Maryland DUI Lawyers Blog

A Rockville man has been arrested after police say he offered an acquaintance money and a quantity of pills as payment for a potential murder. Forty-two-year-old Richard Bernard Boyd has been charged with one count each of distribution of a controlled substance and solicitation of murder for his role in planning the crime.

Montgomery County police say Boyd approached the man, whose identity has not been disclosed to press, and offered him $1,000 and five Oxycontin pills as payment for the murder of his estranged wife. Capt. Paul Starks of the Montgomery County police confirmed the sequence of events to press, saying:

"Mr. Boyd had told the subject that he had wanted his estranged wife killed, and he was willing to pay a sum of money."

Detectives say Boyd and his wife, whose identity was also not disclosed to press, were in the midst of a divorce when Boyd hatched the scheme to precipitate her murder. Capt. Starks said Boyd was not pleased with the "potential outcome" of the divorce proceedings, and was concerned with the final details of the case.

The would-be assassin informed a Rockville City police officer of the offer Boyd made and the investigation began September 30th. The man continued to meet with Boyd throughout the first week of October and the pair met for the last time on October 8th. Boyd gave the man a layout of the house on Rocking Spring Drive and suggested the crime be carried out using a gun. No date was set on which the murder was to occur.

Boyd is currently being held without bond. A bond review will be held on Tuesday. He is currently being held without bond pending a review in court. It was not disclosed whether he was assigned or retained a Maryland criminal defense lawyer to face the charges against him.

This article is presented by Price Benowitz LLP, serving Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. For more information, please visit our DC DWI Lawyer and Virginia DUI Lawyer websites.

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.

As the legal career of an experienced Maryland criminal lawyer revolves around representing individuals who have been accused of criminal charges, it is important to update the public on any new information that could be beneficial to suspects. Recently, the Maryland House of Representatives approved legislation designed to eliminate gang activity, in response to violent crimes committed by these organizations around the state.

Last Tuesday, updated anti-gang legislation swept through the Maryland House of Representatives, winning approval by a vote of 111-28. Even though laws concerning gang activity were already on the books, law enforcement officials and state prosecutors contend that they were largely ineffective. The new legislation would make it easier to prosecute these individuals with Maryland criminal charges, as it defines "criminal gangs" and "criminal gang members," while broadening the scope of criminal violations considered "gang activity." Intimidating witnesses, carrying a firearm and second-degree assault are all now crimes that can make gang members eligible for harsher penalties, should the presiding judge deem it necessary.

Estimates from the Maryland State Police state that approximately 600 gangs, with a total of 9,000 members conduct themselves within the state. However, critics contend that the new legislation will only serve to single out juveniles who are guilty, only by association. According the chairman of the Maryland Juvenile Justice Coalition, Kinji Scott, "You cannot take every child and throw them away because of crimes committed by some." Additionally, former gang members have also spoken out. Baltimore public high school student and ex-gang member Christian Bailey explained that because many jail inmates ally themselves by gang association, sending juveniles to the same location would do more harm than good. "I have a hard time understanding what's the good thing about sending a juvenile gang member to somewhere where a majority of gangs are going," he stated.

Facing criminal charges is a difficult and overwhelming process, regardless if the accused is in a gang or not. As seen by the updated and recently passed legislation, conviction on gang-related charges will have permanent and life-changing consequences, ultimately resulting in jail time. For the best protection of your personal freedoms and liberties, it is important to contact a hard-working and trustworthy Maryland criminal defense lawyer for assistance. Doing so immediately can help ensure the most successful outcome for your case.

Practicing law in a metropolitan city, an experienced Maryland criminal lawyer is likely to represent a number of people who have been accused of criminal charges. It is essential to seek legal counsel, as the advice they can provide may help eliminate or lessen the charges against the accused. In a recent case with similar circumstances, a Maryland woman who was indicted on alleged murder charges was released after pleading guilty to a lesser offense.

Hancock resident Grace Fink, 67, was indicted by a grand jury in December 2009 for her involvement in the murder-for-hire plot against her son's ex-girlfriend--she allegedly gave an undercover Maryland police officer posing as a hit man $200 for her murder. Fink's son, Clarence Meyers pled guilty two years ago to Maryland felony murder charges by arson when he set fire to home that he shared with his girlfriend, Melissa Linderman, and her two daughters who were killed. While serving a two life sentences for this conviction, Meyers was strangled to death in his cell, just weeks after he was indicted on charges of solicitation to commit murder and criminal conspiracy to commit murder involving Linderman.

