Criminal Defense

In our last post, we spoke briefly about the recent indictment of Episcopalian Bishop Heather Cook on 13 charges in connection with a hit-and-run accident that occurred in December. We noted that, although it isn't clear how prosecutors will handle charges in the...

Baltimore readers have probably heard about the case of Episcopalian Bishop Heather Cook, who struck and killed a 41-year-old bicyclist back in December. Readers may also have heard that Cook's blood alcohol level was almost three times the legal limit at the time of...

In our last couple posts, we spoke briefly about a recent Supreme Court case which held that an officer’s reasonable mistake of law does not destroy probable cause or reasonable suspicion. Here we want to look at one possible strategy in criminal defense when it is...

In our last post, we began writing about the legality of police searches and seizures, particularly in cases where officers make a mistake of fact or law. As we noted, it is well-established that reasonable mistakes of fact do not vitiate an officer’s reasonable...

The legality of police searches and seizures is an important issue in the area of criminal defense. As Baltimore residents know, one of the basic duties of police officers is to seek out criminal activity and hold offenders accountable. In going about their work,...

Every Baltimore resident knows Cal Ripken Jr., the legendary third basemen for the Baltimore Orioles who owns the record for consecutive games played in Major League Baseball. Well, Ripken is still involved with baseball, and he is also putting his support in a...

Incarcerating younger people has always been somewhat controversial, but if it didn't already rub you the wrong way, a new report found that incarcerating juveniles for offenses they commit -- including even non-violent offenses -- can cost up to $148,767 per year per...

This country is known for protecting the rights of its people. One of those rights is protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. One judge recently ruled that a Baltimore arrest was unlawful, putting the case involving weapons charges in jeopardy.Police...

Police often have a difficult job. For example, they are tasked with investigating suspicious deaths. As they do so, they often face pressure from the victim's family and the general public to provide answers, and even those officers with the best of intentions can...

As most people are aware, people in this country have many rights. Fortunately, those who are suspected of crimes are protected from wrongful arrests and convictions by various safeguards. Because the average person may be unaware of all his or her rights -- and what...