Get free answers to your Criminal Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
My friend is a minor, 16 years old, and has been charged with armed robbery, robbery, criminal assault of the first and second degree, criminal conspiracy and theft under $1,000. We live in Maryland and his friends and myself are all very worried about his sentence. How long do you think it will... View More 
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 21, 2017
These are obviously serious charges. If your friend has been charged as an adult, he faces in excess of 25 years in prison. Because of the number of charges, possible sentences may be impossible to predict at this point. He, or his family should immediately seek a consultation with an experienced... View More
I was charged in a drug conspiracy to distribute oxycodone where I subsequently agreed to a plea bargain of 20 years with 15 suspended and 18 months probation. Parole and probation have since expired and I'd like to know if it is possible for me to see the discovery that was part of the case?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 12, 2017
If you had an attorney, you could ask the see the file. You could file an Maryland Public Information Act request, and see what the government says in response.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 10, 2017
An inmate typically can file anything that a non incarcerated person could file. A Petition for Writ of Coram Nobis would be one of those documents.
I want to know if I can carry one concealed or visible.
This would be for self defense only, I don't feel safe.
This is for a handheld electronic device, they can be held in the palm of the hand and they also have them on canes. There is nothing the shoots out of the device. It... View More
answered on Apr 7, 2017
You still need a permit for most concealed weapons with exceptions for products like mace. A stun gun sounds a lot like taser, but I would have to see which exact gun it is to tell you what the law is for that.
answered on Apr 7, 2017
It means it is being decided what will happen to you. Usually but not always a disposition hearing/sentencing hearing is AFTER a guilty finding. That means sentencing has yet to occur. The judge may request what's called a PSI (pre-sentence investigation) to determine some background... View More
Is found that has nothing to do with what they're looking for can they still use that other information against a third party?
answered on Apr 7, 2017
Yes, generally. I have had cases in which a search was undertaken against another person for other reasons of a vehicle and information that led to charges against my client for totally unrelated matters. Unfortunately they can do this. There may be some constitutional defenses available... View More
Is it legal to withhold the date of an inmates parole hearing.
answered on Apr 7, 2017
It is generally legal. Courts have to postpone for many valid reasons including court availability and availability of various officers or court officials for the hearing. IF the hearing were altogether cancelled that is a different story entirely.
Entering NSA property from I95 on ramp. He was told by the police that they couldn't get in touch with a u.s. state's attorney, so in lieu of that was given citation for the cocaine and a receipt for the 5k. That's been about a month ago and nothing has happened. Have they chosen not... View More
answered on Mar 23, 2017
I would assume federal charge. The issue is jurisdiction. If the case was on federal property or in federal territory at the time it will likely originate in federal court. The options in Maryland could be the Greenbelt courthouse or the Baltimore courthouse depending on where on I95 this... View More
He was suspended in November 2016 for 10 days from school. I just found out today he submitted a written statement to the school police, no parent or representative on his behalf was present. He's 13yo and good to public school. I received a call 3/22/17 from Mr. Riggs at the Juvenile Justice... View More
answered on Mar 23, 2017
It's a whole other ballgame as to what kids can bring to school. If the knife is illegal in general, then potentially YES if he is charged as an adult. It sounds like they are going to charge him as a juvenile which is not a jail situation but could be reform school or similar. In our... View More
answered on Mar 22, 2017
Any time you are arrested and about to be questioned you must be read Miranda rights. That's the law. Otherwise the statements made could be found to be inadmissable. However there are ways the police can talk to people voluntarily, pre-arrest without needing to Mirandize.
I am 17 years old and this is my first offense. My citations mentions criminal law after stating Something about a "must appear" mark. My ciataion only say payable by fine. I was just wondering if it applies to me as well and will show on my criminal record or if it is only a traffic violation.
answered on Mar 18, 2017
It's a must appear but is simply a payable traffic citation rather than a jailable offense. You can fight this in court or pay it off. . I recommend to my clients generally to take any traffic citation to court no no matter how small because there is always the risk of points in certain... View More
It's up to the judge whether or not to hear my case. If he does then there's a chance that it can be changed to a pbj, then expunged right?
answered on Mar 18, 2017
The Maryland statute regarding reconsideration of sentence generally holds that you have 90 days to ask the court (must be in writing) from date of disposition of your case to ask the court to modify or reduce your sentence. If you file too late you may lose the right, but you could timely file... View More
I am an owner of a pizzeria who was arrested transporting money to the bank, gun not stolen, but obviously was not licensed and transported the weapon in the cabin of my vehicle
answered on Mar 18, 2017
This should not preclude you. Here is the applicable statute which applies only to people who have "been convicted" either of a felony or a "disqualifying crime."
A person convicted of a “disqualifying crime” who possesses a “regulated firearm” is subject to a... View More
in either case and has no arrests on his record. He violated his probation by only completely 12 of 20 classes due to his work schedule. They are willing to accept him back in the classes. He turned himself in on Monday and has been sitting at BCDC since. He has not seen a commissioner or a judge... View More
answered on Mar 18, 2017
If he has an attorney, he should consult the attorney on these issues. His attorney may be able to assist with these concerns. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on his specific case facts since he has counsel on this matter except to respond generally.
answered on Mar 18, 2017
IF it was theft LESS than $1000 that is is misdemeanor offense carrying 18 months incarceration (maximum) or a $500 fine. The laws may have changed since 2005 insofar as wording and penalties but I am guessing this is what you are/were looking at.
answered on Mar 18, 2017
Current Maryland law, sadly, does not allow for expungement of DUI PBJ's. I personally advocate for a change in the law since many other, more serious offenses for which one gets a PBJ can be expunged, but I am not a lawmaker so I wouldn't be the one deciding.
My ex-husband recorded phone conversations and our court trial and posted them on Facebook and Youtube. The court trial contains my address and other personal information for anyone to hear now. He was already ruled not to stalk me. Can I legally do anything about this? I had no knowledge of being... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 18, 2017
There are potentially several criminal violations here as well as violations of local court administrative orders regarding the use of recording equipment in courtrooms. You should consult the State's Attorney's office. There also might be way to seek injunctive relief through the civil... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 15, 2017
Your cannot have a conviction for that crime expunged. If you or your attorney timely [within 90 days] filed a motion to modify back in 2011, you may still have a chance to have the sentence modified. You should immediately consult with a seasoned personal injury lawyer.
I gave a full description of my physical involvement and his.. i was never charged..The police officer when filing charges completely changed what my statement was that evening which lead to my fiances arrest and now are refusing to provide a copy of the statement I wrote that evening what do I do
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 2, 2017
A police officer is not obligated to adopt your version of events and Incorporate that in a statement of charges. A police officer is going to conduct an investigation, try to determine what happened, based on the evidence, and incorporate those findings into a statement that he or she believes... View More
What should we do?
answered on Feb 18, 2017
Show up for court. You will talk with the PD before the court session. If things are not how you want them, you may obtain a continuance in order to retain a private lawyer.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
