Two of five suspects are still at large after a brutal beating and "pack robbery" in Montgomery County in early May. If arrested, the suspects could use the assistance of a Montgomery County criminal lawyer. A security camera in the stairwell of the Aspen Hill apartments recorded the incident, which left the 30-year-old victim with broken ribs and serious cuts and bruises.

Three of the suspects seen in the video have been identified by police as Kirkland Hall, 18; Tjay Joseph, 16; and Darrell Boyd-Brothers, 17. In the surveillance video of the beating and robbery, Hall appears to confront the victim and is the first to strike him. During the attack, the teen suspects and the two unidentified suspects allegedly stole the victim's cell phone.

Hall and Joseph are also charged in another, more recent pack robbery. On May 22, Hall and Joseph allegedly approached a 22-year-old man and asked him for a quarter. Hall allegedly grabbed the victim's hat, and they allegedly robbed him of cash. Then the pair, along with three other men, supposedly chased the victim until he was able to flag down a car.

After Hall and Joseph were arrested in the May 22 incident, police identified them in the Aspen Hill assault. Two of the three suspects are in Montgomery County jail, and the third has been transferred to a juvenile facility. All are charged as adults in the attack. Each defendant may require separate representation from a Montgomery County criminal lawyer.

Even when there is video evidence in an incident, there are several things a Montgomery County criminal attorney can evaluate to help protect clients, including inflated charges, misidentification, and improper police procedures.

A Prince George's County Public Schools bus driver was arrested on May 21. He was charged with producing child pornography on his cell phone after a convenience store customer found a memory card containing video footage of the Upper Marlboro man engaged in sexual contact with a 7-year-old boy. Scott Alexander Smallwood, 27, had not yet retained a Maryland criminal lawyer four days after his arrest, but admitted that he had "several inappropriate contacts" with the boy and recorded them on his cell phone. He claims he was planning to destroy the memory card that held 10-15 videos of his sexual contact of the boy, but that the card was lost before he could do so.

The lost memory card that led to Smallwood's arrest was found by a customer at a local 7-Eleven on March 15. The customer took the memory card home to see if he could identify its owner. After seeing the videos of an adult male engaged in what appeared to be sexual acts with a child, the man immediately called Prince George's County police. The police, in conjunction with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Office, launched an investigation to identify the boy.

When the boy was found, he told investigators that Smallwood was his "night bus driver," who took him to church, gave him candy, and had "sleepovers" with him. While it is not immediately clear whether or not Smallwood knew the boy from his Prince George's County Public Schools routes, a County schools spokesman says that Smallwood had six schools on his route, including one elementary school.

With video evidence of the alleged sexual abuse and with Smallwood's admission of inappropriate sexual contact with the child, the job of his Maryland criminal defense lawyer would be to protect Smallwood's rights by ensuring that the proper procedures were maintained during the investigation and subsequent arrest and to serve as his advocate in the judicial system.

An accusation of sexual assault is a serious charge that can carry severe legal ramifications if one is convicted. Dedicated Maryland criminal lawyers are educated and experienced in handling charges of this nature, having worked on many sexual offense cases throughout their legal careers. An example of a sexual offense case in the news recently involves a door-to-door salesman accused of sexually assaulting a customer in her home.

According to Anne Arundel County Police, a 29 year-old female was in her home when a door-to-door salesman approached her house and asked to use her bathroom. After she allowed him to enter her residence, he allegedly sexually assaulted her and left. Shortly after the woman reported the incident, law enforcement officials arrested a man who was selling magazine subscriptions door-to-door and who matching the physical description of the suspect.

The man taken into custody, Jarvis Spain, 21, was later identified by the victim as the alleged attacker. Detectives believe that Spain used his company credentials to gain admittance to the homes of women whom he sexually assaulted. Spain is currently held at the county jail on charges of perverted practices, fourth-degree sex offenses, and second-degree assault. The investigation is ongoing.

An accusation of a Maryland sexual offense can carry severe social and legal consequences. If convicted, a person's job and personal freedom may be at risk. It is advised that one enlist the services of a hard-working and experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyer should he/she be accused of an offense of this magnitude. A knowledgeable, diligent, and practiced legal team will have first-hand knowledge in dealing with charges of this nature.
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Drunk driving offenses carry deep penalties including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and heavy fines. Every Maryland DUI lawyer knows that the consequences of driving under the influence or driving while impaired can be devastating to those convicted. No matter the consequences, however, there continue to be repeat DUI offenders.

