Maryland DUI Lawyers Blog

A Hagerstown woman faces up to 23 years in prison for a "bizarre" break-in at a stranger's home last February. According to her Maryland criminal attorney, thirty-three-year-old Melissa Wagaman was convicted on November 4th of second-degree assault, fourth-degree burglary and two counts of reckless endangerment in Washington County Circuit Court.

Wagaman admits to consuming both an unspecified cold medicine as well as a "puff" of marijuana on the night of the incident, before she broke into the home of Erin and Aaron Parrott wearing a bridal garment that covered only her lower half and a veil. The defendant, who also testified that she suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder and was sleep deprived, told the court that she approached the Stone Valley Circle home believing that her mother was inside.

Just before 9:30 p.m., Wagaman knocked on the Parrott's door. Covering her bare upper half, she told Parrott that her mother was in the basement and she needed to get in. Parrott woke her husband, who came downstairs and told Wagaman to leave. Aaron Parrott testified that he then obtained a snow shovel from the rear of the house and locked the door. Wagaman is said to have continued banging on the door before smashing her head through the dining room window in an attempt to gain entry to the Parrott's home. To prevent her from entering, Parrott says, he hit her "as hard as (he) could" with the shovel, sustaining four inch long arterial wounds that required a three-night long hospital stay.

When police arrived, Wagaman was found laying unconscious in the snow outside the home. Law enforcement officials testified that blood was found throughout the house, indicating that Wagaman had entered the home after the Parrotts fled to a neighbor's house to wait for an ambulance. Hospital staff that later examined the defendant concluded that she was exhibiting symptoms of drug induced psychosis.

Wagaman's Washington County criminal lawyer argued that his client did not intend to harm the couple and truly believed her mother was inside the home when she attempted to force her way in. The jury deliberated for 10 minutes before convicting Wagaman on the assortment of charges. Washington County Circuit Court Judge Donald Beachley deferred sentencing in the case for a month.

This article is presented by The Law Office of David Benowitz, serving Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. For more information, please visit our DC Criminal Laywer and Virginia Criminal Lawyers websites.

As the legal career of a dedicated Maryland criminal lawyer is based around representing individuals who have been accused of criminal charges, it is important to update the public on any new laws or regulations put into place that could potentially affect them. One of the hot-button issues in the Maryland House of Representatives this session were sex offender laws, influenced by case of 11 year-old Salisbury resident Sarah Foxwell who was found dead last December. Convicted for her crime was Thomas Leggs, 30, a registered Maryland sex offender, who was indicted on Maryland murder charges, thus restarting criticism of state sex crime laws.

This past week, the House of Representatives approved new legislation directed at individuals who have been accused of Maryland sex offense charges. The first, House Bill 936, would mandate the approval and enforcement of stricter laws for sex crimes, in compliance with the Adam Walsh Act, a federal law.

The second piece of legislation sent to the Senate for approval is House Bill 1046, which would require a judge to authorize a pre-trial release of an accused individual who is a registered sex offender, instead of a District Court-level commissioner. This bill was particularly important in the Foxwell case, as Leggs was currently released on bail when he supposedly kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and killed the young girl. In September, Leggs was arrested in Ocean City after breaking into a woman's apartment and exposing himself to her. However, he was released on a small bond, because the court was unaware of his criminal history.

While these two bills quickly passed through the House, there are a number of other pieces of legislation that remain in the appropriate chambers for deliberation, that are directly aimed at enforcing stricter Maryland sex offense laws. An example of these is the Sex Offender Omnibus Act of 2010, covering a wide range of sex crime issues. If passed, this bill would require stronger compliance with registration programs and longer mandatory jail terms for convicted offenders. Additionally, a judge will be able to decide whether a person convicted of sex offenses should be released following the completion of his or her sentence, or if they should remain incarcerated indefinitely.

Facing any type of criminal charges is a scary and overwhelming process for anyone to go through. As seen by the new bills that recently passed the Maryland House of Representatives, conviction of sex crimes can have life-altering consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. To protect your personal liberties and freedoms, it essential to contact an experienced and hard-working Maryland sex offense lawyer. Doing so immediately can not only provide the best legal advice and legal representation, but also the most successful outcome for your case.

Throughout the legal career of an experienced Maryland criminal lawyer it is common to represent a number of people who have been accused of criminal charges. A number of these individuals have been accused more than once, of more than one crime. Sometimes when serving a sentence for the first crime, another is committed. These are the circumstances surrounding a recent case where a Maryland inmate was slapped with an additional three years for assaulting a prison nurse where he resides.

