MARYLAND COURT OF APPEALS Constitutional Law, Right to counsel in post-conviction proceedings: Criminal defendant had no right to counsel in post-conviction collateral proceedings, and therefore circuit court did not abuse its discretion in allowing defendant to discharge counsel and continue pro se. Grandison v. State, No. 117, Sept. Term, 2010. RecordFax No. 12-0222-20, 48 pages. [...]
A Lawyer’s “Ethical Juggle”
Many people are not aware of the numerous rules by which a Maryland attorney must abide as an admitted member of the State Bar. The requirement to be an officer of the court, a public servant, and a zealous advocate for your client can lead to some tricky situations. The decisions an attorney makes not only can affect the outcome of a specific case but also the future of his or her legal career. The Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) provide guidance to attorneys in Maryland, however, it is not possible to develop rules for every situation a lawyer may encounter. Therefore, lawyers must use their experience, their colleagues, and their common sense to make the best decision.
Prompt Meeting With Your Attorney After Being Charged Is Paramount
Meeting with your Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer as soon after a criminal charge has many benefits. Recollection: The longer the time between the events that led to your arrest and the first meeting with your attorney, the greater is the likelihood that you will have forgotten important details. Further, waiting to see your attorney until a [...]
Immigrant Deportation Upon Conviction of Misdemeanor
If you are an immigrant to this country, you may not be aware that the consequence of being convicted of a misdemeanor can be potential deportation. The immigration officials at Homeland Security may treat misdemeanor charges against immigrants as aggravated felonies and a conviction then subjects the immigrant defendant to deportation. Additionally, sometimes the immigrant defendant, [...]