Earlier this year, a Maryland delegate from Prince George County introduced a bill to require those with repeated Maryland DUI convictions to have a special license plate. The bill would have required yellow plates that stated, "DUI," for five years for any person convicted of driving under the influence three or more times. Those obligated to have the special DUI plates would have to pay $500 for these plates.

The idea of specialized license plates for people convicted of certain crimes is not new. For example, people convicted of sex crimes often must obtain "Sex Offender" plates as a requirement for registered sex offenders. DUI plates have been proposed in the past, but have failed to gain the approval of Maryland's legislators.

This most recent attempt at DUI plates for those with multiple DUI convictions also failed to pass. Legislators could find no evidence that such a technique would actually reduce Maryland DUI convictions or prevent repeat offenses. While proponents of the DUI license plates stated that people "need to know who is sharing the road with them," such plates were deemed unnecessary, as all drivers should practice defensive driving. In fact, distracted driving is more prevalent than the 2,029 drivers who would have been required to have DUI plates had the bill passed.

A Maryland DUI defense attorney knows that the legal consequences of a DUI conviction are severe enough without the additional penalty of shaming a driver through a license plate. The social stigma of a criminal record from a DUI conviction alone is often enough for lasting implications. Those facing Maryland DUI charges must seek immediate counsel from a competent defense lawyer to challenge the charges against them and help protect their freedom and driving privileges.

DNA testing in the United States has led to the release of over 200 wrongfully convicted people. However, instances still arise where law enforcement officials put people behind bars for crimes they did not commit. Many times, the sentencing following these wrongful convictions is severe, even going as far as the death penalty. Experienced Maryland criminal lawyers often see examples of wrongful convictions, particularly in long-standing murder or sexual assault cases. The lives of those wrongfully convicted are changed forever, and their personal liberties and freedoms are unfairly compromised. Kirk Bloodsworth, an innocent convict cleared through DNA evidence, now actively speaks out about his experience sitting on death row for a crime he did not commit.

In 1985, Bloodsworth was wrongfully convicted of Maryland murder charges in the death of a 9 year-old girl in Baltimore, MD. During the initial investigation over 25 years ago, his picture was picked out of a lineup by two boys, 8 and 10, who claimed to have seen the suspect before the murder. Bloodsworth was arrested and a criminal profile prompted his conviction. He was condemned to death row at the Maryland Penitentiary for eight years, 11 months, and nine days.

In the early 1990s,Bloodsworth learned of the first conviction using DNA as evidence. He realized that if DNA testing could be used to prove one's guilt, it could also be used to prove one's innocence. The death row inmate wrote a letter to the prosecuting attorney in his trial, requesting the recovered DNA evidence . The prosecutor falsely claimed that the evidence had been destroyed. Later, a court clerk found the evidence in the judge's chambers. Using this evidence, Bloodsworth's Maryland criminal defense lawyer began testing to compare Bloodsworth's DNA to that recovered during the course of the murder investigation. After one year, the results proved that Bloodsworth had been wrongfully convicted and did not murder the young girl.

Since being released in 1993, Bloodsworth began speaking out in favor of DNA testing in innocence claims nationwide. Despite his advocacy efforts and his proven innocence, his conviction still haunts him every day. Years after his proven innocence and release, Bloodsworth says he still receives harassing phone calls. Additionally, all of the monetary compensation received from the state for his wrongful conviction went to pay his lawyers' fees, leaving him with little to show for his time spent behind bars. Despite these obstacles, he continues to advocate on behalf of post-conviction DNA testing, as he can personally attribute to its importance.

An accusation of a crime for which you are innocent is a terrifying process to experience. As illustrated in the example of Kirk Bloodsworth, a wrongful conviction of a Maryland murder charge will be life altering, even if innocence is proved later. If Bloodsworth had not advocated for DNA comparison, he may still be sitting on death row for a crime he did not commit. The severity of this case attests to the importance of enlisting the services of a hard-working and aggressive Maryland criminal defense attorney. Diligent and trustworthy counsel will provide the highest quality legal advice and defense, protecting one's basic freedoms and liberties against a wrongful conviction.

