Maryland Law Blog

Homeless Man Killed in Ellicott City Train Accident

2010-03-11T12:00:00Z

A 41-year-old homeless man was struck and killed by a train in Ellicott City, Maryland on February 4, 2010. Based on a news article from explorehoward.com, Howard County Police were called to the scene after the train engineer reported striking someone laying on the tracks. According to reports, the engineer saw the unknown object on the tracks, but was unable to stop the train in time to avoid collision. The train accident in Ellicott City occurred about a half-mile from the end of Maryland Ave. The man was declared dead at the scene when police arrived.

Police do not suspect foul play in this train collision. Detectives found alcohol in the man’s backpack, and reported an odor of alcohol on him. The man may have been sleeping or passed out on the tracks when he was struck. However the accident is still under investigation.

]]> Aside from operator inattention, train collisions may be caused by the failure of computerized signal systems, improperly maintained tracks and defective train equipment and parts. It is important to investigate all aspects of a collision. In the tragic event that you, or a loved one, are injured or killed in a train accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries or loss.

A skilled Maryland train accident lawyer can investigate all the details surrounding your case, and determine whether another person’s negligence caused the collision. The attorneys at Meng & Alpert, LLC have considerable knowledge and experience handling personal injury and wrongful death cases, and can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Call today at (866) 444-6363 for a free consultation.

Source report: http://www.explorehoward.com/news/69077/man-hit-killed-train-ellicott-city/

Two Men Arrested for Police Evasion, Drugs and Outstanding Warrant

2010-03-09T12:00:00Z

Police in Cambridge, Maryland arrested two men on February 10, 2010 after they attempted to elude police during a traffic stop. According to news reports, when officers attempted to stop a vehicle for driving against a state of emergency order issued due to severe weather, the driver failed to pull over and attempted to elude the officers. Fortunately for police, when the driver turned from Washington Street onto St. Clair Avenue, his car became stuck in the snow. Three individuals then jumped from the vehicle and proceeded to flee on foot. The officers were able to catch and arrest both the driver and the front seat passenger.

The arresting officers found 22.3 grams of marijuana on the floor of the front passenger’s seat. The driver, a 22-year-old from Rhodesdale, was driving on a suspended driver’s license. In addition, the front seat passenger, a 25-year-old from Cambridge, was wanted on an outstanding warrant for 13 counts of animal cruelty. Both face multiple charges, and are being held at Dorchester County Detention Center.

]]> In the state of Maryland, possession or use of any amount of marijuana is punishable by jail time and hefty fines. Drug possession and trafficking charges can lead to very serious penalties. If you are accused of a drug charge, you should have the legal counsel of a skilled Maryland drug crime defense attorney. The aggressive lawyers at Meng & Alpert, LLC have represented clients with drug and other criminal charges in Maryland many years. Contact the office of Meng & Alpert, LLC toll free at (866) 444-6363 for a free and confidential consultation.

Source article: http://www.wmdt.com/news-archive.aspx?item=4577

Hanover Man Possibly Struck by Train Undergoes Multiple Surgeries

2010-03-04T21:45:31Z

According to a recent news article, on December 13, 2009 a 21-year-old man woke up seriously injured on the train tracks dividing Anne Arundel and Howard Counties in Maryland. The man was dehydrated with a pounding headache, had torn pants, was wearing one shoe and his legs were throbbing in pain. The last thing he remembered was doing the “Cha Cha Slide” at his company’s Christmas party and claims that he has no idea how he ended up on the train tracks.

Unable to walk, the man reportedly dragged himself along the rail-bed for several hours before crawling down the embankment to Dorsey Rd. before sunrise. Upon finding a passerby, he explained that he was struck by a train, and was eventually taken to Baltimore Washington Medical Center before being transferred to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center.

Reports indicate that the man and his family live near Ohio Avenue which runs parallel to the railroad tracks used by CSX, Amtrak and MARC trains, and that the area has no fence or railing to prevent someone from walking onto the tracks. Howard County police walked the tracks looking for clues, but only found the man’s missing shoe about 50 feet south of the train station.

