In recent years, drug laws in Washington, D.C., have undergone significant changes, switching between a stricter stance and a more proactive health approach. The district has taken a middle-of-the-road approach: a tough stance on selling but a more lenient approach to...
The Post-Conviction Procedure Act (PCPA) in Maryland offers a legal process for people convicted in a state court to challenge their conviction or sentence. It can address unconstitutional convictions, procedural mistakes or new evidence that could lead to acquittal....
Bribery is the act of giving or receiving any item of significant value to influence the action of a person in authority—in Latin terms, a “quid pro quo” or a favor for a favor. It may seem straightforward, but is it possible to be involved in bribery unintentionally?...
When facing criminal charges, the stakes can be high. The outcome can have a profound impact on one's life, liberty and reputation. While many factors influence the trajectory of a criminal case, one aspect often overlooked is allocution. Allocution refers to the...
New evidence discovered after a trial can significantly impact the outcome of a criminal appeal. It can provide crucial information unavailable during the initial trial. This new information can lead to re-evaluating the case, potentially altering the verdict....
The justice system strives to be fair. However, mistakes can still happen. Sometimes, these errors lead to wrongful convictions, leaving innocent people behind bars. When new evidence comes to light, it can play a crucial role in overturning these unjust verdicts....
A criminal conviction can be devastating and life-altering. Your final sentence must comply with applicable laws and regulations, but when your sentence feels unjust, you have the option to file for relief. What is post-conviction relief? Post-conviction relief is the...
Since the 1990s, the United States has been trying to resolve a dangerous opioid crisis. The issue has had a crucial effect on public health and the nation’s economy. Over 500,000 people have died due to opioids since 2000, and in 2020, overdoses related to the drug...
Social media has revolutionized the way investigators collect evidence when appealing criminal cases. This platform now serves as a rich repository of personal interactions, opinions and even real-time activities, which can impact legal proceedings. As people continue...
Suffering from a wrongful criminal conviction is hurtful and damaging. However, a convict may still seek post-conviction relief by requesting a DNA analysis. Through DNA technology, it would be possible to identify the offender and present new evidence about the...