A new bill in Maryland would require all drivers convicted of drinking and driving to use an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. Currently, drivers in Maryland who are convicted of drinking and driving with a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.15 or higher are required...
Although studies show that there are limitations to the human memory, eyewitness IDs are still used in court and may send innocent people to prison. Although it may be common practice for eyewitnesses to select a suspect from a physical or photographic lineup, the results of...
High recidivism rates mean state's prison system has become a 'revolving door' In line with other states that have taken similar measures, Maryland lawmakers recently advanced a measure that would create a council for studying ways to reduce recidivism rates and reform sentencing laws, according to...
Increased police militarization and drug raids are a problem throughout the nation, including here in Maryland. Mistakes can lead to false accusations, and charges should be taken seriously.The distribution of military equipment to police departments across the country was initially supported as a way to...
One of the prime tenets of our criminal justice system is that those who are convicted of crimes and punished for them are the ones who actually committed them. Indeed, throughout the years, a variety of safeguards have evolved to help ensure that the innocent...
As attitudes toward marijuana possession have seemingly changed in parts of the country recently, the federal government recently addressed changes to its policy regarding the enforcement of marijuana crimes. Currently, marijuana possession is illegal under the Controlled Substances Act.Despite the federal prohibition, some states have...
A 28-year-old man was recently sentenced in a federal court in Baltimore to 10 years in prison for producing and possessing child pornography. He was accused of using his cellphone to create videos of boys using urinals in highway reststops and transferring the images to...
This term the United States Supreme Court will hear several criminal procedure cases. One of these cases may change how some states collect evidence in DUI cases. The question the Justices must answer is whether a law enforcement officer must obtain a search warrant before...
Current Maryland Law Prohibits Carrying Gun Without a Permit Charles Williams of Prince George's County was arrested in 2008 for carrying a handgun in his backpack without a permit. Upon conviction, he received a sentence of three years plus probation. Williams had been digging around in...
Ignition interlock devices have become more popular across the country as lawmakers look for a way to decrease the number of people who drink and drive. When an ignition interlock device is installed in a vehicle, the driver must supply a breath sample before it...