On Monday, a Washington Circuit Court jury sentenced twenty-two year-old Renard Makin guilty of second-degree Maryland assault charges. A nurse was providing medication for another inmate when Makin reached through the bars and grabbed her. Although a correctional officer in the prison ordered him to release her, he refused. The jail guard grabbed Makin's arm, allowing the nurse to struggle free. The criminal complaint was filed by the nurse, who sustained a number of small scrapes as a result of the incident. As a result of the assault conviction, Circuit Judge John H. McDowell added three years to his current sentence.

As the time of the altercation, Makin was serving a twelve year sentence conviction of previous criminal charges at a correctional facility south of Hagerstown. According to court records, in 2004 he pled guilty to second-degree Maryland murder charges for the death of a man in Baltimore.

Facing criminal charges is an overwhelming and complex process regardless of how many times it occurs. As seen by the example of Renard Makin, conviction of criminal charges can result in life-changing consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best protection of your personal liberties and freedoms, as well as the best legal advice and legal representation, it is vital to contact a hard-working Maryland assault lawyer immediately. Doing so can help ensure the most successful outcome possible for your case.

Each day, as an experienced Maryland criminal lawyer, people who have been accused of a variety of criminal charges, including sex offenses, are represented. Often times, these individuals are repeat offenders who are accused of sexually assaulting multiple people. Such is the recent case of a Maryland man who was arrested stemming from a number of sexual abuse cases around the University of Maryland campus and Anne Arundel Community College.

Last week, Howard County Police Officers arrested Dori Costa, 43, on Maryland sexual assault charges on two separate college campuses. As a student sat in her parked car, Costa approached her with a map book and cell phone, asking for directions. When she complied, he reached inside the vehicle. After placing the map book on the student's lap, he proceeded to sexually assault her, and then fled the scene. At the same community college, there were two additional reports of sexual crimes, with details similar to the aforementioned incident.

Detectives have been carrying out an undercover investigation of the sexual assault accusations last week. Investigators sent out an alert to all police agencies in the area, prompting a detective with the University of Maryland to respond. He gave the community college a suspect's picture and report regarding a similar sexual assault complaint in College Park. According to Capt. David Waltemeyer of the community college police, law enforcement officials knew instantly who was to blame. "One of their supervisors read it and said we have a guy for you," he said.

After obtaining a warrant, Costa was arrested for second-degree assault, and fourth-degree sex offense. He currently is being held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center on $100,000 bond.

Facing accusations of sexual crimes can be a difficult and complex process for anyone to go through. Conviction of criminal charges can have life-changing consequences including the loss of driving privileges, fines, or jail time. Therefore, it is essential to contact a hard-working and trustworthy Maryland sexual assault lawyer as soon as possible. Doing so can help provide not only the best legal advice and legal representation, but also help ensure a successful outcome for your case.

Practicing law in a metropolitan area, it is common for a Maryland criminal lawyer to represent a number of individuals who have been accused of a variety of criminal charges while on a college campus--particularly following an exciting or unexpected sporting event outcome. In a recent case, twenty-eight people were arrested during a chaotic celebration of the University of Maryland's basketball victory over a rival.

Following Terrapin's victory over their conference rival on Wednesday, hundreds of fans and students gathered on Route 1--just as they do following each big win by their basketball team. While the fans celebrated and cheered on their team, the Prince George's County Police arrived on the scene to end the party in full riot dress. When the celebration was finally broken up, twenty-eight people, including twenty-three University of Maryland students had been arrested on Maryland assault charges and destruction of property charges. Additionally, a total of five people were treated for minor personal injury sustained in the riot.

Maryland police say that they planned to stop the riot before it began--using past experience as a guide, the number of officers stationed in College Park and on Route 1 was greatly increased. However, eye witnesses have reported that the officers approached the crowd in an aggressive manner, dramatically banging their clubs against their shields. Those who did not move were beaten and pepper sprayed, with little regard to whether the person was fighting back or simply putting on their shoe. UMD student Paul Adler, 21, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for simply making a negative comment to a police officer. Immediately after he spoke, the officer "tackled... (him)... football-style, and ripped off my necklaces, and cuffed me."

As a result of the arrest, Adler faces not only criminal charges, but potential academic punishment, including expulsion. "I'm hoping they don't take action, especially with such an unwarranted arrest," he explained. For those arrested in Wednesday night's celebration, it is important to find help to prevent such life-changing consequences from occurring. Seeking an experienced and hard-working Maryland criminal attorney can not only provide the best legal advice and legal representation, but help ensure the most successful outcome for your case.

As a Maryland criminal lawyer, it is common to represent individuals who once accused of criminal charges, invoked their Miranda rights. According to the 1966 decision in Miranda v. Arizona, individuals accused of criminal charges have the right to abstain from answering any questions until a lawyer is present. However, the recent case surrounding a Maryland man debates how long an accused individual is actually immune from police questioning, once invoking their Miranda rights.

