Every minute counts when a child is lost. As adults, the law expects you to take reasonable steps to care for the child and ensure their safety. Still, a well-intentioned act to help can quickly land you in legal trouble. Under certain circumstances, you may encounter...
CRIMINAL LAW – Criminal Defense
Public urination is not as harmless as you think
Imagine this: you're out for a night on the town when suddenly, nature calls. There's no bathroom in sight and the urge to duck behind a bush grows stronger by the second. Before you give in, consider this: public urination in Maryland isn't just embarrassing – it's...
What can happen if you have a gun and the police pull you over for a suspected DUI?
The police pulling you over for suspected drunk driving can be a very stressful experience. If you add a firearm to the mix, the situation may grow even more complex. Maryland has strict laws regarding both drunk driving and gun possession. Understanding these laws...
Why is misusing a laser pointer a crime?
Laser pointers help professionals highlight key points during presentations and lectures, while children often use them for amusement. However, most laser pointers on the market emit power beyond regulatory limits. Despite their seemingly harmless appearance, misusing...
The consequences of porch piracy
Porch piracy, the act of stealing deliveries from someone's doorstep, has seen an increase along with the surge in online shopping. This offense is no small matter. Mail theft is a federal crime and soon, potentially, a felony. Across the country, authorities are...
The legal repercussions of arson: penalties and defense
Arson is a serious crime with devastating consequences. Beyond the immediate property damage, fires can endanger lives, disrupt communities and leave emotional scars. Understanding the potential penalties and available defenses is crucial if facing arson charges. What...
Failing to pay for motor fuel is a theft offense
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...
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...