RaquinMercer filed a petition for a writ of error coram nobis in the circuit court, seeking to set aside a conviction that resulted from an unknowing and involuntary guilty plea. To satisfy a necessary condition for the issuance of the writ, petitioner alleged that...
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...
Everyone should have effective counsel when going up against criminal charges in court. Unfortunately, some people end up with a conviction because a defense attorney committed mistakes that contributed to the outcome. Additionally, sometimes a trial judge misapplies...
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...
Physicians in the Washington, D.C. area often cultivate an extensive professional network through their everyday practices. This often serves to benefit their patients, as such contacts provide points of referral for different cases that might fall outside of the...
Medicare fraud costs the government billions of dollars every year. Perpetrators include doctors, nurses and other health care professionals, although some are unaware of any involvement. The aim of three specific federal laws is to protect the government against...
Drug charges may impact many aspects of your life. Regardless of the reason behind the arrest, you may wonder what your future holds and how things may change. Special courts dealing in drug charges have come about to help people like you get a quicker resolution to...
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...