Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Blog

Baltimore arrested for allegedly stealing lawnmower

2013-05-17T19:25:00Z

A Baltimore County police dog helped apprehend a burglary suspect on May 1. The alleged crime occurred at 11:22 p.m. in the 600 block of Charing Cross Road in Catonsville. Police were called to the scene after a homeowner heard a noise outside and then saw a man walking toward the garage.

The police dog located the accused a block away with a Honda lawnmower that was allegedly stolen from the garage. According to police, the accused ran from the scene and was later arrested in a wooded area near Martin Drive and Sedgewood Road. He is being held on $7,500 bail for multiple theft charges, including second-degree burglary, fourth-degree theft, theft of less than $1,000 and resisting/interfering with arrest.

]]> Burglary convictions can have serious consequences, even for items less than $1,000. If the suspect is convicted of all charges, he could be sentenced to fines, probation or even jail. He could also face civil litigation if any property was damaged during the alleged burglary.

Individuals accused of burglary or theft have a right to defend themselves against the charges. They may benefit from speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney, who could examine the incident and argue on behalf of the accused. It may be possible that burglary charges are inappropriate for the alleged crime or that the incident was a result of a misunderstanding or miscommunication between the accused and the homeowner. A criminal defense attorney could also argue for lesser charges or sentences depending on the circumstances. It is very important that those accused seek support from criminal law professionals in order to better prepare themselves for these situations.

Source: http://catonsville.patch.com/, "Police: K-9 Catches Alleged Burglar", Janet Metzner, May 10, 2013

Man arrested in Cambridge on drug and gun charges

2013-05-09T23:28:04Z

A Hurlock man was arrested on gun and drug charges after he allegedly knocked on random doors in Cambridge around midnight. Police arrested the 20-year-old after they were called to Peachblossom Avenue on a report of disturbances in the area. The drug charges stem from 35 grams of marijuana, a handgun and drug paraphernalia allegedly found on the accused man at the time of the investigation.

The accused man was allegedly knocking on the doors of houses and creating a disturbance for residents in the area when police approached him. Upon searching the man, the police placed him under arrest and charged him with having a handgun on his person during a felony, possession of marijuana, intent to distribute and possession of paraphernalia. He is being held without bond in the Dorchester County Detention Center.

]]> Law enforcement officials are allowed to make searches of individuals under certain circumstances. However, if a person is searched without probable cause, the charges against that person arising from the alleged finding of drugs or illegal substances may be dismissed. It is important that anyone who is searched and accused of drug possession or other serious crimes have legal counsel about his or her rights before making any plea to the charges.

A criminal defense attorney may be able to advise an accused person of his or her rights and assist that person in forming a defense to the charges. A criminal defense attorney may also be able to help an accused person have charges dismissed or reduced based on the circumstances of an arrest.

Source: marylandnewszap.com, "Hurlock man arrested on gun and drug charges in Cambridge", April 26, 2013

Maryland man drives into two homes

2013-05-03T21:49:21Z

A 54-year-old Maryland man drove his truck into a residence and broke a propane line and an electric line in an accident near Baltimore on April 24. The first home caught fire, and a huge burst of flame flew up the side of the home to the second story, damaging the side of the building. A neighbor used a dry chemical extinguisher to put out the fire, so that by the time the fire department arrived, the flames were under control. A spokesman for the Harford County Sheriff's Office indicated that the damage could have been much worse, and people could have been hurt.

The driver also backed his truck into a nearby residence and moved it off its foundation. He drove away from the scene through both yards. Police located him a few minutes later and took him into custody. The man faces a drunk driving charge and additional charges for DUI, possession of marijuana and fleeing the scene of an accident. He paid bail and was released.

]]> The authorities attempted to speak with both homeowners, but they were distraught over the incident and refused to comment further. Reportedly, no one was hurt.

In Maryland, criminal defense attorneys who have a track record of working with DUI offenders might be able to negotiate with the prosecution for alternatives to harsh penalties. In some cases, substance abuse education and counseling is a viable option because people who want help overcoming addiction may work on becoming clean and sober. In turn, this might help them live a law-abiding life.

Source: WBALTV, "Deputies: Drunk driver hit 2 homes, setting 1 on fire," April 26, 2013

Maryland man faces charges for fraudulent use of credit card

2013-04-24T20:31:31Z

A 42-year-old man allegedly used a state-issued credit card and charged almost $95,000 while working at the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services. According to his records, the man recently faced a theft charge for stealing between $10,000 and $100,000. The MAGO worked with the Maryland State Police to investigate the crime.