After her son's death, Fink allegedly wanted to finish the plot Meyers began. The prosecution maintained that she wanted Linderman to be seriously injured or killed to prevent her from testifying at Meyer's sentencing. But according to Fink's Maryland murder lawyer, "Ms. Fink thought that the person who showed up at her home was a friend or relative," and that she simply wanted information as she believed that "Linderman had knowledge that would show how the fire was set," as opposed to wanting her killed. Fink stated that she gave the undercover officer $200 because she was frightened of him--the man told her that he would kill Linderman, but Fink replied that she only wanted information regarding her involvement in the fire. The defense argued a strong case that Fink's due process rights were violated and her statements were misstated, allowing her to plead guilty to a lesser charge of obstruction of justice.

Because a result of the criminal charges conviction, Fink was sentenced to five years in prison with all of it suspended other than the 105 days she already spent in the Washington County Detention Center since her December indictment. Therefore, under the sentence, Fink will have three years of unsupervised probation.

As seen by the example of Grace Fink, having a hard-working and aggressive Maryland criminal defense lawyer on your side can be essential to protecting your personal liberties and freedoms. Conviction of Maryland murder charges will have life-changing consequences and will result in jail time. It is important to retain legal counsel immediately for the best legal advice and legal representation. Doing so can help secure the most successful outcome for your case.

Throughout the legal career of a hard-working Maryland criminal lawyer, it is common to represent a number of individuals who have been accused of criminal charges, including sex crimes. The more organized of these sex offenses is pandering, or acting as a "pimp." Often the women involved in prostitution rings are tied to the panderer as a business relationship--it is rare that the "pimp" is related or married to a woman he manages as a prostitute. However, in a recent case, a man was arrested for forcing his wife work as a prostitute all across the United States.

Clinton Danner, 32, was arrested on pandering charges after his wife told law enforcement officials that he forced her to work as a prostitute. He forced her to begin selling her body for sex over four years ago when she was pregnant with their child. Since that time, the three have traveled the country, while Danner's wife performed forced sexual acts. He would set up tricks for his wife primarily through the internet, placing advertisements on Craigslist.com. She told investigators that Danner threatened to take their daughter away or hurt her.

Danner's wife finally contacted law enforcement officials after Danner informed her that he was driving to her hotel room to confront her about how little money she was making. He was promptly arrested on arrival for felony pandering charges. These were not the only violations that Danner has been accused of--he was previously convicted for drug possession and lottery fraud in other states. Currently, he is being held on $150,000 bond and is prohibited from contact with his wife or daughter.

Facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming and difficult process for anyone to go through. Conviction of sex offenses or pandering can result life-changing consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. To best protect your personal liberties and freedoms, it is essential to seek help immediately. Contacting an experienced Maryland sex offense lawyer can provide not only the best legal advice and legal representation, but also help ensure the most successful outcome for your case.

During the legal career of an experienced Maryland criminal lawyer, it is common to represent numerous individuals who have been accused of criminal charges, including murder charges. These individuals are often accused of committing gruesome and horrifying crimes to either complete strangers or to a loved one. Recently, a Maryland woman was convicted of murder after she allegedly killed two adopted special needs children, and stored their bodies in the freezer.

In 2008, law enforcement officials arrested Renee Bowman, 44, for Maryland child abuse charges and she were sentenced to twenty-five years behind bars. Her third adopted child escaped from her Lusby home out of a second story window--she was half nude and covered in blood and feces, telling neighbors that her mother beats her. When investigators searched Bowman's home, they were horrified to find the bodies of two young girls in a large freezer. She later admitted to officers that the bodies were of her two adopted daughters, Jasmine, 8, and Minnet, 10. Today, she was found sentenced to life in prison without parole on Maryland murder charges, as well as three counts of child abuse.

Bowman claimed that their bodies had been in the freezer since February 2008 and that Jasmine died of a stomach virus while Minnet died from a fall. However, the findings of the medical examiner did not match Bowman's story--it was discovered that the girls both died from asphyxiation and were wrapped in plastic and duct tape prior to being frozen. She had been the primary caregiver for Minnet since 2001, and the other two biological sisters since 2004. Because each of them was identified as a "special needs" child, Bowman was receiving $2,400 a month in government subsidies to care for the three girls. Total, she received an estimated $150,000 from the government while the bodies of the children were in the freezer.

Facing accusations of criminal charges is a difficult and overwhelming process for anyone to go through, regardless of the circumstances of the case. Conviction of murder charges will have life-changing consequences, namely jail time. To preserve your personal liberties and freedoms, it is essential to contact a hard-working Maryland murder lawyer immediately. Doing so can not only provide the best legal advice and legal representation, but also the most successful outcome for your case.

