Maryland Law Blog

Authorities in Maryland are initiating a ban that may start as early as Sept. 1 on the sale of synthetic drugs known as “bath salts”. Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, secretary of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), has recently completed a six week study on the drugs and has declared them “dangerous”. He has asked for the immediate addition of the drugs to the state’s Schedule 1 Controlled Dangerous Substances list.

Because the substance is labeled as bath salts, they have been able to skirt federal drug laws. The product is available for purchase online and in stores, however, according to the DHMH, it was only found in 1% of stores in Maryland. Users of the “bath salts” smoke, inject, snort or eat them to get a high with similar effects as cocaine. The drugs have been shown to cause cardiac and circulatory problems, agitation, delirium, paranoia and psychosis. The Maryland State Poison Control Center is aware of 31 cases of “bath salts” poisoning and one death. The Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel and the Governor of Maryland support the proposed ban.

Drugs on Maryland’s Schedule 1 list have a serious potential for abuse and have no accepted medical use. Distribution and possession of these drugs can carry serious consequences and long jail sentences. Drug crimes are notorious for being complex given that addiction can often be a root of causation, making rehabilitation a possibility over serving jail time. If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug crime, you should a lawyer with the knowledge and experience to form a solid defense. The Maryland drug possession defense attorneys at Alpert Schreyer understand what is necessary to get the best possible outcome for your case. Call today at 866-444-6363 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

CBS News reports that a man suspected of a shooting and stealing a car in Baltimore is now in custody after crashing the stolen vehicle. While charges are expected to be filed for one man, a second suspect is still on the loose. The two suspects were in a neighborhood on Liberty Heights Avenue when they allegedly shot a 23-year-old man at least twice and then stole his car. The police report that “one suspect walked up on him, gun in hand and pretty much without warning, shot him.” The young man is now in the hospital and expected to survive.

After the shooting, the two suspects took off in the young man’s car. As the suspects were fleeing from police, the car crashed into two other vehicles. The driver of one of the vehicles was thrown from his van and suffered serious injuries. He died later at the hospital. The police were able to arrest one of the suspects, whom they found hiding behind a nearby house. The other suspect may have jumped from the car before it crashed. Police are still looking for him.

In cases like this one, there is a potential for many different charges to be filed against the suspects. They may be charged with auto theft, evading police, vehicular homicide, and gun charges. In such a case, the defendant will need an experienced lawyer who understands all aspects of the situation and the charges. At Alpert Schreyer, our Maryland criminal defense attorneys have years of experience successfully handing cases related to homicide, vehicular homicide, and gun crimes. We believe that everyone is entitled to a thorough and aggressive defense, no matter what the charges. Call our lawyers in Bowie at Alpert Schreyer today at 866-444-6363 for a free and confidential evaluation of your case.

Nationwide, people have been closely following the Casey Anthony trial. Anthony had been accused of first degree murder, manslaughter, aggravated child abuse and lying to law enforcement. As we now know, she was found not guilty on the first three charges.

Many people were shocked by the verdict as popular opinion and many media outlets portrayed Anthony as being guilty. In a criminal trial, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, meaning that the accusers must provide adequate evidence to prove the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt.

In this case, much of the evidence that the prosecution had was circumstantial. By legal definition, this means that the evidence provides a basis for inference but does not directly prove the fact. For example, photos of Casey Anthony partying and drinking after Caylee’s disappearance may allow one to infer that she was happy to be free from the responsibilities of motherhood, but it does not directly prove that she felt that way. Many legal analysts believe that jurors were unable to convict Anthony because the medical examiner who studied Caylee’s body was unable to give a cause of death. In the juror’s minds, that may have left reasonable doubt as to whether the child’s death was a premeditated murder or an accident.

This case shows that even in difficult cases, every person has rights and deserves a fair trial. If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime in Maryland, the Bethesda criminal defense lawyers at Alpert Schreyer can launch an aggressive defense on your behalf and help to ensure your rights are protected. Call us today at 1-866-444-6363 for a free evaluation of your case.

In a Baltimore County Circuit Court, a 31-year old man convicted of murder made statements during sentencing implying that he had been treated unfairly by court officials, according to the Baltimore Sun. The man was found guilty of first degree murder of his 23-year-old girlfriend.

During the sentencing hearing, the man accused the judge, prosecutors and detectives of lying, ignoring evidence that would have helped his case and conspiring against him. The man looked at the judge while saying, “You all just wanted to blame me—you all just wanted to set me up.” The man also referred to mistakes and omissions he felt were made by the state in their case against him. “All these stories that I was abusive and that I gave her a black eye—all that’s a lie,” claimed the man. He also criticized the way his lawyer handled the case.

Despite the man’s strong feelings, the sentencing hearing continued and he was given life in prison without parole with a consecutive 20-year term for using a handgun in a violent crime. The man says he plans to appeal the decision.

While this man’s claims of bias and errors may be unfounded, such things do happen. At Alpert Schreyer, our Maryland homicide defense lawyers have the experience necessary to carefully evaluate your case for mistakes or oversight on the part of law enforcement and prosecutors. Several of our lawyers are former prosecutors who understand how the other side thinks and the legal standards they are held to when making an argument. Using this knowledge and years of experience, our lawyers can build a strong defense, protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime, call the Maryland criminal defense lawyers at Alpert Schreyer today at 1-866-444-6363.