Except for one state, self-service fuel pumps are legal across America. Gas stations throughout the country are allowed to operate half of their pumps as self-serve so that customers can operate the pumps unassisted. Self-service gas stations may have lower prices...
Year: 2023
Skirting around IID requirements is a punishable offense
When a court convicts a driver of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, one of the first administrative penalties is the immediate suspension of the person’s license. However, the court may also allow a convicted driver to apply for a restricted license that...
What qualifies as stalking in Maryland?
Despite casual mentions in jests, stalking is no laughing matter. In Maryland, stalking involves intentionally approaching or following a specific person to terrify or cause them emotional distress. It can take on many forms, from taking photos to watching and...
Does a written threat of a deadly weapon upgrade a robbery offense?
What sets the crime of robbery apart from mere theft is that in robbery, the act of stealing is accomplished using force or threat of force. The use of violence is why robbery is a felony in Maryland and other U.S. states when other non-violent minor theft offenses...
Creating a strong defense strategy against domestic violence charge
Disagreements happen in relationships and marriages. While they are natural and common occurrences, they are frequently minor and quickly resolved. Unfortunately, some arguments could get heated and physical. While this is a serious situation, it is a matter that...
How can habeas corpus get me out of jail?
You may have heard of the term "habeas corpus" and how it can be used to get you out of jail. While the Latin phrase directly means “show the body,” the term refers to a legal challenge to your incarceration based on a violation of your constitutional rights. What is...
Can citizens hold a suspect in place?
Generally, no one has the authority to make an arrest except for law enforcement officers. However, there are cases where an individual unlawfully detains another person they suspect without having any legal authority to do so. This is false imprisonment. Unless they...
When verbal abuse occurs as a trauma response
Verbal abuse is a common element in many domestic violence cases. It uses the power of words to degrade, control and inflict harm on others. The scars often left by this kind of abuse may not be visible, but they are deeply etched into the survivor's emotional and...
Can you beat indecent exposure charges?
Indecent exposure often conjures a comical image of a man in a trench coat revealing himself to unsuspecting passersby. In reality, however, indecent exposure is far from humorous for its victims and qualifies as a misdemeanor. But what if your exposure was...
Is it a crime to fail to return a rental car?
When you don’t have a car of your own but still need a vehicle to get around, a car rental service would be useful. No matter the car rental service company you pick, there are multiple locations you can choose to borrow a vehicle from and return it after. But how...