Being accused of sexual crimes can change a person's life forever, especially for city-employees charged in the city in which they work. If convicted, the suspect's job is almost certainly in jeopardy, along with many personal freedoms and liberties they enjoy. An experienced Maryland criminal lawyer is likely to see examples of this regularly, much like a recent incident where a jury acquitted a former Maryland State Trooper of three counts of sexual assault against a woman he pulled over for a DUI.

Almost a year after being stopped for for a suspected Maryland DUI, the driver reported to law enforcement officials that state trooper Marlon Iglesias, 43, touched her inappropriately. Allegedly, after arresting her on Interstate 270, the woman, 28, was put in the front seat of the police cruiser. The woman alleges that after Iglesias arrested her on Interstate 270, he touched her thigh and attempting to kiss her upon their arrival at the police station. Practically on her word alone, prosecutors charged the former state police officer with Maryland sex crimes.

During the trial however, the Maryland criminal defense lawyer brought to alerted the jury to the accuser's record of dishonesty in the courtroom. This caused immense debate amongst the jurors, finally coming back with their decision hours later. Although they did not believe Iglesias seriously sexually assaulted the woman, they do consider that something inappropriate happened. The jury acquitted him of the Maryland sex offenses, but Iglesias did receive a misdemeanor conviction for inappropriate misconduct while on duty. If the verdict on the sex assault charge had been guilty, Iglesias would have not only received punishment from the courts, but almost certainly from the police department as well--even potentially facing expulsion from the police force, directly affecting his livelihood.

Facing accusations of sexual assault is a difficult and stressful process for anyone to experience, regardless of occupation. The example of Marlon Iglesias highlights how important it is to have an experienced and hard-working Maryland criminal defense attorney to come to your rescue. Acting quickly in retaining counsel can ensure the highest quality legal advice and legal representation, helping to keep you at home and work, not behind bars.

Practicing near several university and college campuses, an experienced Maryland criminal lawyer will undoubtedly represent a number of college students accused of crimes. When young adults are left unsupervised with the added influence of alcohol, sometimes altercations can occur between college-aged partygoers resulting in significant legal repercussions. For example, after a fight started at an off-campus party at Frostburg State University, a student was shot and killed prompting the suspect to be charged with first-degree murder.

In the late evening hours of April 17th, FSU students threw an off-campus party, likely celebrating the end of school and pending summer vacation. Numerous confrontations began when Tyrone Hall, 21, was accused of assaulting a woman at the party. Although others at the party attempted to intervene, the arguing continued. According to law enforcement officials, "There was another confrontation, and then the suspect produced a 12-gauge shotgun." Hall allegedly fired two rounds striking partygoers. Immediately afterward, he fled into his home and stayed there until the cops arrived.

By the time police arrived at the scene, bullets had struck two people, including Brandon Carroll, 20, who was pronounced dead at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center. The other student shot, Ellis Hartridge, underwent surgery and is expected to survive. Investigators allege that Hall was the only one at the party with a firearm, and claim both the gun and ammunition were found in his possession. As a result of the late-night altercation, Hall is facing Maryland murder charges, as well as two counts of assault. Currently, police officers are holding him in custody at the Allegany jail.

Facing Maryland murder charges is a traumatic process for anyone to go through, regardless if the individual is a student or not. Conviction of these criminal charges will change your life forever, and almost certainly result in a significant amount of jail time. Therefore it is important to act quickly in retaining an aggressive and trustworthy Maryland criminal defense lawyer.

An accusation of rape has the potential to greatly alter one's life. It is recommended that one consult with an experienced Maryland criminal lawyer who has dealt with accusations of this magnitude should he/she ever face charges relating to this matter. Often times, a client is one of multiple defendants and/or is charged with several counts of different offenses within one case. Such an example can be seen in recent news, as law enforcement officials arrested seven Maryland men in connection with an alleged gang rape and false imprisonment case.

In this particular case, a woman allegedly accepted a ride home from a man after dancing and talking with him at a pool hall. According to state documents, instead of driving to her place of residence in Alexandria, the man allegedly took her to a house in Waldorf, Maryland around 2:00 a.m. What followed was a series of events, resulting in several men allegedly raping the woman in the house's basement. According to the woman, the men made hand gestures resembling gang signs. After about three hours, the woman fled the scene and took up refuge with a neighbor. Although another woman was present in the house while the alleged rape was taking place, she stated that she did not intervene out of fear that the same fate would await her.

