Maryland Law Blog

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that a 37-year-old man has a received a 20-year prison sentence for his role in a Harbor East bank robbery. Reportedly, the convicted robber jumped over the bank counter and forced the tellers to open the bank vault by threatening them with a gun. The man and his accomplice also used a fake bomb to delay police response to the robbery. The robbery netted the men $157,000, far more than the average amount of money taken in a Maryland bank robbery.

The man will spend 20 years in prison for his conviction on charges of armed bank robbery, conspiracy to commit bank robbery, and possessing, using, and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime. The man received an enhanced sentence based on his two prior robbery convictions. His accomplice was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Anyone facing a bank robbery or firearms charge in Maryland during the commission of a violent crime needs to seek legal representation immediately. These are serious charges that can lead to long prison sentences and steep fines if convicted. In addition to prison time and probation, a robbery conviction can make it difficult to find or maintain employment, enroll in educational programs, and participate in community activities. An experienced Maryland defense attorney can help you build a strong defense against these charges.

If you have been charged with armed robbery, contact the Maryland theft defense lawyers of Alpert Schreyer. We have extensive experience representing those charged with Maryland crimes and will work hard to help you defend yourself against these serious charges. Call us at (866) 444-6363 or (301) 262-7005 to schedule a confidential review of your case.

A 29 year-old Essex resident has been accused of shooting and killing a Towson gas station owner in a murder-for-hire scheme. He is one of six people implicated in this killing, including the gas station owner’s wife as well as her brother, sister, and nephew, according to the Baltimore Sun. Court documents state that the wife promised the Essex resident more than $9,000 for the killing of her husband. The case is due in court this week, and as prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in this murder case, it will likely be the first death penalty trial under Maryland’s revamped death penalty law.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the new state statute, which went into effect 2 years ago, says that the death penalty may only be sought in cases where there is “DNA or other biological evidence, a video-taped confession, or a video recording that conclusively links the defendant to the murder”. In the case of the Essex resident, prosecutors have a videotaped recording of the defendant, taken at the Baltimore County police Headquarters on March 6, 2010, ultimately confessing to the crime of killing the gas station owner at a Maryland Hess Station five days earlier on the morning of March 1. However, in an attempt to not get the death penalty in this murder case, the defendant’s attorneys state that he was never told he was being videotaped and what consequences he may face because the confession was on tape. Essentially, the man’s video confession makes him eligible for the death penalty under the revised statute.

The judge eventually ruled that the video of the man’s confession will be admissible in the trial. The Baltimore Sun explains the defendant’s lawyers have entered 10 motions to “strike the prosecutor’s move to seek the death penalty”.

The revised Maryland death penalty statute may seem clear, but this recent case demonstrates that there are stipulations that may be relevant if you are not informed of your rights. If you have been charged with murder, the knowledgeable Maryland murder defense attorneys at the law offices of Alpert Schreyer can help you get the best possible outcome in your case and make sure you are well informed at every step of your trial. Please call (866) 444-6363 for a no-cost consultation.

The Baltimore Sun reports that a recent investigation led to the arrest of 35 alleged gang members for crimes committed in Baltimore and other Maryland locations. The suspects stand accused of a Baltimore murder and other crimes, including witness intimidation, home invasion, kidnapping, and attempted murder. These alleged crimes took place in Frederick, Howard County, Wicomico County, and Allegany County. Kim C. Dine, Frederick police chief, says the arrests represent a significant move for law enforcement. Sixteen of those accused are from Frederick, which means the arrests will have a strong impact on that city.

Anyone accused of a gang-related crime should seek legal representation immediately, as the penalties for a conviction can be much greater if the crime is determined to be gang-related. In some cases, prosecutors charge people with gang offenses even if the accused are not members of criminal gangs. Overzealous law enforcement officials may assume you are a gang member simply because you are in the vicinity of a known gang. If you don’t have an attorney to help you fight the charges, you may be labeled a gang member and may be scrutinized by law enforcement officials for the rest of your life.

The Maryland criminal defense attorneys of Alpert Schreyer have extensive experience defending clients charged with attempted murder, murder, robbery, prostitution, and other crimes. If you are accused of one of these crimes and the prosecutor alleges you are a member of a gang, contact us for help. Call us at (301) 262-7005 or (866) 444-6363 to discuss your case in confidence.

The Baltimore Sun reports that a Baltimore County police officer was arrested Tuesday night after he assaulted his girlfriend and pointed a handgun at her. The suspect, a 5-year-veteran working the Pikesville Precinct, faces charges of first-degree assault, second-degree assault, destruction of property, and false imprisonment. The attack allegedly occurred on September 23 in Towson.

Police records indicate that the pair argued after the victim tried to discuss her involvement in a new relationship. The suspect got into the victim’s car and grabbed her arm forcefully enough to leave a bruise. The argument continued after the pair entered the suspect’s house and, when the victim attempted to leave with her 13-month old child, the man pointed a gun at her and told her to get away from him. Law enforcement officers believe the man had been drinking. He has been suspended and his service weapon has been taken from his possession. He is currently free on $50,000 bail.

Anyone charged with assault and false imprisonment should retain legal counsel as soon as possible after being arrested. These are serious charges that could lead to time in prison, steep fines, mandatory counseling, and other penalties. In some cases, an assault charge is based on “he said, she said” statements, which puts defendants at an unfair position. An experienced attorney can help you build a strong defense against these charges.

The Maryland criminal defense attorneys at Alpert Schreyer have extensive experience defending clients against charges such as assault, theft, burglary, robbery, and other crimes. We work hard to make sure your rights are protected at every step of the legal process. Call us at (301) 262-7005 or (866) 444-6363 to schedule a free and confidential review of your case.