If you are facing a criminal conviction and you learn that the court dismissed your appeal, the news can feel devastating. You may have hoped the appellate court would correct what you believe went wrong at the initial trial. Generally, an appellate court’s decision...
New or reexamined evidence sometimes raises credible doubts even years after a verdict. Courts permit DNA retesting when more accurate methods were unavailable at trial or when testing produced inconclusive results. In Washington, D.C., this process can address...
DNA evidence plays a powerful role in criminal cases in Washington, DC, and it does not only support the prosecution. When used correctly, DNA evidence can reinforce an alibi by showing that physical evidence does not place you at the scene. Courts and forensic...
Imagine agents from the FBI or DEA arrive at your office. They have a search warrant to investigate your opioid prescriptions or billing records. For a doctor in Washington, D.C., this is a crisis. You must protect your career. Stay calm, confirm the warrant’s reach,...
Prosecutorial misconduct can affect the fairness of a criminal case in Washington, DC. When it impacts the outcome, it may support an appeal. Understanding how appellate courts review these claims helps you see when an appeal may succeed. What counts as prosecutorial...
If you want to challenge a criminal conviction after sentencing, timing matters. Maryland law sets specific deadlines for post‑conviction relief, and missing them can block certain claims. Understanding how these limits work helps you avoid unnecessary setbacks....
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...
DNA evidence has changed the way courts handle homicide and sex offense cases. It is definitive, objective and difficult to refute. For families living with a conviction that feels deeply wrong, DNA testing can provide answers to their lingering questions. Many people...
Jury instructions play a key role in ensuring that a trial is fair and that the jury has a clear understanding of the law they must apply to the facts of the case. In Maryland, if a jury instruction is flawed, it can potentially lead to a successful appeal. However,...
Sentencing guidelines help determine a fair punishment for someone convicted of a crime. When errors occur in applying these guidelines, they can affect the fairness of the sentence. Post-conviction relief offers a chance to address these errors, which may lead to a...