]]> The man underwent extensive surgery to rebuild his knee and set his leg with bolts and wires. Since the accident on December 29, the man has had numerous surgeries on his injured leg.
By law, train crossings must have properly maintained equipment and signals. If you, or a loved one, have been involved in a train accident, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, surgeries and loss of wages. Call the skilled Meng & Alpert Southern Maryland train accident attorneys at 866-444-6363 for a free and comprehensive case consultation today.

Source report: http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/nbh/2010/02/08-32/Struck-by-a-train-Hanover-man-wakes-up-on-tracks.html

New Bill Proposes DUI Plates for Repeat Offenders

2010-03-02T12:00:00Z

Based on an article from wboc.com, a proposed bill would require residents of Maryland who are convicted of three or more DUIs to have a special yellow license plate that reads “DUI.” The Prince George’s County lawmaker backing the bill feels that drivers should be aware of repeat Maryland DUI offenders on the road.

The bill would also mandate the plates for five years following the third DUI conviction. Maryland officials indicated that there are 2,029 drivers in the state who would be required to have the plates should the bill pass. Officials from AAA mid-Atlantic told members of the House Judiciary Committee that other states have recently been adopting similar measures.

Similar bills have been proposed in the past, but have failed to win approval. Many still feel that this bill could have embarrassing and excessive repercussions for those convicted of multiple DUIs. The new bill could also make it difficult for those with the DUI license plate to find employment and could lead to unnecessary social alienation.

]]> A DUI or DWI conviction can include of possible jail time, large fines, license suspension and large increases in auto insurance coverage. If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI in Maryland or Washington D.C. you should find an aggressive DUI defense attorney in Maryland who can help you with your case. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Meng & Alpert, LLC can provide the skilled legal counsel necessary to help you keep your license and your job following a DUI charge. Contact our offices at (866) 444-6363 for a free and confidential consultation of your case.

Source report: http://www.wboc.com/Global/story.asp?S=11901299

Prosecutors Bid to Increase Penalties for PCP Drug Possession

2010-02-25T12:00:00Z

Washington D.C. prosecutors are weighing support for the city’s bid to increase PCP drug possession charges to felony charges under the pretext that violent psychosis caused by the drug warrants the increase of punishment. Based on a recent article, defense lawyers argue that possession of the drug without intent to sell should not garner long-term prison sentences.
Phencyclidine, a chemical substance commonly known as PCP, has been blamed for causing numerous violent rampages in Washington D.C. According to the District’s Pretrial Service Agency, nine percent of adults arrested in the District last year tested positive for the drug. The drug is known to cause paranoid thoughts, feelings of abnormal power, invulnerability and strength as well as panic and a sense of impending death.

Should the bid succeed, liquid PCP drug possession offenders will be punished with up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine on top of having a felony charge on their records. Defense attorneys rally that harsher penalties will result in more incarcerations, something many local governments are against.

]]> Drug crimes are more common than one might think. When drug crimes are combined with other criminal offenses, accused individuals may face severe penalties such as several years in prison, thousands of dollars in fines and seizure of property related to drug use, sale or manufacture.

If you have been charged with drug possession for PCP or any other narcotic, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Leading attorney The experienced and aggressive Maryland drug crime possession attorneys at Meng & Alpert, LLC can help build a strong defense for your case. As a leading attorney and partner with Meng & Alpert, LLC, Andrew Alpert is a former prosecutor, lending him the unique understanding of the procedures and possible law enforcement mistakes that may help you achieve better results and an aggressive defense. Call our offices today at (866) 444-6363 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Source article: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/Prosecutors-call-for-stronger-PCP-penalties-84171617.html#ixzz0fMikVr1K

Maryland Train Track Incident Kills 2 Workers

2010-02-23T18:38:13Z

A recent examiner.com article reported that two veteran workers on the Washington area’s transit system were killed in Rockville, MD on January 26, 2010 after being crushed by a maintenance truck. Apparently, the automatic train technicians, ages 49 and 68, were installing new train control safety equipment in the track bed when a high rail truck struck them. The track was supposed to have been closed for the evening. However, the special vehicle that hit the two men is capable of operating on the track even when electricity is off, thus explaining its presence during the maintenance work.

