You discover evidence after your conviction that could have changed the outcome at trial. Maryland courts treat convictions as final. Reopening a case requires more than finding something new. You must meet a specific legal standard that most evidence does not...
A criminal case can lead to more than one conviction, but a judge cannot always give a separate sentence for each crime. Maryland law may require some convictions to count as one for sentencing purposes. If you receive separate sentences for crimes linked to the same...
A criminal conviction can lead to deportation for some noncitizens, even after the sentence is over. The result depends on the crime, the sentence and the person’s immigration status. What crimes can cause removal? Federal immigration law lists several crimes that can...
DNA evidence can feel overwhelming when you face criminal charges. A report that links your DNA to a sample may seem to settle the issue, but a mixed sample can raise more questions than it answers. When genetic material from several people appears in one sample, the...
A criminal conviction does not always mark the end of your legal options. You may have the right to challenge a final judgment through the appellate process. Maryland imposes strict deadlines for filing an appeal and missing an applicable deadline can result in...
While prosecutors often present DNA evidence as the ultimate proof of guilt, it is far from infallible. Forensic science has distinct blind spots, and a simple genetic match never automatically equates to criminal culpability in a court of law. What DNA evidence can...
A criminal conviction does not always end the legal process. A direct appeal and post-conviction relief can both challenge a conviction, but they serve different purposes. Knowing the difference can help a person or family decide what options may still be available....
Yes. A Washington, D.C., appellate court can find a trial error harmless and uphold a criminal conviction. But not every mistake is harmless. The key question is whether the error affected the outcome. That determination can mean the difference between upholding the...
Trace DNA, sometimes called touch DNA, refers to tiny amounts of genetic material left behind through skin cells or brief contact with a person, object or surface. In post-conviction cases, that kind of evidence may deserve a second look when prosecutors treat it as...
A guilty verdict feels overwhelming, but a trial court decision is not always the final word. Appeals do not start a trial over or call new witnesses to testify. Instead, higher courts review official trial transcripts to determine if the judge or prosecutor made...