Category: Criminal Defense

Whether you should take a plea deal in a Maryland criminal case depends on the strength of the evidence, the risks of going to trial, and the long-term consequences of a conviction. While many cases in Annapolis and throughout Maryland are resolved through plea agreements, accepting one is not always the right...

In Maryland, violating a protective order or peace order can lead to criminal charges—even if the contact was limited to a single text message. Courts strictly enforce “no contact” provisions, and any prohibited communication may be treated as a separate offense. These cases often arise from misunderstandings about what is allowed,...

Missing a court date in Maryland can lead to a bench warrant, additional charges, and immediate risk of arrest. Known as “failure to appear,” this situation can complicate an existing case and create new legal exposure. Courts in Annapolis and throughout Maryland take missed appearances seriously, but a skilled defense attorney...

Generally, no, you cannot freely travel out of state or relocate while on probation in Maryland without prior approval. Most probation orders restrict your movement to the state, and leaving without permission from your probation officer or the court is considered a violation. That said, travel and out-of-state moves are possible...

In Maryland, police generally need a warrant to search your car, home, or phone, but there are important exceptions. The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches, and Maryland law adds its own safeguards. If law enforcement conducted a search without proper authority, any evidence found may be excluded. Understanding when a...

Yes, police can search your car without a warrant in certain situations, but only when specific legal requirements are met. In Maryland, warrantless vehicle searches often rely on exceptions such as probable cause, consent, or safety concerns during a traffic stop. If officers go beyond those limits, the search may be unlawful,...

If you’ve been arrested or charged in Maryland, you may be able to expunge your record. 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...

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...

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,...