Maryland Law Blog

The police blotter for the FrederickNewsPost.com reports that Maryland State Police arrested a motorcyclist after an hour-long chase on US 15 near Thurmont. According to the blotter, 25-year-old Benjamin Kieffer was speeding in the northbound lanes of US 15 south of Thurmont, when he was noticed by members of the Maryland State Police.

One reason that law enforcement officials frown on those who flee from arrest is because of the additional dangers that a desperate individual represents. While the motorcyclist in this case was engaged in fleeing from police officers, he put all of the other people traveling on that portion of US 15 in unnecessary danger. Had there been an auto accident in Maryland, those injured or killed in the crash would have suffered because of the selfish flight of the motorcycle operator.

In this case, Kieffer was trying to avoid getting a speeding ticket and put others at risk for suffering personal injury. To that end, he swerved in and out of interstate highway traffic using the shoulders on either side of the highway to pass traffic. In the final moments of the chase, he ran a red light at an exit ramp near Frederick and lost control of the bike in the turn.

Any one of these negligent actions could have resulted in an auto accident that could have killed or injured another driver or passenger. If you have any questions about how negligent driving puts other drivers at risk on Maryland’s highways, please contact Meng & Alpert, LLC at 866-444-6363. With over three decades of experience as skilled Maryland auto accident attorneys, the lawyers at Meng & Alpert, LLC, understand how liability and fault affect the outcome of a personal injury lawsuit.

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Personal Injury

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CNN.com recently published a story on the effect of neighborhood watches on crime. The story cites statistics from the Police Executive Research Forum claiming that almost half of reporting police departments saw an increase in criminal activity that could be related to the economy.

The Heritage Foundation presents an opposing point of view. According to their essay on crime rates in America, criminal activity may not necessarily have any direct link to the state of the economy. Eli Lehrer, the author of the article, claims that making associations between the economy and criminal activity may be a tempting, albeit faulty, way of analyzing crime in the US.

Could the economy be influencing the types of crime seen in Maryland?

Gazette.Net reports in an account that commercial robberies are on the rise in Prince George’s County for 2009. According to the report, although violent crimes in general are down slightly from last year, commercial robberies are increasing in frequency.

This increase comes in spite of Maryland’s punishments for robbery. Committing or attempting to commit robbery in Maryland is a felony, and carries a 15-year maximum sentence upon conviction. If the defendant allegedly uses a weapon or implies that he or she is armed with a weapon in order to commit robbery, the maximum prison sentence is increased.

If the economy is pressuring otherwise honest citizens into criminal activity, then those citizens may be opening themselves up to far greater problems than they have experienced so far. Robbery is a serious felony offense with grave implications for the defendant’s future. Please contact the law offices of Meng & Alpert, LLC if you have any questions about robbery charges. With over three decades of experience as skilled Maryland criminal defense attorneys, the lawyers of Meng & Alpert, LLC have an in-depth knowledge of how robbery, armed robbery and other violent offenses are tried in Maryland. Call 866-444-6363 for a free consultation today.

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Posted In: Criminal Defense

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It was reported that Sandra Jenkins of Odenton won an $188,000 settlement from the insurance company of the driver who rear-ended a car in which Jenkins was a passenger. The settlement came by jury decision after a two-day trial.

Jenkins had originally claimed $300,000 in damages in December of 2007. However, the last settlement offer made by the insurance company was only $37,000. The Jenkins case illustrates one of the many reasons for those injured in auto accidents in Maryland to seriously consider hiring legal representation.

The report includes comments made by Jenkins’s attorney, who stated that he thought the last settlement offer made by the insurance company was a “low-ball offer.” Sometimes insurance companies will offer far less than the initial claim in the hopes of gaining a fast and cheap settlement. Although the temptation is to settle quickly, especially when medical bills are mounting, this course of action is not necessarily in the accident victim’s best interests.

Car accident injuries can take a long time to resolve and many months can pass before one knows the full extent of damages. In Jenkins’ case, she suffered a permanent nerve condition that affected her arm as well as permanent injuries to her neck. Had she taken the insurance company’s settlement offer, she may not have had adequate means to pay for medical expenses.

