Police misconduct can have a serious effect on the outcome of a criminal defense case. When law enforcement officers break the law, it can lead to unfair treatment and may change the course of a case. From illegal searches to coerced confessions, misconduct can...
Mail fraud may sound like a simple term, but it covers a wide range of actions that involve deception through the postal system. Understanding what behaviors can lead to a charge can help you recognize how serious this offense can be. What qualifies as mail fraud Mail...
When facing a custodial interrogation in Maryland, your words matter. While you may cooperate and answer questions from an officer, doing so can do more harm than good. Under the Fifth Amendment, you have the right to remain silent. Understanding more about this right...
The evidence locker at your local police department holds more than just old files and fingerprints. Police and forensic labs are retesting decades-old crime scene DNA samples using modern techniques, which can lead to new prosecutions. Chances are, your genetic...
The way that the criminal justice system is designed is to avoid false convictions. This is why the standard of proof in a criminal case is so high, requiring that guilt be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The idea here is that some guilty people may go free because...
We’re starting to see a lot more criminal cases prosecuted, at least in part, due to evidence based on defendants’ alleged fleeting contact with an item or person. Known as “touch-transfer DNA” (or “touch DNA”), forensic investigators claim that this evidence can...
People facing criminal charges are naturally anxious about the future. They worry about taking the case to trial and the attention that might attract. They may worry about the potential penalties that the courts could impose and the consequences of having a lifetime...
In criminal proceedings, evidence must stand up to scrutiny. When DNA evidence is less conclusive than claimed and the data is challenged, there may be a chance for a case dismissal. What factors does a judge consider when evaluating the strength and admissibility of...
Plea bargains play a significant role in the criminal justice system. They allow defendants to resolve their cases without going to trial. Plea bargains help reduce court backlogs while providing defendants with more predictable outcomes. Types of plea bargains Plea...
If you start noticing signs that you may be under investigation, such as unexpected visits from law enforcement, increased surveillance or unexpected interrogations or interviews from the police, it is important to act carefully. Your next steps can have a significant...