With this latest fatal Metro incident, the public is reminded of how deadly a work environment Metro has been for U.S. transit rail workers over the past five years. A National Transportation Safety Board investigator said that the rail truck in this incident was in reverse, which is not uncommon. The Chairman of the Metro board of directors stated that this tragic accident was the direct result of human error.

Based on the story, the Federal Transit Administration has determined that 8 of 13 deceased rail transit workers have been killed in and around Washington-area system tracks since 2005. These numbers do not include the death of a train driver and eight passengers in a collision last June, which is considered the worst accident in Metro’s 33-year history.

]]> Authority may be granted to the Federal Transit Administration to impose safety standards on subways, light rail and other urban train systems. As of now, law prohibits the federal government from taking such control. However, the recent spate of Metro train deaths emphasizes a great need for transit safety legislation to be further implemented. Several other transit systems have experienced much fewer fatalities over the last five years. Being host to the biggest rail transit system in the U.S., New York City’s subway has only had three deaths since 2005.

If you have been injured or if someone you care about has been killed in a Maryland or Washington, D.C. metro train accident, claims may be filed to help recover damages and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. For a free consultation of your case, please call Meng & Alpert's personal injury lawyers at 866-444-6363 today.

Source article: http://www.examiner.com/x-35275-DC-Headlines-Examiner~y2010m1d26-Metro-accident-kills-two-employees-on-the-track-early-Tuesday-morning?cid=exrss-DC-Headlines-Examiner

Maryland Prisons May Have to Notify Federal Authorities of Possible Immigrants

2010-02-19T20:53:50Z

Maryland lawmakers are addressing a bill that, if approved, will require prisons in Maryland to inform federal authorities of an inmate’s questionable status in terms of being in the country illegally. According to a recent Baltimore Sun article, the bill could potentially save the state of Maryland millions of dollars. Reportedly, the bill may make it easier to detect and deport illegal immigrants instead of spending money on their incarceration, parole, and probation. However, the bill does not specify how prison officials will obtain information regarding immigration status. This uncertainty may impose discrimination upon inmates and increase tension within prisons.

Senator James E. DeGrange Sr. stated that the bill is a response to a law that went into effect in October 2009, making it mandatory for prison officials to issue identification cards to all inmates when released. Based on the article, many lawmakers are worried that illegal immigrants who are released from prison with these cards may use them to get various forms of identification. Lawmakers voted to restrict driver’s licenses from being given to people without documentation showing that they are in the U.S. legally. Before this, Maryland was one of only four states without any laws prohibiting such action.

]]> The bill is also a response to the recent and notable rise in illegal immigrants present in Maryland. The article mentions that in 2008, prison officials noted the release of 114 foreign-born inmates into Maryland communities; however, they did not mention how many of these individuals were illegal immigrants qualifying for deportation. The bill would allow the deportation of illegal immigrants who have been convicted of a criminal offense but are supervised in the community and on either parole or probation.

At Meng & Alpert, LLC, our skilled Maryland criminal defense lawyers recognize the many challenges a person faces when arrested for a crime. The circumstances surrounding an arrest in Maryland can become even more complicated for an individual whose legal status in the U.S. may be compromised. Whether you have been arrested for a weapons and guns violation, a drug and narcotics crime, or a DUI/DWI offense, the aggressive and experienced attorneys at Meng & Alpert, LLC can help. Call us today at 866-444-6363 for a free and confidential consultation.

Source report: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-md.immigrants10feb10,0,255515.story

Maryland's Increase in Monitoring Violent and Sex Offenders

2010-02-10T13:00:00Z

In examining possible reasons for why crime has showed a decrease in Maryland, a baltimoresun.com article reflects how the Division of Parole and Probation has paid more attention to known violent and sexual offenders. In this regard, “paying more attention” refers to assigning all sex offenders to specially trained agents, placing those offenders under required and strict probationary terms, and then monitoring them via GPS. In fact, every sex offender is placed on GPS monitoring for 90 days, during which time he or she is subject to harsh curfews and restricted movements.