If you have any questions about an auto injury accident such as this one, please contact the attorneys of Meng & Alpert LLC at 866-444-6363. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to an auto accident, our experienced Maryland car accident lawyers are available to speak with you and provide a free consultation.

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Although Michael Phelps is currently facing no criminal or drug charges in relation to the infamous photo of the gold-medal winning swimmer allegedly inhaling from a marijuana water pipe, the repercussions from that photograph are still in effect. This example highlights one of the less pleasant aspects of the court of public opinion. Without a trial, and without a guilty verdict, drug use can have significant financial and emotional costs.

The Baltimore Sun reports in an article that Phelps has been dropped by Kellogg Foods, who had given the swimmer an endorsement deal. USA Swimming, the governing body for competitive swimming in America, has suspended him for three months and deprived him of his financial support during that same period. No drug charges have been filed against the swimmer, yet Phelps’s situation clearly illustrates the potential harm that merely being suspected of drug charges can do to a promising career.

In report, the disappointment and sorrow that Phelps’s mother must be feeling is also mentioned. One aspect of criminal allegations that is often neglected in the press is the intense emotional distress suffered by the friends and family of the accused. Family members often feel guilty or ashamed on behalf of their loved one who is accused of using drugs or is facing charges for a drug offense. They may also face significant prejudice and outright hostility from co-workers, neighbors and other members of the public.

Phelps’s story is a timely reminder that the costs of an incident involving drugs can begin to mount long before a case is brought to trial. If you have any questions about drug cases, please contact the attorneys of Meng & Alpert LLC. Our skilled Maryland narcotics defense lawyers can be reached at 866-444-6363 for a free consultation.

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Drug Charges

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DelawareOnline reported in an article on March 20, 2009, that Georgetown police had stopped an Ocean City, MD man for allegedly driving under the influence. The routine DUI stop took a different turn when police searched the man and allegedly discovered over 40 packets of heroin in the subject’s pockets.

A further search of the DUI suspect’s vehicle revealed more heroin and drug paraphernalia. The total amount of heroin discovered was approximately 10 grams. Since the drugs were packaged in small discrete quantities, police were able to charge the man with drug trafficking.

Although this incident took place in Delaware, one could extrapolate what would happen if the charges were made in the Maryland court system. Under Maryland’s drug laws, the type of sentencing possible in a drug trafficking case depends on the type of controlled substance involved. Heroin, as a Schedule I narcotic, merits some of the most severe punishments under Maryland law.

If found guilty of trafficking heroin in a Maryland court, a defendant could face up to 20 years in prison and/or up to a $25,000 fine. If the defendant were transporting an amount of heroin into the state of Maryland equal to that seized by the Georgetown police, the defendant could face up to 25 years and/or a $50,000 fine upon conviction.

Meng & Alpert, LLC represents the interests of those charged with drug offenses in Maryland. Sometimes police overstep their boundaries in making a search or otherwise violate your rights. If you have questions regarding criminal charges including drug possession or drug trafficking, please call the skilled Maryland drug charge attorneys of Meng & Alpert, LLC for more information at 866-444-6363.

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , DUI/DWI , Drug Charges

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A story from DelmarvaNow.com reports in an article that a Pittsville, MD mother received an unusual sentence as punishment for a DUI charge—sharing her DUI experiences with schoolchildren.

Bessie Birch was arrested for DUI in November 2008 after a head-on collision. At the time of the accident, she was transporting her three children. One of the children incurred injuries in the accident, although details of the extent of the injury are unclear. On March 19, 2009, the Wicomico County District Court ruled that the 25-year-old mother would have to tour Maryland high schools, relating the details of her story and her learning experience.

In Maryland, transporting a minor while operating a vehicle while under the influence is an aggravating circumstance that can add to the jail time and fines levied against a drunk driver. In this case, the judge chose to suspend the woman’s one year jail sentence in favor of sending a message to the public.

If you have any questions about how aggravating circumstances can change the punishments meted out for DUI, please contact the law offices of Meng & Alpert, LLC. In addition to over three decades of experience as criminal defense lawyers in Maryland, the Meng & Alpert team includes Andrew Alpert, a former prosecutor with extensive training in Maryland DUI/DWI cases. As a DUI defender, he brings over 15 years of professional insight to bear on the issues surrounding DUI. Call 866-444-6363 for a free case evaluation.

