There are many different types of evidence that police look for during a criminal investigation, and phones and electronic devices are an increasingly common source. Police may want to read text messages that two people sent to each other if they have been accused of...
A variety of different criminal charges can have immigration consequences. Many people understand that violent crimes and drug offenses could potentially lead to removal or deportation proceedings. Any offense indicative of a substance abuse disorder could...
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...
A criminal conviction does not always mark the end of the legal process. In some cases, individuals may have the opportunity to challenge their conviction or sentence even after appeals have been exhausted. This process is known as post-conviction relief and may...
In most criminal cases, an appeal cannot be based on simply disagreeing with the verdict. Appeals usually require new evidence. This typically is something that was not available or known during the original trial. The courts expect the new information to be strong...
If you're involved in a legal case in Maryland and disagree with a decision, you might wonder about the appeals process. An appeal is a request to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court. It's a way to challenge the outcome of a case that you believe...
There are a variety of different circumstances that could lead to allegations of embezzlement. Some people face accusations because there appear to be intercepted payments or funds missing from a corporate bank account. Other times, inappropriate use of company...
If you were convicted as a juvenile in Washington, D.C., you may still have options to challenge that conviction. Post-conviction relief gives you a chance to correct mistakes that happened during your case, especially if new evidence comes to light. Understanding...