A crime is an act or omission that violates a law established by a governing authority, which may be a local, state, or national jurisdiction. It is an offense against society as a whole, rather than just a private individual. Crimes can range from relatively minor infractions, such as traffic violations, to serious offenses like theft, assault, murder, or fraud. The commission of a crime is typically accompanied by a set of specific elements and intent that must be proven by the prosecution to establish guilt. The consequences of committing a crime can vary, including fines, probation, imprisonment, or in severe cases, capital punishment. The purpose of criminal law and the prosecution of crimes is to maintain social order, protect individuals and their property, deter criminal behavior, and provide a system of justice for victims and the community.
Maryland Criminal Law Section 6-206, commonly referred to as the “rogue and vagabond” statute, establishes fourth-degree burglary as a serious misdemeanor offense carrying potential imprisonment up to three years. In theory, the statute serves as a preventative measure, enabling law enforcement intervention before the commission of more serious offenses. Statutory Framework The Maryland Criminal Code […]
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The Maryland Sex Offender Registry imposes substantial obligations on registrants, with requirements varying based on classification tier and individual circumstances. At Shepard Law, we recognize the complex nature of these requirements and provide experienced legal representation to individuals navigating the registration system. Initial Sex Offender Registration Requirements Registration obligations begin immediately upon qualifying events, such
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A significant overhaul of Maryland’s work zone violation penalties takes effect January 1, 2025, through the Maryland Road Worker Protection Act. This legislation, enacted in response to a fatal speeding incident that claimed six lives on I-695 in Baltimore County, substantially increases penalties for speed-related infractions in construction areas. Leadership and Development Under the leadership
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In the realm of Maryland criminal law, “no contact” orders serve as critical legal instruments designed to protect victims and maintain public safety. These court-mandated directives prohibit an individual from engaging in any form of communication or interaction with specified persons, most commonly imposed in cases involving second-degree assault, domestic violence, harassment, or similar offenses
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In today’s digital age, checks might seem like a relic of the past, but they remain a common form of payment in many transactions. At Shepard Law, we understand that financial difficulties can sometimes lead to mistakes or desperate measures. However, knowingly passing a bad check in Maryland is a serious offense with potentially severe
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At Shepard Law, we are committed to keeping our clients informed about significant changes in criminal law that may affect them. As of October 1, 2024, Maryland’s statute regarding indecent exposure will undergo substantial modifications. These changes could have serious implications for those accused of this offense, and it’s crucial to understand the new provisions.
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In our increasingly digital world, identity theft has become a growing concern for many Maryland residents. At Shepard Law, we believe that understanding the legal definition and implications of identity theft is crucial for protecting yourself and knowing your rights. In this blog post, we’ll explore what constitutes identity theft in Maryland and the potential
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In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of hate crimes in Maryland and what you need to know about these serious offenses. Defining Hate Crimes in Maryland A hate crime, as defined by Maryland law, is an offense committed against a person or property, motivated either wholly or in substantial part by the victim’s
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If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) in the Baltimore County, Maryland area, you may be wondering what exactly the differences are between these two offenses in Maryland. While they both relate to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, there are some key distinctions
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In the realm of criminal law, one of the most serious offenses is drug-related crimes, particularly possession with intent to distribute. This article aims to shed light on this crime as it is defined and prosecuted in the state of Maryland. What is Possession with Intent to Distribute in Maryland? Possession with intent to distribute,
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