We've all heard them being read, even if we don't know them by the name "Miranda rights." Each time these rights are read, as law enforcement tells a newly arrested person that he or she has the right to remain silent, an important criminal defense principle is being upheld. However, the Supreme Court recently issued a ruling which compromises the sanctity of these warnings.
Maryland budget stalls criminal defense protections
Those who advocate for fair and vigorous criminal defense in Maryland celebrated last month when the state Court of Appeals handed down a decision which upholds an important right of the accused. However, budgetary concerns are currently holding up enforcement of the court's ruling.
Juvenile offenders: be wary of peer influence factor
We have written previously about the rising rate of arrests among youths across the country. The uptick in juvenile crime rates has made many question what may be causing the behaviors leading to these arrests.
When does an internet sex-crime sting operation become entrapment?
We have previously written that authorities in Maryland and elsewhere are going to great lengths to troll and monitor the internet. Their goal is to catch would-be criminals in the act, especially those engaged in computer sex crimes such as the download of child pornography or online solicitation of minors.
Maryland targeted certain violent criminals for arrest in 2011
In May 2011, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley was concerned about the quickening pace of that year's homicide rate. The decision was made to focus on outstanding arrest warrants for violent offenders in geographical areas with high crime.
Valuable lesson stems from Maryland drunk driving arrest
It is sometimes difficult to determine whether or not an individual has had so much to drink that he or she should temporarily abstain from driving. For example, you may feel fine after two glasses of red wine over dinner and still have a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) that exceeds the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
Maryland man charged with officer assault and resisting arrest
It is clear to most people that the testimony of a police officer carries a lot of weight. We expect law enforcement officials to be law abiding and honest, and eyewitness accounts from police are often very important to securing a criminal charge or conviction.
Incarceration of juveniles in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) has made the controversial decision to seek the release of a 15-year-old girl who pled guilty to the hate crime of beating a transgendered woman in April of last year. The earlier-than-anticipated release will be officially opposed by the office of the Assistant State Attorney for Baltimore County.
Drunk drivers targeted on Super Bowl Sunday
Whether rooting for the Giants or New England Patriots, residents of Maryland and the other northeastern states will likely be partying Super Bowl-style this Sunday night.
