The Ultimate Guide to Criminal Charges in Maryland: What to Expect at Every Stage of Your Case
What It Means to Be Charged with a Crime in Maryland
The moment you're charged with a crime in Maryland, you enter a system that moves fast—often faster than you can process what's happening. Within hours of arrest, a commissioner will decide whether you stay in jail or...
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DUI Arrests During the Holidays: What to Do Next
Holiday celebrations often lead to an increase in DUI arrests across Maryland. Police step up patrols, checkpoints, and testing during December, meaning even responsible drivers can find themselves facing charges. If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving, what you do next matters.. A DUI doesn’t have to define your future—especially when...
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Probation Violation Defense in Maryland
A probation violation in Maryland can lead to serious consequences, including jail time, extended supervision, or loss of prior plea agreements. Violations are classified as technical (missed check-ins or failed payments) or substantive (new criminal charges or arrests). At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we defend clients accused of both types by...
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Can I Expunge My Criminal Record in Maryland?
If you’ve been arrested or charged in Maryland, an expungement can help erase certain records from public view, improving your chances for employment, housing, and education. Maryland law allows people to expunge dismissed cases, acquittals, certain probation before judgment (PBJ) outcomes, and even some convictions after a waiting period.
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Felony Theft Charges in Maryland: What You Need to Know
In Maryland, theft becomes a felony when the value of stolen property or services exceeds a certain threshold, often $1,500 or more. Felony theft convictions can lead to years in prison, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. It takes a former prosecutor to anticipate how the State builds these cases—and...
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How Criminal Charges Can Impact Government and Contract Jobs
A criminal charge in Maryland can have serious consequences beyond court fines or jail time—it can also jeopardize government employment and security clearances. Federal, state, and contract workers are often held to strict background and conduct standards. Even pending charges can trigger suspension, loss of clearance, or job termination. What you...
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Defending Against Child Pornography Charges in Maryland
Being accused of possessing or distributing child sexual-abuse material—commonly referred to as child pornography—is among the most serious criminal allegations a person can face in Maryland. A conviction can result in years of imprisonment, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and permanent damage to your reputation and career.
At...
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Search and Seizure Violations in Maryland: Suppressing Illegally Obtained Evidence
In Maryland, your Fourth Amendment rights protect you from illegal searches and seizures by law enforcement. When police violate these rights, evidence obtained as a result may be inadmissible in court, potentially undermining the prosecution’s case against you.
At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we defend clients in Annapolis,...
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What to Know About Assault Charges from Domestic Disputes
Domestic disputes can escalate quickly, and when law enforcement is called, even a heated argument can result in criminal assault charges. In Maryland, domestic assault cases are taken extremely seriously, and prosecutors often move forward even if the alleged victim doesn’t want to “press charges.”
At Hartman Attorneys...
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Field Sobriety Test Mistakes That Could Help Your DUI Defense
If you’ve been pulled over for suspected driving under the influence (DUI) in Annapolis or elsewhere in Anne Arundel County, the officer may attempt to require you to perform field sobriety tests (FSTs). While these tests are intended to measure impairment, they are highly subjective, and mistakes in administration can significantly weaken...
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What to Expect If You’re Charged With a First-Time Felony in Maryland
Being charged with a felony for the first time can be one of the most intimidating experiences of your life. Even if you have never been in trouble before, Maryland law treats felony charges seriously, and the outcome can affect your freedom, reputation, and future opportunities. Knowing what to expect can help...
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The Ultimate Guide to DUI Charges in Maryland
Facing a DUI Charge in Maryland
It only takes one moment for everything to feel like it’s slipping out of your control. Maybe you saw the blue lights in your mirror, or maybe you were already at the station when the reality hit: you’re now facing a DUI...
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