The accused man supposedly used the credit card fraudulently between Jan. 18, 2011 and Feb. 29, 2012 when he worked at the Victor Cullen Center, a juvenile treatment facility, as the food administrator. He may face a sentence of up to 15 years in prison along with a $15,000 fine if he is convicted of the crime.

]]> While committing a crime can lead to serious consequences, those penalties can be enhanced when someone in a position of trust abuses their position for their own personal gain. The accused man also faces the loss of his job, career and personal reputation because of the pending criminal charges.

A criminal defense attorney might possibly be able to help clients by ensuring that their constitutional rights are protected. The attorney may try to work out a plea agreement and look at alternatives to time in prison so that clients can receive the least-possible punitive sanction. They may review a number of mitigating factors, such as stability in the community, in order to argue their case. If the prosecution will not agree to a plea, the attorney might take the case to trial and defend the client before a jury.

Source: Herald-mail.com, "Hagerstown man charged with using credit card to steal $95,000," April 11, 2013

Former store manager receives probation term in Maryland

2013-04-19T06:08:16Z

The Baltimore State Attorney's Office reported that a former area store manager was sentenced to two years of probation with a six-month suspended sentence for the distribution of synthetic marijuana or "spice" on April 2. He pleaded guilty to three counts of drug charges.

According to Maryland law, the distribution of synthetic marijuana is illegal. Law enforcement personnel have been investigating the supermarket since May 2012, which was owned by the accused man's daughter. Questions arose about the store when a college student became sick after visiting there. Undercover officers bought the synthetic marijuana from the store owner on five separate occasions between May and June of 2012. They requested a search warrant and found the synthetic marijuana, drug paraphernalia and cash. Officers from two separate agencies cooperated on the case to effect the arrest.

]]> When someone faces drug charges, they might be sentenced to serious consequences. In some jurisdictions, the courts are required to impose mandatory sentences for drug crimes. These might include substance-abuse counseling, random drug testing, court-ordered payments, community service hours, probation and time in jail or prison.

The courts and prosecutors understand that in some cases, people can benefit from substance-abuse counseling. Drug treatment costs the taxpayers less money than harsher sanctions, such as prison. In addition, treatment allows a person to remain in the community, work and support their family. Criminal defense attorneys in Maryland may be able to negotiate an appropriate plea agreement with the district attorney that includes substance abuse rehab. Criminal defense attorneys may also explain defendants' rights and options and recommend courses of action.

Source: WBAL, "Former Towson Store Manager Sentenced For Selling Illegal Drugs," Ashley Michelle Williams, April 2, 2013

Maryland woman charged with DUI after head-on accident

2013-04-12T18:23:36Z

A 25-year-old Maryland woman was taken into custody for drinking and driving after she allegedly caused a head-on collision in the early morning hours of March 25. She submitted to field sobriety tests, and although the results of the tests were not released, she faces DUI charges.

Early that morning, Maryland law enforcement personnel responded to a call to be on the look out for a white car. Within two minutes, someone reported a head-on collision involving the same vehicle that had hit an SUV. Both vehicles sustained serious front-end damage.

]]> The motorist signed a document at the accident scene saying that she did not wish to seek additional medical treatment. The driver of the van was taken to a medical facility for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. There were no passengers in either vehicle.

A person who is accused of drinking and driving can face serious sanctions in Maryland. These might include fines, probation, loss of license, community service hours, alcohol education classes or intensive treatment, and time in jail or prison. With each additional DUI offense, the sanctions usually become increasingly harsh.

A criminal defense attorney might be able to ensure that the officers on the scene read the client their rights prior to an arrest and followed the proper procedures for administering a breathalyzer and the field sobriety tests. The attorney often tries to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecution or the judge in order to lessen the sentences that a client might face.

Source: Southern Maryland Newsnet, "Woman Arrested for Drunk Driving in Head on Collision in Mechanicsville," March 25, 2013

Principal admits to taking $10K from school

2013-04-05T21:12:20Z

A former principal at a Maryland high school admitted his involvement in stealing $10,000 from the school. The 37-year-old entered a guilty plea to a felony theft charge in Baltimore Circuit Court on March 19.