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According to a FirstCoastNews.com report, former Miss Maryland Tia Shorts has been arrested on drug possession in Maryland and conspiracy charges. The former pageant contestant is being charged with possession of cocaine and marijuana and conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute.

The charges come on the heels of a series of arrests that took place near the Germantown residence where Shorts lived. In addition to Shorts, three other people were arrested on a variety of drug-related charges, including possession with intent to distribute heroin, marijuana and cocaine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.

In Maryland, the punishment meted out for possession of cocaine and marijuana depends on the type and quantity of the illicit substance in the defendant’s possession. In the case of marijuana, possession, distribution or manufacture of 50 pounds or more of marijuana or of 448 grams or more of cocaine is punished by a mandatory five years in prison and up to a $100,000 fine.

Drugs and weapons charges are very serious matters no matter if you are an average citizen or a high profile local celebrity. For over thirty years Meng & Alpert, LLC have represented clients charged with drug and weapons crimes in Maryland. Please contact the skilled Maryland drug crimes attorneys at Meng & Alpert, LLC toll free at 866-444-6363 for more information about drug trafficking and conspiracy charges.

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , Drug Charges

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Gazette.net reports in an article that a Maryland police officer has been arrested on drunken driving charges. The charges stem from a March 28, 2009, incident in which a Montgomery County police corporal crashed a police cruiser into a concrete barrier.

As Montgomery County police investigate the charges, the officer’s arrest powers have been suspended.

A DUI charge in Maryland carries more penalties than prison terms, probation and fines. A social penalty is also levied against those charged with drunken driving. Unfortunately, the social punishment hits someone charged with a DUI before any court date is set and before a sentence is handed down.

A DUI charge begins punishing the defendant almost immediately regardless of his or her innocence or guilt. At work, the defendant may face censure or punishment for merely being charged with a drunken driving offense in Maryland, even though DUI charges can be filed for something as subjective as failing a field administered sobriety test. If officials are “cracking down” on DUI for political reasons, an otherwise responsible driver could be charged with a drunken driving offense for having one-half of a beer with lunch.

DUI offenses can be very damaging to anyone’s career. An aggressive and experienced DUI defense attorney in Maryland can help you maintain your good name in the face of DUI charges. Meng & Alpert, LLC have over three decades of experience representing the interests of those charged with DUI. If you have questions regarding criminal charges including driving under the influence, or driving while intoxicated, please call the skilled Maryland criminal defense attorneys of Meng & Alpert, LLC at 866-444-6363 for more information.

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Posted In: Criminal Defense , DUI/DWI

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The Baltimore Sun reports in a story that a new awareness of brain injuries is spreading through the ranks of American medical practitioners in the wake of the death of actress Natasha Richardson.

Richardson, wife of actor Liam Neeson, and star of such films as The Handmaid’s Tale and The Parent Trap, suffered a minor fall while skiing on March 16, 2009. Although the actress refused medical treatment and was initially reported to be in good condition, Richardson soon complained of a headache, and slipped into unconsciousness. Two days later, Richardson died from an epidural hematoma.

Any type of head injury is reason to be concerned. If you or a family member has suffered a mild head injury in an auto accident in Maryland or in another mishap, please do not delay seeking medical care. Natasha Richardson developed a headache within an hour of her minor fall, and a few hours later she lost consciousness—never to awaken. If you have recently suffered a blow to the head, contact a physician for a full examination if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Disorientation
• Behavioral Changes
• Sleep Disturbances

If you have any questions or concerns about injuries suffered in a car accident or other mishap, please contact the experienced Maryland brain injury attorneys of Meng & Alpert, LLC at 866-444-6363. With over three decades of personal injury and auto accident litigation experience, the lawyers at Meng & Alpert, LLC have an extensive knowledge of the true costs that an injury accident levies on the accident victim and his or her friends and family.

For further details about Natasha Richardson's accident, read this article that also provides helpful information on the importance of creating a last will and testament in addition to estate, trust, and real property litigation in Maryland.

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Posted In: Auto Accidents , Brain Injury

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