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Questions Answered by Eric Todd Kirk
2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: What proof needs to be met to get a conviction on a threat of mass violence charge?

Has to be more than 1 or 2 people claiming a person made a threat?

Eric Todd Kirk
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answered on Jan 27, 2022

If 5 or more people are evacuated, or removed to safe areas because of the threat, the State may be able to prove the case. It is not required that all 5 actually hear the threat directly, or that any of them hear the threat directly.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: what is most likely to happen in court when being charged with petty theft , first offense
Eric Todd Kirk
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answered on Jan 26, 2022

Theft carries the potential of a jail sentence, although unlikely for a first offender, it is not impossible. A theft conviction can haunt you for the rest of your life. You should hire a lawyer, or if you qualify, seek the serices of the PD.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: How do i contact the public defender, is it free? what do i ask?
Eric Todd Kirk
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answered on Jan 26, 2022

You can perform an internet search for "public defender" in your jurisdiction. Follow their instructions. Although it may be 'free' they do have income limitations.

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Maryland on
Q: If I’m caught driving without insurance out of state does that state’s laws apply or the state my car is registered?

My sister drove my car into Pennsylvania because of a family emergency (she doesn’t own a car) and ended up getting into an accident. My question is if Maryland’s laws apply or if Pennsylvania’s laws apply since the accident happened out of state.

Eric Todd Kirk
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answered on Dec 31, 2021

The state law where the offense occured/ law was broken would apply to the criminal charge of driving without a license. The state-of-accident law would likely apply in a civil case, although there could be complicated choice of law principles involved in that determination.

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: I'm charged with all misdemeanors traffic stuff and simple poss. Of cds not marj. But yet my case is in circuit Court

With no indictment or it being forwarded there by district Court I'm not understanding how it doesn't seem right

Eric Todd Kirk
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answered on Dec 29, 2021

Grand jury proceedings are secret. You may not, and frankly likely would not, be aware of an indictment. In a typical scenario, if the case began in the district court and was set for a preliminary hearing, the indictment would be revealed and read into the record. There are other less common... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Maryland on
Q: Was making a u turn in a 35 mile an hour zone in a residential are, another driver was going well above the speed limit

Other driver slammed into me and totaled both of our cars. I’m now getting a damaged claim. Am I able to fight the claim?

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answered on Oct 31, 2021

Anytime a fact pattern is presented that includes someone making a U-turn- there's a substantial possibility that they minimally contributed to the accident. If you wish to contest decisions that might have gone against you you should consult with a lawyer in a confidential setting.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: What to do if suspected drugs that was found on person wasn’t tests at the spot or in a lab

And still being charges

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answered on Aug 17, 2021

If the State cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt the seized item was a controlled dangerous substance [CDS] they cannot convict. Seized items are rarely, if ever, tested on at the scene, and typically sent out to a lab, or tested internally, depending on the size of the jurisdiction.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: If you have a bench warrant will you for failure to appear in court..

If you have a bench warrant / warrant / warrant for failure to appear in court.. and you sign up for a public defender at the district court commissioners office what do you do if the police come to arrest you or can they. do you gave them a copy of the commission's document regarding the... View More

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answered on Jul 28, 2021

If there is a warrant for your arrest, I do not think that your application for the public defender will make any difference to arresting officers. If the PD obtains an order recalling the warrant for you, you should keep a copy of that order, and show that to any arresting officers.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: My Cousin is demanding $150,000. What part of the Annapolis Police department handles extortion?

I believe I am the victim of extortion. My Cousin is demanding 150,000. What part of the Annapolis Police Department handles extortion?

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answered on Jul 27, 2021

https://www.aacounty.org/departments/police-department/

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Maryland on
Q: How long before a trial is scheduled for a July 2021 ticket? When I called they are still scheduling 2020 court cases.

I am currently suing the person that hit my vehicle, but didn't want to wait another 6 months to a year before my trial is scheduled. Should I contact my insurance company and pay the deductible to get my vehicle fixed? I have full coverage, but don't have full PIP coverage. I think this... View More

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answered on Jul 22, 2021

It might not be possible to reliably predict when a currently file case will make it to trial. As you know there are meaningful delays due to covid and there could potentially be more. It's a financial decision but you may well wish to pay your deductible and let your insurance company try to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: can you ask the judge at your court trial for a continuance in criminal court regarding your court trial.

can you ask the judge at your court trial for a continuance in criminal court regarding your court trial. or or the clerk of the court.

