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...
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...
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...
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...
In criminal proceedings, evidence must stand up to scrutiny. When DNA evidence is less conclusive than claimed and the data is challenged, there may be a chance for a case dismissal. What factors does a judge consider when evaluating the strength and admissibility of...