If you face a felony charge in Maryland, the court must decide whether you remain in custody or return home while your case proceeds. That decision happens quickly and follows specific legal standards. Understanding those standards helps you know what the court evaluates.The purpose of bail in felony casesBail exists to help ensure that you…

Facing a felony charge can raise many questions about your future, especially when it comes to your right to vote. Maryland law sets clear rules about when you can and cannot vote after a felony conviction. Knowing these rules helps you understand what happens and how to regain your rights.When you lose your voting rightsIn…

Young people make mistakes, and some of those mistakes lead to serious charges. A common question asks whether a felony from youth follows someone into adulthood. The answer depends on the type of offense and the outcome of the case.Understanding record sealingWhen the court seals a record, it restricts access to it. Once sealed, schools,…

A felony conviction in Maryland can significantly affect various aspects of your life. Whether you’re facing a felony charge or have already been convicted, understanding how it impacts your record is important.In Maryland, a felony conviction can follow you long after you’ve served your sentence. It can limit your opportunities and affect your future in…

One crucial element in a burglary case is intent. Intent refers to the accused’s mental state and purpose in committing the crime.In Maryland, burglary is considered a felony if it involves a first-, second- or third-degree offense, a destructive device or breaking into a research facility. If you are facing burglary charges, knowing the role…

Maryland law defines carjacking as obtaining unauthorized possession or control of a motor vehicle from another person, against that person’s will, by force, violence or putting that person in fear through intimidation or threat of force or violence.This means that carjacking isn’t a mere theft offense but a robbery offense instead. It’s a serious crime,…

Theft is a crime that can vary significantly in severity, and in Maryland, the line between a misdemeanor and a felony theft can hinge on several important factors. Understanding the distinctions is crucial if you or someone you know is facing theft charges.The value makes a differenceThe primary factor in determining the severity of a…

What sets the crime of robbery apart from mere theft is that in robbery, the act of stealing is accomplished using force or threat of force. The use of violence is why robbery is a felony in Maryland and other U.S. states when other non-violent minor theft offenses are misdemeanors.Notably, if a person commits robbery…