Maryland Law Blog

The Washington Examiner recently reported that human trafficking in the form of “sex slaves” and “unpaid workers” has become a thriving crime industry in Washington, D.C. Four recent incidents, including a pimp selling his twelve-year-old foster daughter for sex, multiple pimp arrests, teenage prostitution, and underpaying illegal immigrants, have lead officials to believe that Washington D.C sex crimes are growing.

Human trafficking constitutes the recruitment, harboring, transport, or sale of another human for exploitive purposes, such as forced or underpaid labor or sex slavery. New laws in both Maryland and D.C. have aided government officials in understanding the scope of these crimes. However, some politicians fear that these crimes will spread to Virginia.

The growing problem has escalated to a new level. Activists last week were outraged when a known economist had not been charged with trafficking after she admitted to underpaying and threatening her domestic servant. She accepted a plea bargain that permitted her to pay $41,000 to the servant in back wages, if she admitted to lying to FBI during investigations. In this specific case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and a Department of Justice that solely works on human trafficking cases jointly chose not to pursue the charges.

Being accused of a sex crime is a serious matter. Due to the social stigma that typically follows these types of crimes, many people tend to overlook the fact that some individuals are wrongfully accused. If you have been charged with a sex crime in Maryland, you are innocent until proven guilty and still have rights. The experienced Maryland sex crime attorneys at Meng & Alpert, LLC can help build a strong defense and ensure that your rights are protected. Call 866-444-6363 for a free consultation regarding your case.

In 2009, Maryland recorded fewer violent crimes since 1979, including an all-time low occurrence of overall crime, according to the Washington Post. Other key measures indicated that the likelihood that a resident will fall victim to rape, violent assault, murder or robbery has lowered significantly, resulting in an expectation that Maryland will drop from the nation’s top ten most dangerous states list. Should Maryland fall from this list, it would be the first time in over two decades.

In 1975, Maryland incurred a total of 242,207 crimes. Last year, Maryland had 33,614 reported violent crimes with a total of 215,878 crimes, a five percent and eight percent decline, respectively, from 2008. Also reported were 27 fewer killings, which added to a twelve percent drop in Maryland homicides.

Over the past few years, Maryland has been improving its public safety records. With the election for governor approaching, current Governor Martin O’Malley attributes the increase in public safety to his administration’s award-winning tactics. These “tactics” have lead to a number of new laws and regulations within the state.

The laws and regulations in regards to crimes vary significantly, depending on the type of crime, past criminal history and the involvement of violent weapons. Being accused of a crime is a daunting experience for anyone, regardless of guilt. If you have been accused of a crime, the experienced Maryland criminal defense attorneys at Meng & Alpert LLC can help you understand your rights and build a strong defense. Call today for a free and comprehensive consultation at (866) 444- 6363.

Toyota Motor Corporation has stopped sales of all 2010 Lexus LS600h and Lexus LS 460 models due to problems with the power steering and announced a recall for the two models, according to mibz.com. Apparently, the electric power steering of these vehicles causes a temporary off-center condition of up to 90 degrees for about five seconds before sliding back to normal position. This condition is said to occur after turns, when the steering wheel is in lock position, full left or right. About 3,800 Lexus vehicles in the U.S. have been affected by the recall.

The officials at Lexus recommend that owners of these vehicles should not spin the wheel all the way. No accidents and no injuries have been caused as a result of this defect. Regardless, sale of both Lexus models have halted for three weeks while Japanese specialists investigate the problem and find a viable solution.

Manufacturers have a responsibility to the consumer and are charged with ensuring that their products are safe and suitable for the general public. Toyota Motor Corporation has undergone numerous recalls in the last year for defective auto parts, some of which caused accidents and death for vehicle owners.

If you, or someone you love has been involved in an auto accident in Washington D.C., you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other financial losses incurred. The experienced Washington D.C. car accident lawyers at Meng and Alpert, LLC have the skills required to handle your claim. Call today for a free and comprehensive consultation.

By George E. Meng, Esquire

There has been a serious problem with the lack of consistency when Powers of Attorney are presented to banks and other institutions such as title insurance companies and real estate settlement companies. Not infrequently the agent under a Power of Attorney would be informed that the Power of Attorney was not acceptable. There are also problems with people acting under Powers of Attorney doing inappropriate things, some even to the extent of stealing money.

Maryland has passed a new statute that becomes effective October 1, 2010 that attempts to solve many of these problems.

The new statute includes statutory forms for both General Powers of Attorney and Limited Powers of Attorneys and provides that, if a lawsuit has to be filed to force someone to accept it, there can be a request for reasonable attorney fees.

The signing requirements for Powers of Attorney used to be somewhat lax. Now they are even stricter than the signing requirements for a Last Will and Testament. Not only must a document be notarized but the witnesses and the person signing the Power of Attorney must all be present at the same time.

There is also detailed requirements for what the person acting as the Power of Attorney has to do or not do. Most important is that the person must keep a record of receipts, disbursements and transactions under the Power of Attorney.

This new law is a welcome addition to the Maryland Code and has been long overdue.

To read more on the New Maryland General and Limited Power of Attorney Act visit:

• Chapter 689: http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/chapters_noln/Ch_689_hb0659E.pdf and


• Chapter 690: http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/chapters_noln/Ch_690_sb0309E.pdf.