The court sentenced him to four years of probation and 150 hours of community service work. He was also ordered to repay the money, which he immediately did. He allegedly used the funds to pay for several expenses, including his wedding. He expressed his relief that the ordeal was over.

]]> He has not worked at the school since 2008, but in 2011, he transferred money from the school's account to his own and into a joint account shared with his fiancée on four occasions over approximately an eight-month period. He was working as an administrator for a college at the time. When authorities initially investigated his involvement in the crimes in late 2012, he told them there must have been a mix up and that the transfers were mistakes.

The office of the state prosecutor investigated his case because it related to corruption and a misuse of public trust. A representative from the office observed that the crime was especially shocking and felt that harsher sanctions were appropriate. Their office requested a two-year suspended prison sentence along with 300 hours of community service.

The Maryland principal could have received harsher penalties, such as those recommended by the state prosecutor's office. A criminal defense attorney might be able to convince the prosecution or judge in a case to mitigate sentences.

Source: Baltimore News Journal, "Former Baltimore principal pleads guilty to stealing school funds to pay for wedding," March 20, 2013

Source: Baltimore Sun, "Pilfering principal pleads guilty to $10K student fund theft," Ian Duncan, March 19, 2013

Man arrested after truck gets stuck; defendants sentenced

2013-03-26T20:32:39Z

An unforeseen emergency recently resulted in the arrest of a 27-year-old man after sheriff's deputies found him with a loaded handgun and a substance that appeared to be cocaine in Maryland. Law enforcement personnel arrived on the scene to help a Connecticut resident when the front end of his truck became partially submerged underwater. As the truck was being removed from the ditch, officers noticed a weapon holster and later found a loaded handgun and the substance resembling cocaine. He was arrested on weapon and drug charges.

In an unrelated arrest, a 35-year-old man and 33 year-old woman from Virginia both pled guilty recently to possession of marijuana and received $250 fines and probation sentences of two years. After they were stopped for speeding, the officer could smell marijuana emitting from their vehicle. During a subsequent search, police found two baggies containing marijuana and took them into custody.

]]> Drug arrests and convictions sometimes result in a variety of penalties, including fines, community service, substance abuse treatment, drug testing, probation and time in custody. Some of these consequences are regulated by mandatory sentencing laws, which can be excessively harsh in some cases.

A criminal defense attorney might be able to help someone accused of a crime avoid the most serious of sanctions. Attorneys try to look into a client's need for drug counseling to determine if that caused the person to commit the crimes in the first place. In some cases, the prosecution and the judge may agree that a defendant should attend treatment instead of receiving more serious sanctions.

Source: WISTV, "Gun, Cocaine Arrest," March 15, 2013

Pair arrested for drug charges in Maryland

2013-03-21T16:36:11Z

Law enforcement personnel in Anne Arundel County in Maryland arrested a 22-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman during a routine patrol of the area. They both face several of the same drug charges, including possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. The man faces additional drug- and weapons-related charges.

Officers observed the woman trying to wave down vehicles and acting suspiciously. She walked over to a car and got in just before the male driver drove away from the scene. After he drove away, police stopped him for a traffic infraction. During the routine stop, they smelled a substance believed to be marijuana coming from the suspect. Marijuana was found on the driver, and he was taken into custody.

]]> The woman was taken into custody in connection with an open warrant, but police also found 21.2 grams of a substance believed to be marijuana on her. In addition, officers reportedly found 13.3 grams of marijuana packaged for sale, nearly $700, a loaded gun and a scale in the car.

When people are arrested and charged with drug crimes, they could face serious consequences, especially if the crimes fall under mandatory sentencing laws. Criminal defense attorneys might be able to negotiate plea agreements with the district attorneys in order to reduce any penalties that the clients might face. In some cases, those who are charged with drug crimes may complete substance abuse counseling. Knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys may explain defendants' rights and options and clarify the entire trial process for the defendants, and the attorneys may work to convince the judge to order drug treatment instead of time in custody.

Source: Huffington Post, "Two Busted For Drugs In AA County," Ashley Michelle Williams, March 4, 2013

Two men face charges after laptop thefts on UM campus

2013-03-16T16:02:11Z

The University of Maryland Police have recently arrested a 20-year-old man and a 38-year-old man following an investigation into two separate incidents in late 2012 in which laptop computers were stolen on campus. The suspects now face theft charges and possible time in custody.