The legal career of a hard-working Maryland criminal lawyer is based around representing individuals who have been accused of a number of criminal charges, including armed robbery or gang violence. In a metropolitan area, young adults and teens are more likely to be tempted to join a gang, even if it is characterized by committing criminal charges. In a similar case, a Maryland court recently sentenced a young adult to twenty years behind bars for his involvement in the armed robbery of a local grocery store and deli.

Over six months ago, a getaway driver and three individuals held up a local store, Kerrigan's Corner Deli and Liquors, with guns and a hammer. Although shots were fired during the robbery, neither of the store attendants were hit with bullets. One of the robbers, a sixteen year-old, was arrested first for Maryland armed robbery charges, and was sentenced two weeks ago to fifteen years in prison by a Fredrick County Circuit Court.

However, the court was far less forgiving this past Tuesday, as second robber pled guilty to Maryland armed robbery charges. Germantown resident, Steven Austin, 20, pled guilty to involvement in the Kerrigan's robbery, as well as another holdup of a restaurant nearby, in order to avoid trial. In addition, Austin also pled guilty to participation in the Latin Kings, a local criminal gang--the first gang-related conviction in Frederick County. Judge G. Edward Dwyer Jr. sentenced Austin to serve twenty years of a forty year sentence in the Maryland Division of Correction. He further mentioned that the defendants were fortunate that no one was killed in the armed robbery--otherwise, the young men could potentially face life in prison without parole, or even the death penalty.

Facing criminal charges of armed robbery is a difficult and scary process regardless of how old the individual is. Seeking legal counsel can help provide answers to the many questions an accused individual undoubtedly has regarding their case. Conviction of criminal charges will have life-changing consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. To prevent your personal liberties and freedoms from being taken away, it is vital to contact an experienced and aggressive Maryland armed robbery lawyer immediately. Doing so can provide the legal advice and legal representation needed for a successful outcome for your case.

The legal career of an experienced Maryland criminal lawyer is based upon representing individuals who have been accused of a variety of criminal charges. Each client seeks counsel in an effort to avoid the severe consequences associated with conviction, particularly jail time. However, last week an inmate from a Baltimore jail escaped after tricking prison guards into letting him out.

On Thursday, the search began for Raymond Taylor, 26, who was at the Maryland Correctional Adjustment Center serving three life sentences for attempted felony murder charges. The prison center is used to accommodate inmates who are awaiting trial for criminal charges or who are in transition from one jail to another. In the afternoon hours, Taylor was placed into a holding cell before his scheduled court time. However, another prisoner in the cell was supposed to be released at that time.

When prison guards came to release the other prisoner, Taylor stepped forward, presenting the his cellmate's identification card. In front of three prison workers he recited the other inmate's jail ID number and was released. It took over two hours for the mistake to be realized--the inmate really scheduled to be released was banging on the door, demanding to be released.

Law enforcement officials finally caught up with Taylor, taking him into custody.

Facing any type of criminal charges, particularly felony murder charges, is a difficult and overwhelming process for anyone to go through. Because conviction of murder has significant and life-changing consequences, it is essential to contacting a hard-working and trustworthy Maryland criminal attorney. Doing so immediately can help provide the best legal advice and legal representation possible for your case.

Throughout the career of an experienced Maryland DUI lawyer, it is likely to represent clients for more than one drunk driving charge. However, it is rare to find an individual with as many as Paul Garay, 55. It was announced December 29th, 2009 that state law prevented them from charging him with a felony DUI charge after he was arrested for the eighteenth time under suspicion of driving while intoxicated. After crashing his vehicle on Christmas Eve 2009, police registered his blood alcohol content to be 0.16--twice the legal limit. He was taken to the county jail, and bail was set for $24,000.

According to many state laws, a fourth drunk driving incident within a ten year period is a felony offense. However, because only two of Paul Garay's driving under the influence convictions were in the past ten years, he will only face gross misdemeanors.

According to court records, Garay has seventeen prior convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol. His latest one was nine years ago, while his first conviction was in 1977. Although many believe that the court system is too lenient on drunk drivers, records show that Garay had served him for his previous convictions. He had seven years of recovery from alcohol abuse, three of which were spent in a state prison.

Normally, with such a significant number of previous DUI convictions, the individual would receive a felony charge. However, because of the lapses in time between arrests, Garay will be charged with gross misdemeanors. Fortunately, no one was injured in his most recent drunk driving crash.

Facing drunk driving charges is a difficult and overwhelming process regardless of how many times a person is brought back to the court room. Conviction of driving while intoxicated charges can have life changing consequences including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best legal defense available, it is important to contact a hard-working and trustworthy Maryland DUI attorney or Maryland criminal lawyer immediately.