Violent offenders are placed in the Violence Prevention Initiative and, along with sex offenders, are closely marked for violations. Based on the article, as of January 2010 and since the Parole and Probation has been implementing GPS monitoring of sex offenders beginning in February 2009, 231 sex offenders and 1,300 total offenders have been placed on GPS monitoring.

Anyone who has been convicted of a sex crime in Bethesda or who is facing such charges should be aware that many administrators are sponsoring a bill that would require courts to impose lifetime supervision on certain sex offenders. It is their belief that doing this would guarantee that offenders released into the community are properly monitored and more easily subject to incarceration for violations of strict conditions.

]]> While government officials pursue legislation to strengthen sex offender laws, many of these laws are already very strict and have the capability of drastically changing a person’s life forever. If you have been accused of a sex crime in Maryland, you should seek the assistance of an experienced Maryland sex crime defense attorney who will aggressively defend your legal rights. Contact the skilled lawyers at Meng & Alpert, LLC today for a free consultation of your case by calling 866-444-6363.

Source article: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/readersrespond/bal-sexoffenderletter0126,0,2305735.story

Man Accused of Shooting Clerk at Drive-Through Window

2010-01-26T17:52:46Z

A Columbia man was recently arrested and charged with wounding a Dunkin’ Donuts clerk in Anne Arundel County. Police reported that on December 12, 2009 a clerk was shot through a drive-through window after refusing to comply with demands for cash from a man who came to the drive-through window armed with a shotgun. The wounded clerk was taken to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center for treatment of serious injuries. The 21-year-old alleged shooter was captured by the police department’s Special Enforcement Team and has been charged with attempted murder.

An attempted murder charge is a form of assault and since the man was carrying a gun, charges may be increased. Penalties could include extended prison time and large fines. Although it is legal to own a gun in the U.S., most citizens are prohibited from carrying one on their person in public. If law enforcement suspects you of carrying a gun, they can legally search you and your vehicle.

]]> Assault and weapons violations are serious offenses that can potentially ruin one's life. If you have been charged with assault, homicide or weapons violation, you should have an experienced criminal defense attorney who can build a strong defense on your side. The skilled Maryland criminal defense attorneys at Meng & Alpert have been successfully representing those charged with weapons charges and other criminal offenses in Maryland and the District of Columbia for decades. Our Maryland defense attorneys can protect your legal rights and help reduce or dismiss charges made against you. Contact our offices today at (866) 444-6363 for a free and confidential evaluation of your case.

Source: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/bal-shooting1221,0,4915574.story

Forensic Expert Indicates a Lack of DNA Evidence in Homicide Trial

2010-01-21T12:00:00Z

Testimony from a forensic DNA expert was heard during the trial of a 39-year-old man charged with the murder of a 27-year-old Salisbury man. Two other suspects were previously indicted by a grand jury for the killing after paramedics found the victim unconscious with his ankles and wrists duct taped inside the home of one of the accused. According to prosecutors, drugs and money were the motive behind the killing. A fourth individual who was allegedly involved, was found dead earlier this year from an apparent suicide.

During the December trial, the defense’s forensic DNA expert testified that there was no DNA evidence linking the defendant to the evidence submitted by police for testing. Maryland State Police submitted 21 pieces of evidence; however, swab samples taken from the items, and not the items themselves, were used for testing purposes.

A co-defendant who testified as part of a plea agreement told jurors that he and the other defendants wore gloves during the assault and murder. According to the expert, those who wear gloves are less likely to leave fingerprints and DNA on objects. The co-defendant also indicated that the defendant sodomized the victim with a broom and beat him with the object until it broke then later burned the victim with heated forks. However, DNA on the duct tape and forks did not match the defendant’s DNA.