The first crime happened when a student left his laptop out in the open at a campus study area in November 2012. When he came back about 60 minutes later, the computer was missing. University Police identified the 20-year-old man as a suspect, but when confronted with evidence that involved him in the case, he denied that he knew about the theft. However, police took him into custody. The laptop was not recovered. He faces theft charges of between $1,000 and $10,000 and could receive a prison term of up to 10 years. He has a prior charge for possession of drug paraphernalia although it is unknown if he was convicted in that case.

]]> In the other incident in December 2012 , another student left her dorm room unlocked during the day and returned to find two laptop computers stolen. Campus police identified the 38-year-old suspect and questioned him. One laptop was found, and he could not explain where he got the computer. The other laptop was not recovered. The subject faces charges for two counts of theft less than $1,000. He could be sentenced to 18 months in prison on each charge.

Police sometimes make arrests in cases of theft when they have not recovered the stolen property. In some situations, a criminal defense attorney might be able to question the evidence that connects a suspect to the alleged offense in order to weaken the prosecution's case.

Source: The Diamondback, "Two arrested in connection with separate University of Maryland laptop theft incidents," March 1, 2013

Suspect faces theft charges after selling stolen items

2013-03-06T00:42:36Z

A 23-year-old suspect was taken into custody recently on outstanding warrants for selling stolen items to a pawn shop in Camp Springs. He faces two felony theft charges for stealing the merchandise, which was valued at about $1,350. The pawn store reportedly paid him just over $200 for the property, including portable electronics and jewelry.

In November of 2012, law enforcement personnel connected the defendant and his partner to stolen items through a lost cell phone, which contained text messages sent to the co-defendant. Beginning in October, the pair were suspected to have broken into a minimum of six homes in the White Oak area and believed to have stolen electronics, jewelry and guns. In one notable incident, one of the victims allegedly awoke to find the co-defendant in his home. Although the thief fled with $60 in cash, in the process he lost his cell phone and items that were later determined to have been stolen.

]]> Authorities found pictures of more stolen merchandise on the phone; they scouted out various pawn shops in the area and recovered the stolen merchandise. On Nov. 10, law enforcement responded to a call from a local hotel of someone in a room with a gun. They found both suspects. In addition to jewelry, officers discovered a substance believed to be PCP. The 23-year-old was subsequently released on bond.

A suspect who faces felony charges might be able to benefit from the representation of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. The attorney might be able to negotiate a possible reduction in charges in order to lessen the penalties the defendant faces if he or she is convicted.

Source: WUSA9, "Jonathan Warren Charged With Felony Theft For Stealing, Selling iPods, Fog Machine, Camera, Jewelry In Md.," Feb. 25, 2013

Rapper 2 Chainz faces marijuana charges

2013-02-27T15:16:04Z

Rapper 2 Chainz admitted possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia after he was stopped by police on the evening of Feb. 14. Consequenty, he faces drug charges with a possible penalty of up to 365 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

The rapper was in Maryland to perform at a local college. He was detained near Easton by law enforcement personnel, who saw him speeding, according to a spokesman for the Maryland State Police. A strong smell of marijuana allegedly emitted from the van, and a search yielded paraphernalia and a minuscule amount of marijuana. The suspect was arrested, cited and released.

]]> Representatives for the agent, including the agent's manager, made no comments regarding the arrest. His website tweeted a picture of the rapper with the police, although Maryland State Police did not verify that the photo is real. One tweet noted that the police wanted pictures after arresting him. Another tweet indicated that the "show must go on," referring to the rappers next scheduled performance in the state.

After an arrest and accusations of drug charges, the suspect might be able to benefit from the legal services of a criminal defense attorney, who might be able to negotiate a reduction or even a dismissal of the charges. In some cases, the courts are bound by mandatory sentencing laws that determine penalties. However, if the defendant is convicted of the offense, a sentence of community service hours might be an appropriate consequence so that the defendant can repay the community for his crime. In this case, an attorney might challenge the search and seizure itself if proper procedures were not observed or negotiate for a lessened penalty considering the trace amount of drugs found.

Source: Huffington Post, "2 Chainz Jailed In Maryland On Drug Charge," Feb. 15, 2013

Man receives time in custody for eighth drunk driving offense

2013-02-20T15:09:22Z

A 48-year-old man was convicted of his eighth DWI charge in Wicomico County on Feb. 4. Because of his history as a repeat offender, he received an extra three years in prison and was sentenced to the maximum term allowed according to Maryland law for repeat offenders. However, the court suspended all but one year.

