘Egregious’ Prosecutorial Errors in Maryland Criminal Trials
Sometimes, prosecutors make statements that fall outside the bounds of what the law and the rules of court procedure allow. Many of these errors are modest, but others are severe transgressions. The latter requires more than just a sustained objection to a prosecutorial question if the defendant is to receive…
A New Supreme Court Ruling Will Address Deadlines Associated With Appealing Deportation/Removal Decisions
The Supreme Court of the United States recently agreed to hear the deportation case of a Jamaican man relief under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). This upcoming decision could clarify whether specific appeal deadlines are mandatory or waivable and what does (and does not) constitute a “final order” for purposes…
The Importance of Clear, Accurate, and Unambiguous Jury Instructions in Your Maryland Assault Case
A criminal trial includes many elements. An error by the court in any one of these can make the difference between a fair trial and injustice, between conviction and acquittal. Ensuring you get justice means safeguarding your rights at each of these steps. The best way to ensure that your…
Anonymous Tips, Reasonable Suspicion, and Illegal Searches or Seizures in Maryland Criminal Cases
Many drug or weapons cases hinge upon whether or not the prosecution’s evidence was obtained constitutionally. Police officers, whether intentionally or inadvertently, may engage in searches and seizures that are illegal under the Fourth Amendment. Getting justice, then, means getting that evidence suppressed and getting a dismissal or acquittal. If…
Traveling Abroad as a DACA Recipient
Remaining in the United States under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, presents a unique set of challenges, especially if you are a recipient who encounters a need to travel abroad. If you are a DACA recipient or applicant, making a wrong move regarding international travel can…
Criminal Convictions, Paroled Entry into the U.S., and the Naturalization Process
Obtaining U.S. citizenship can be very exciting. It can also be a stressful process, especially if you have a recent criminal conviction on your record. Any application for naturalization can be a complex and detail-intensive process, but that complexity may rise even higher if you have a less-than-perfect criminal history.…
Suspicious Bulges, Reasonable Suspicion, and the Boundaries of a Permissible ‘Stop and Frisk’ Under Maryland Law
In 1968, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the case of Terry v. Ohio, which declared that police officers can stop and frisk targets without violating that person’s Fourth /amendment rights if the officer has reasonable suspicion for making the stop and conducting the frisk. Today, police officers frequently obtain incriminating…
USCIS Announces Updates Designed to Reduce Delays in Processing Family Visa Petitions
In most areas of the law, details matter… a lot. That is especially true when it comes to applying for a visa. Even seemingly minuscule errors on a visa form can lead to serious delays. This reality is one reason it pays to have a skilled Maryland family visa lawyer…