Each state enacts rules of evidence that govern the admissibility of various kinds of information and testimony during a court proceeding. Most people have heard of something called “hearsay” – a statement, other than one made by the declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to…
Maryland Criminal & Immigration Lawyer Blog
Maryland Court Rules Evidence Sufficient to Support “Possession” of Contraband Drug Convictions
The outcome of a criminal case often depends in large part on the sufficiency of the evidence in light of established Maryland law. There are many defenses that may be asserted with respect to allegedly incriminating evidence. When a person is charged with criminal possession of contraband, courts have held…
Maryland Court Finds Evidence Sufficient To Support Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Convictions
Under Maryland law, crimes are divided into two groups: misdemeanors and felonies. Most people know and understand that a felony is considered more serious and typically accompanied by a longer sentence. But a conviction of either type of crime can affect a person’s life in many ways. A common misdemeanor is…
Maryland’s Highest Court Reviews Legality of Criminal Sentence Below a Binding Plea Agreement
Most states have court rules and laws that govern the preparation and enforceability of a plea agreement between a criminal defendant and the State. According to case law, plea agreements play a “crucial role” in the Maryland criminal justice system. Part of the allure of a plea agreement is the level…
Maryland Court Upholds Admission of Evidence of Other Crimes in Attempted Second-Degree Murder Case
A person who is arrested or charged with a criminal offense will be entitled to many legal protections throughout the criminal proceedings. It is important to understand the extent of one’s legal rights at each stage of the process. Once a case reaches trial, there are many local state rules…
Maryland Court of Appeals Addresses Allocation of Pension Benefits in Divorce
Maryland Court Rejects State’s Effort To Retry Second-Degree Felony Murder Charge
Under Maryland criminal law, a murder that is not “in the first degree” is considered to be “in the second degree.” And in accordance with established case law, there are four types of second-degree murder. In order to reach a conviction under one type or another, the state must prove…
Maryland’s Highest Court Decides Felony Murder Sentencing Issue
The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, also known as the “double jeopardy clause,” protects a person charged with a crime against multiple punishments for the same offense. Courts are expected to rule on issues that come before them with an eye to ensuring that a criminal defendant’s Constitutional rights…
How the “Rule of Lenity” Approaches Maryland Cases Involving Multiple Charges of Criminal Conduct
Every stage of a criminal case, from arrest to the final appeal, presents an opportunity to assert one’s rights. The Constitution and local state laws ensure that no citizen may be deprived of these rights unfairly and without due process. Maryland courts are often called upon to interpret various provisions…
Maryland Court Upholds Decision Not to Merge Criminal Sentences
Throughout a criminal case, from an arrest to a possible conviction and sentencing, the person charged with a crime has multiple opportunities to challenge or defend against the charges, conviction, and ultimate sentence. The United States Constitution guarantees citizens certain protections, covering a broad range of rights. One such right…