You may feel overwhelmed after a loved one receives what appears to be a wrongful conviction. At such a time, the legal system can easily seem confusing and unfair. However, there are steps you can take that may make a difference in your loved one’s fight for...
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....
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....
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...
Sex offenses are heinous crimes that leave lasting scars on victims. However, in cases with limited evidence, the pursuit of justice can lead to wrongful convictions. In Maryland, DNA testing has emerged as a powerful tool for exonerating the wrongly accused in sex...
In March 2024, the Supreme Court of Maryland (SCM) granted the State’s petition for certiorari in State v. Scarboro, ACM No. 1646 (Sept. Term 2022), SCM No. 4 (Sept. Term 2024), an unreported decision by Chief Judge Wells. The State’s petition presented the following...