The defendant's sixth and seventh convictions occurred less than seven days apart in Oct. 2012. He will serve back-to-back sentences for these three cases in which he incurred DUI charges. He was sentenced to two years and three years, respectively, which means he will need to serve a total of eight years in custody, four of them in the department of corrections. Six of the convictions have been in Wicomico County while his two other convictions were in Worcester County.

]]> The defendant was sentenced for the eighth time for a June 2012 incident in which law enforcement personnel were dispatched to an accident when the defendant rear-ended a woman's vehicle with four passengers inside. While none of the victims needed medical treatment, they sustained minor injuries. The defendant was driving without a required ignition interlock device.

While Maryland imposes serious sanctions for those who drink and drive, repeat offenders receive even harsher penalties. A criminal defense attorney might be able to work out a plea agreement with a defendant who has a prior record of DUIs or DWIs and who faces new charges. Alternatively, in the case of a repeat offender who may have a substance abuse problem, a knowledgeable attorney may be able to have him or her admitted to a treatment facility rather than being forced to serve an ineffective jail sentence.

Source: Md Coast Dispatch, "8th DUI Results In Jail Term," Shawn J. Soper, Feb. 8, 2013

Baltimore County men face property theft charges

2013-02-14T14:55:38Z

Two Baltimore County men, ages 21 and 19, face theft charges after they allegedly took property out of vehicles in the Rodgers Ford area. A witness called law enforcement early in the morning of Jan. 26th to relay that two men were trying to open cars in the vicinity. However, by the time police arrived at the scene, the pair was not in sight.

Law enforcement personnel searched for the two men, set up a boundary in the area and called in K9 units, and both suspects were located. The first defendant had money, a credit card, a debit card and GPS devices on his person, which were stolen from the vehicles. The second defendant, who was hiding at the home next door to where the first suspect was located, was also found in possession of stolen portable electronic equipment.

]]> The pair is connected to at least a dozen vehicle thefts in the area. The first defendant was held on $3,000 bail while the second suspect paid a $1,500 bail and was released pending his next court hearing. Law enforcement personnel are continuing their investigation and trying to find the rightful owners of the stolen merchandise.

Both suspects may be able to benefit from the help of a criminal defense attorney in the face of numerous theft charges. An experienced lawyer may be able to review and possibly challenge the testimony of the eyewitness who identified the two defendants. A questionable identification could result in the evidence in the case is not being admitted at trial, which could lead to the judge possibly dismissing the case.

These two young men have much to lose, especially if this is their first arrest. A criminal defense attorney can help argue for rehabilitation and parole in lieu of a lengthy prison sentence. An attorney may alternatively be able to mitigate the harsh penalties of such charges or negotiate with the prosecution for reduced fines or concurrent rather than consecutive sentences.

Source: North Baltimore Patch, "Hampden Men Charged With Theft From Vehicles," Nayana Davis, Jan. 30, 2013

Maryland couple faces charges of manufacturing meth

2013-02-06T00:50:10Z

A pair of individuals face drug charges for the manufacture of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and additional related crimes. The male, age 32, and female, age 30, were held on a $100,000 bond and $50,000 bond, respectively. They could face up to 14 years in prison if convicted.

The Washington County Narcotics Task Force received tips from independent individuals related to the manufacture of methamphetamine in the residence. This confirmed other information that the male suspect had bought ingredients used to make the drug. They searched the home of the suspects and located lye, lithium, glass and plastic containers, ammonium nitrate, coffee filters, drug store receipts, lighter fluid and additional items related to the methamphetamine trade. All of these materials are commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

]]> Some of the evidence was found in the couple's bedroom while other evidence was found in a clothes closet. Authorities believe that they were manufacturing the drug using one container.

The state of Maryland enforces mandatory, minimum drug penalties. Serious consequences include minimum prison sentences, community service hours, steep fines, drug testing and substance abuse treatment. A criminal defense attorney can attempt to negotiate alternative sentencing options for clients or try to negotiate a plea agreement for the accused. Lawyers can remind law enforcement officials that many drug offenders need rehabilitation instead of time in prison. Substance abuse treatment costs the tax payers less money and can be an important step toward integrating defendants back into society. This is a win-win solution for both society and defendants.

Source: Herald-mail.com, "Pair charged with attempting to make meth at Sharpsburg Pike home," Don Aines, Jan. 22, 2013