When you receive a sentence for a criminal conviction, there is the possibility that you will become incarcerated. Where you spend your time behind bars depends on a few factors. The National Institute of Justice explains you could either go to jail or prison. They...
Trace DNA uses STR analysis to identify skin cells or other tiny specimens of human genetic material left behind at a crime scene. In court, defense teams can protect clients against life-changing charges by pinpointing whose DNA was at the scene. The scientific...
DNA evidence changed how criminal prosecution works. However, it is not infallible and might lead to false convictions. According to the Innocence Project, both the District of Columbia and Maryland allow for post-conviction DNA testing for crimes of violence. Even if...
In my last piece written just before the start of the 2022 session, I urged the Maryland legislature to consider and adopt five major changes to the current juvenile delinquency law. Happily, the General Assembly enacted reform measures with respect to four of the...
Post-conviction relief in Maryland is an option if you are currently in jail or prison or serving probation or parole. The state distinguishes this from the type of relief you may seek to clear your record if you are not actively serving a sentence. The Officer of the...
When you find yourself facing prosecution for allegedly committing a crime, one of the most important things you need to understand is the Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine and how it protects you and your rights. Per information from FindLaw, this doctrine works...
Forensic interviews are not just for the prosecution. In this process, the defense can gather information from a witness or victim to present in a court hearing. In situations involving allegations of child abuse, this technique offers the defense an opportunity to...
In identifying the perpetrator of a crime, major tasks might include sifting through the evidence for materials having characteristics that do not change over time. Fingerprints are examples of such characteristics. Another example of profiling technology is trace DNA...
The American legal system can be confusing. Because police detectives have extensive experience interviewing witnesses, the criminal justice process also can be intimidating. If you are not careful, you may say something prosecutors can use against you at trial....
Recently, the police involved you in a criminal investigation, saying they found your DNA at the crime scene. You may have a loose understanding of DNA fingerprinting, which law enforcement uses to identify individuals using strands of DNA, but do you know its...