The term “innocent until proven guilty” is probably something that you’ve heard before. What does this actually mean in terms of criminal justice and why is it so important? There is a common misconception that anyone who has been arrested must have done something...
When people think of impaired driving, their thoughts usually go to alcohol. It’s true that many cases do revolve around alcohol, but it’s also possible to face these charges for being under the influence of drugs while you’re driving. This includes legal and illegal...
Don’t make the mistake of assuming, as so many people do, that a breath test is an ironclad piece of evidence. Many people believe that failing a breath test, or blowing a blood alcohol concentration that is over the legal limit, is a guarantee that they are going to...
As states have struggled to deal with the epidemic of opioid and other drug overdose deaths, they’ve enacted “Good Samaritan” or “immunity” laws. These allow people to seek emergency help for someone (themselves or another person) who’s suffering an overdose without...
People often assume that if they stay below 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC), they cannot be charged with drunk driving. However, as explained below, this is not true. Maryland has two kinds of drunk driving charges: driving under the influence (DUI) and...
The Attorneys at Ortega Law could not be more excited to see Maryland courts begin to reopen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Judge Ellen Barbera’s May 22, 2020 Executive Order outlines the plan for the full reopening of Maryland’s courts by October 2020. Maryland courts are currently on Phase One of a Five Phase plan, with expectations…
For those involved in the Maryland court system and its operation, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many delays and uncertainties. Despite the confusion, there is finally hope on the horizon for relief of some detained juveniles as the guidelines for the current state of emergency continue to evolve. The attorneys at Ortega Law are enthusiastic to use this opportunity to…
The justice system can be confusing and complicated, especially for those who aren’t top criminal defense attorneys. As a result, many people come to believe assumptions as facts, which can cause serious problems when they have a run-in with the law. Here are straight truths to help you avoid making a situation with the authorities worse. Fact #1: You Can…
Do you and your criminal defense attorney from Anne Arundel County disagree with the outcome of your trial? Then you might want to consider appealing your case. A criminal appeal is a complex process where the court of appeals reviews a criminal case to make sure the proceedings followed the law. The appeal is based on written records of the case, including…
In the pursuit of a criminal case, evidence is the foundation upon which both sides build their respective arguments. During the investigation into a crime, great care must be taken to collect, preserve, and record evidence that could be critical in establishing the facts surrounding a criminal case. However, the importance of the evidence doesn’t end after the trial. As…