Michael B. Shatzer was first questioned for Maryland sex offenses charges in 2003 by law enforcement officials while he was serving jail time for another sex crime. He was accused of sexually abusing his young son. When approached by investigators, Shatzer used his Miranda rights and refused to answer any questions without a Maryland criminal attorney present. Over two years later, Shatzer was approached again by detectives. However, this time he waived his Miranda rights and proceeded to make incriminating statements about inappropriate sexual relations with his son.

Relying on a 1981 Supreme Court decision, the defense counsel for Shatzer attempted to suppress the statements that his client made. According to the decision, Edwards v. Arizona, once a suspect had used their Miranda rights and asked for a lawyer, authorities were not permitted to resume questioning. The main goal of this was to prevent suspects of an ongoing criminal investigation from being badgered.

However, according to the majority decision in Shatzer's case, the question surrounded whether the investigators were really barred from questioning suspects forever, or just for a period of time. The court found that it was permissible to resume questioning of a subject fourteen days after being released from custody, as it was believed by then the individual in question would have had ample time to consult family, friends, and counsel on the matter. Additionally, the majority mentioned that while confessions were an "unmitigated good", suspects are always free to invoke their Miranda rights again, should they be confronted by investigators.

This decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court highlights the necessity of knowing your rights, in the event that you are accused of criminal charges. If questioned by investigators, take advantage of the Miranda rights, and waive the opportunity to speak until a hard-working and trustworthy Maryland criminal attorney is present. Doing so can ensure that you receive the best legal advice and legal representation, helping to ensure the most successful outcome for your case.

Throughout the career of an experienced Maryland criminal lawyer, it is common to represent individuals who have been accused of criminal charges. Even celebrities are not exempt from being slapped with life changing charges, as seen by the early Christmas morning arrest of actor Charlie Sheen on felony domestic violence charges. Following arrest from the local police department, Sheen was booked and incarcerated at the county jail.

While police are not releasing the name of the victim, multiple media venues are reporting that the unidentified woman is Sheen's third wife, real estate investor Brooke Mueller. The actor was arrested following an early morning 911 call that he assaulted his wife. As a result, he was booked on two felony charges, and one misdemeanor charge--second degree assault and menacing, as well as a count of criminal mischief. In order to be released on bond, Sheen is to have no contact with the victim or the victim's family, no entry to the family residence until further court order, as well as no consumption of drugs or alcohol of any kind.

However, new evidence shows that these allegations could be exaggerated versions of the truth. When Mueller called in the alleged assault, both her and Sheen were given breathalyzer tests. The results showed that Mueller was in fact legally drunk when she made the phone call. Her blood alcohol content was a .13 while Sheen's registered as only a 0.4. Additionally, just prior to the bail hearing, Mueller informed a female police officer that she was drunk when she made the 911 emergency call. Lastly, according to Sheen's testimony, Mueller was the aggressor and he was simply defending himself. Nonetheless, law enforcement agents are still pursuing the case.

Facing assault charges is a difficult process for anyone to experience, regardless of celebrity status. Conviction of criminal charges of assault and battery will have life altering consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. To prevent your personal freedoms and liberties from being taken away, it is in your best interest to contact a hard-working and trustworthy Maryland criminal attorney immediately for legal representation.

Practicing law in a populated and metropolitan area, a Maryland criminal lawyer will likely help famous clients who have been charged with a number of criminal charges. Examples of cases handled are much like that of former child star Brian Bonsall, who was taken into police custody for assault after getting into a bar brawl. He is being held in county on two separate bonds amounting to $7,500.

The Family Ties and 'Star Trek' The Next Generation star is currently facing third-degree assault charges for hitting his friend in the face with a bar stool. Bonsall and his "friend" Michael Trujillo were arguing at the bar when Bonsall was asked to leave. However, Bonsall reacted angrily and proceeded to beat Trujillo with a bar stool. According to police reports, alcohol is to have played a factor in this case, as Bonsall did not remember the incident the next day. However, the actor admitted that both he and his friend are bipolar and consume/possess drugs. Bonsall blames the possession of drugs as well as his psychological disorder for his failure to remember the assault.

Bonsall is no stranger to problems with the law. In 2004, he was arrested for driving while intoxicated. And in 2007, Bonsall was arrested for assaulting his then-girlfriend. For both charges, Bonsall failed to show to his court hearings. Therefore, when he was arrested for assault last week, police already had charges against him. All of the legal discretion have ultimately hurt Bonsall's case in this instance. It is likely that his sentencing will be greatly affected by his history.

Facing accusations of assault charges is an overwhelming process regardless of celebrity status. Conviction of criminal charges will have life changing consequences including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best defense of your personal liberties and freedoms, it is important to contact a hard-working and experienced Maryland criminal attorney immediately.