]]> Murder trials are extremely complicated, especially when multiple people are involved. Every detail matters and even the smallest of things can either convict or exonerate an accused person. If you have been charged with murder, homicide or assault, consult an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney.

At Meng & Alpert LLC, we believe that everyone is entitled to a complete defense. As a former prosecutor, lead attorney Andrew Alpert understands the intricacies of law enforcement procedures and can use this knowledge to launch an aggressive and thorough defense on your behalf. Call the attorneys at Meng & Alpert LLC today at (866) 444-6363 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Source: http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20091218/NEWS01/912180311/-1/newsfront2/Expert-No-DNA-evidence-for-trial

New Application Alerts Drivers to DUI Checkpoints

2010-01-19T12:00:00Z

Drivers with a GPS or Smartphone can now receive instant warnings when approaching DUI checkpoints and speed traps as well as red light and speed cameras. Police fear that this will aid offenders in escaping arrest. Phantom Alert is the company that produces the application which began as a method to help drivers avoid tickets for a small fee.

The checkpoint notification shows up on devices as a martini glass followed by a police car. In Washington D.C, common DUI checkpoints are around popular nightspots. Employees at Phantom Alert are instructed to search police press releases and news reports for new locations. There is also an option for users to report their own findings, which can be helpful to other users since in areas like Montgomery County, Maryland, police sometimes announce checkpoints without specific locations.

]]> Another company, Buzzed, produces a similar application for iPhones and also includes a “call a cab” feature in order to deter people from driving drunk. Still, police are unconvinced that the apps are a method of prevention and will continue to establish DUI checkpoints without releasing locations. In the first seven months of 2009, there were 500 more DUI arrests in Montgomery County than there were during the same period in 2008. This indicates that despite these new applications, police are getting better at arresting drunk driving offenders.

Being arrested for driving under the influence can have embarrassing and expensive repercussions. A DUI conviction includes possible jail time, large fines, license suspension, huge increases in insurance coverage, and could lead to trouble at work. If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI in Maryland or D.C., contact Meng & Alpert LLC. Our aggressive Maryland DUI defense attorneys have the experience and skills required to help you keep your license and your job. Call (866) 444-6363 for a free consultation.

Source article: http://www.andrewalpert.com/drunk-driving.html

Woman Killed in a Two-Car Crash

2010-01-14T12:00:00Z

A 34 year old woman from Pennsylvania was killed in a two-car crash when the driver of the pick-up truck she was riding in lost control of the vehicle on an icy part of Old York Road in White Hall and crashed into another vehicle. According to the Baltimore Sun, a 41 year old man was driving his 2006 Ford pick-up truck on Old York Road when he crossed a double yellow line to pass a 2005 Chevrolet pick-up truck, skidded on the icy pavement and crashed into the other truck. The woman, reportedly from Stewartstown, was killed as a result of the collision. The driver of the Ford truck was ejected from his vehicle and transported by ambulance to Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore where he was listed in critical condition. The driver of the Chevrolet pickup was uninjured.

Driving in wintertime can be more dangerous, as rain, snow and ice affect a vehicle’s traction on the road. If road conditions are very icy, tire chains for your front wheels can be used to aid in traction. Rain puddles and flooding can cause vehicles to lose grip and hydroplane, which can cause a vehicle to spin out of control.

]]> It is a known fact that more people die in car accidents than in any other method of transportation. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a car accident because of someone else’s negligence, contact a skilled Bethesda personal injury attorney at Meng & Alpert. Car accidents can leave victims with grief and financial debt. You may be entitled to compensation for such grievances. Call our offices today at 866-444-6363 for a free and comprehensive consultation with one of our car accident attorneys.

Source report: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-county/bal-md.briefs142dec14,0,651074.story

Report Shows that Police Taser Use Does Not Follow Standards

2010-01-12T18:37:43Z

Two years ago a man died after a police officer shot him twice with a taser outside of his home in Frederick. Although a grand jury ruled that the officer was justified in his actions, Maryland’s Attorney General was prompted to begin a comprehensive review of police use of tasers. The breakthrough findings were recently released.