Eric Todd Kirk
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answered on Jul 20, 2021

You can ask the Judge. You would file any prior motion with the clerk. Any such request must demonstrate "good cause" for your request.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: how long do you have to sign up for a public defender Maryland Baltimore City

Before Your Court Date

Eric Todd Kirk
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answered on Jul 15, 2021

The conventional answer has always been 10 business days before your trial.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Maryland on
Q: Can Criminal Cases Be Dismissed If The Name Or Address On The Warrant Or Court Trial Is Incorrect /Misspelled.

Can Criminal Cases Be Dismissed If The Name Or Address On The Warrant Or Court Trial Is Incorrect /Misspelled.

Eric Todd Kirk
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answered on Jun 22, 2021

No. Technical errors like you described are simply amended.

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: Would this have any legal repercussions, as she would miss her obligation to receive the ankle monitor?

We have a friend who is at high risk of suicide. She was just released from a county detention center because of a violent altercation with her family during the suicide attempt and is legally obligated to receive an ankle monitor tomorrow.

We plan to transport her to the ER to be admitted... View More

Eric Todd Kirk
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answered on Jun 18, 2021

If she is on pretrial release, she would run the risk of being revoked, and possibly charged with other offenses. Under the circumstances, you should coordinate closely with pretrial services and the court, and follow their guidance.

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4 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: Police are building a case against me for multiple counts of credit card fraud and theft.

I admitted to everything and they searched my car and confiscated evidence for the case. I was terrified because I owe many people money and I committed these terrible crimes. I have never been in legal trouble before. Will I have to pay fines and possibly jail time? I stole debit cards and items... View More

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answered on Apr 15, 2021

This is a public forum, not protected by lawyer-client confidentiality. While it may be a stretch, it could be possible for an intrepid prosecutor to subpoena the posting information, and use your admissions as part of a case against . The better course is to seek the guidance of an experienced... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Maryland on
Q: How does a jury trial go for a violation of protection order? What happens as far as deals or will the case go to trial?

Will the state spend money on a jury trial for this type of case? Is it worth it?

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answered on Apr 12, 2021

The State absolutely spends money on these cases. A first violation has a maximum of 90 days. There is a one-year sentence possible for subsequent violations. It's impossible to gauge how a trial may go without knowledge of the facts of the alleged violation. You should meet with a lawyer in a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Maryland on
Q: Is the prosecution case strong if someone violated a protective order but you can’t see who it is in the video evidence?

The video has no time stamp to prove where it happened, date or time and there are witnesses saying that the accused is guilty because they seen the person at the said time.

Eric Todd Kirk
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answered on Apr 11, 2021

That seems like a remarkably strong case. Eyewitness testimony from multiple sources placing an individual at a scene- presumably where they are not supposed to be- corroborated by video evidence.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: Is calling on behalf of someone saying you are them a crime
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answered on Apr 10, 2021

It could be part of a series of acts that constitute a crime, depending on the context. It's not possible to definitively answer your question without that context. Having said that, it's difficult to conjure a valid reason to deceive someone into thinking you are someone else-whether... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: Just curious. Could metal knuckles be considered a reasonable self defense precaution in Maryland?

Also, is it okay to have metal knuckles in your home? Just as a collectors item?

Eric Todd Kirk
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answered on Mar 25, 2021

Metal knuckles are considered a dangerous weapon. The law provides:

"(c) Prohibited. --

(1) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon of any kind concealed on or about the person.

(2) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon, chemical mace, pepper mace,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Maryland on
Q: What court and state can I sue if I reside in Maryland and was injured at Walmart in Kansas?

On August 23, 2020 while on vacation Plaintiff was injured (cut of left arm) at a Walmart store in the State of Kansas. However, Plaintiff resides in the State of Maryland. What are the statute of limitations and what state can the plaintiff file his complaint?

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answered on Feb 22, 2021

Kansas, most likely.

Consult a lawyer there regarding the SOL.

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