Investigators have reason to believe that up to ten men were involved in the incident and that it may have been gang-related. Detectives are looking into whether the alleged sexual offense was pre-meditated. Maryland police arrested seven men in connection with this case. They believe that three suspects may have fled, seeking refuge outside of Maryland. For their involvement, each suspect in custody faces charges of first-degree Maryland rape, conspiracy to commit a first-degree sexual offense, and false imprisonment.

Regardless of the number of persons involved, facing charges of rape and false imprisonment is a difficult and overwhelming process for one to endure. As seen in the previous example, law enforcement officials take sexual offense accusations very seriously and will not hesitate to pursue and charge persons suspected of sex crimes. A conviction on such charges can result in significant jail time. Therefore, it is essential to contact a hard-working and aggressive Maryland criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to ensure the highest quality defense in all legal proceedings regarding charges of this nature. Doing so immediately is the first step towards achieving the best possible outcome to sexual offense charges and in protecting one's personal liberties and freedoms.

New developments in technology allow people to make purchases from miles away with their social security number and credit card information. However, while this makes buying products simpler, it also provides easy access for hackers to steal private data. Practicing law in a metropolitan city where many individuals store confidential information on their computer, it is common for an experienced Maryland criminal lawyer to represent defendants accused of stealing personal information. A recent example appeared in Maryland when law enforcement officials began searching for a local woman suspected of purchasing luxury cars with stolen credit card and social security numbers.

According to Montgomery County Police, Somsook McCollum, 37, managed to secure the social security number of a woman states away on the computer, even pulling up the victim's entire credit card report. Allegedly, she used this information in December 2009 to obtain false identification documents and buy three luxury cars from Montgomery County dealerships. Using the woman's identity, McCollum supposedly purchased an Audi, Mercedes Benz, and Range Rover, and opened new credit card accounts in the victim's name.

While law enforcement officials recovered all three vehicles, police have been unable to locate McCollum. Prosecutors issued a warrant for her arrest on various charges including identity theft, bank fraud, auto theft, and eight counts of possession of false government documents. Detective Nichols maintains that the punishment she faces if convicted will likely be severe. "In terms of the combination of auto theft, as well as identity theft, and this type of combination, it's a big crime. It's upwards, close to 500-thousand dollar range total. So it's a very large crime," he said.

As seen by the example of Somsook McCollum, the scope of identity theft crimes can be extensive, and often involve substantial amounts of money. Conviction of these criminal charges have the power to change lives permanently, not only ruining reputations but very likely resulting in jail time. Therefore, it is essential to retain the best legal advice and legal representation to devise the highest quality defense for your case. This can be done by contacting a trustworthy and aggressive Maryland criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Being arrested for a Maryland DUI charge can change lives forever, and possibly affect one's job and ability to support themselves. City employees, especially police officers, are held to high professional standard. However, if an officer busts a fellow cop for driving under the influence of alcohol within the city they work, the suspect's job is immediately on the line. Experienced Maryland DUI lawyers will undoubtedly witness similar examples of this throughout their career, much like a recent incident, where prosecutors are accusing a Prince George's County cop of causing a car accident while driving drunk.

In January 2010, off-duty officer Darin Rush was driving an unmarked police car westbound on Route 202. When he tried to merge on to Central Avenue, he lost control of his vehicle and the car rolled over. The crash severely damaged the cop cruiser and an emergency medical crew took Rush immediately the hospital. Although Major Andrew Ellis told the public that there was "probable cause to believe that [Rush] was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol," he declined to mention what evidence they have in support of that accusation.

As a result of the DUI charges, Rush was suspended from the police force with pay in the week after the incident. An internal investigation within the police department is ongoing in preparation for trial scheduled on April 19th, 2010. Ellis maintained that law enforcement officials have "no hesitation" when holding their own officers or those from other agencies accountable for drinking and driving. "We hold our employees to a higher standard. Our officer was in our police car, and the officer's car flipped. That's egregious. That's not something that we're going to let go without following the full extent of the law," he said.

As seen by the example of Darin Rush, being charged with drunk driving in the State of Maryland can permanently alter lives, especially police officers. Conviction of a DUI charge can ruin a personal and professional reputation permanently, and could result in the loss of driving privileges, fines, or even jail time. Therefore, you will need a trustworthy and hard-working Maryland DUI attorney to devise the best defense. Years of experience, combined with the highest quality legal advice and legal representation, can help ensure that your case has a positive outcome.