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...
When a prosecutor hides evidence that could help you, the trial becomes unfair. This is called a Brady violation, and it can open the door for post-conviction relief. Knowing how these violations work helps you understand why they matter so much in the justice system....
When someone faces trial, fairness depends on an impartial jury. Yet, bias can slip into the process through prejudice, preconceived opinions, or exposure to outside information. If that bias influences the verdict, the question becomes whether appellate courts can...
DNA testing often plays a major role in criminal cases. It can connect a person to a crime scene or rule them out entirely. While DNA analysis is highly advanced, mistakes can still happen. These errors may lead to incorrect conclusions if the testing process is not...
When a conviction rests on flawed forensic testimony, the stakes could not be higher. Forensic evidence often carries significant weight with juries, but if that evidence is wrong, the impact can be devastating. In some cases, proving that forensic testimony was...
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...
When someone faces criminal charges, they deserve a fair trial. That includes the right to a defense without divided loyalties. If a defense representative has a conflict of interest, it can raise serious concerns about fairness. In some cases, this problem may serve...
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...