The report indicated that police officers have an over-reliance on the weapon, despite the fact that they are told in training to treat tasers as if they were guns or other deadly weapons. The report also showed that not all officers should use tasers and that the weapon should not be used against unarmed people fleeing or destroying evidence as the device can cause death or serious injury in certain circumstances.

]]> According to the report, Montgomery County has the highest police taser use of 222 times a year followed by Baltimore City and County. Currently, no police agency in Maryland meets the standards outlined in the report. If used appropriately, tasers can save lives and can be a valuable tool for law enforcement to protect themselves and the community. However, tougher laws and regulations are due, especially for private citizens who legally own tasers.

If you have been accused of a crime and a police officer had unnecessarily used a taser or other weapon against you, there are steps you can take to protect your rights and possibly have charges against you dismissed or significantly reduced. Contact the experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyers at Meng & Alpert at 866-444-6363 for a free and confidential evaluation of your case today.

Source report: http://wjz.com/local/taser.tasered.2.1375959.html

Two Men Arrested for First Degree Murder and Assault in 2007 Crime

2010-01-08T12:00:00Z

Two years ago in October, a 21-year-old man was found dead just inside Leakin Park in Baltimore. According to police reports, a motorist who had been driving through the park discovered the body of the man early on the morning of October 10, 2007. The victim's head was covered with duct tape and blood was discovered on his face and head. It was determined that the victim had been shot twice in the head after being abducted the day before. It is unclear what provoked the attack, considering that the victim, who was originally from Ghana, had no criminal record in Maryland.

Two men ages 23 and 30 were arrested on Thursday December 17, 2009 and charged with first degree murder, assault and various handgun charges in the Baltimore murder. They have been ordered to be held without bond. Both suspects charged in this case had prior criminal convictions including burglary and handgun charges. One of the suspects was also found not guilty in 2004 of attempted first-degree murder.

]]> Homicide and murder charges are extremely serious offenses and can include punishments of steep fines and decades of prison time. Oftentimes, the manner in which a crime was committed will enable law enforcement officials to add additional charges leading to increased penalties and jail time.

Knowing your rights and all aspects of your case can be extremely important if you are charged with a serious crime. The skilled Bethesda criminal defense attorneys at Meng and Alpert, LLC can help you understand your rights and use any weaknesses and inconsistencies in the State's evidence against you to help build a strong defense on your behalf. We offer free and confidential case evaluations to potential clients. If you or someone you know is facing assault or homicide charges, call us today at (866) 444-6363.

Source article: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bal-charges1218,0,26739.story

Maryland Pushes for Stricter Gun Laws

2010-01-07T21:24:04Z

The state of Maryland has recently been marked with an increase in gun violence, homicides and police involved shootings, especially in Baltimore City. One solution that many are vying for is stricter gun laws and sentencing for gun offenders as well as no credit for good behavior to shorten prison time. The governor supports harsher legislation for gun violence and better prosecution to put offenders in jail for longer periods of time. However, tougher gun laws have failed in the past few years and leaders are planning to push for stricter legislation in the next year.

The second amendment of the constitution gives Americans the right to bear arms. However protection laws can be confusing to legal gun owners. Many people who face firearm charges in Maryland have criminal records; however, there are also many individuals charged who are legal owners of firearms who did not know they were breaking the law. Many prosecutors and leaders in Maryland agree with stricter gun legislation and will continue to push for reform. This means that even small violations can hold a mandatory minimum jail sentence.

]]> There are several different types of criminal violations of gun laws including concealed weapon and intent to injure. If an accused is in possession of a firearm during a crime, then additional charges may be added. Being accused of weapons violations can be stressful and affect your job and relationships. The Maryland criminal defense attorneys at Meng & Alpert have decades of experience dealing with gun charges and other criminal offenses. For a free and confidential consultation with one of our skilled criminal defense lawyers, contact our offices at 866-444-6363 today.

Source article: http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story/City-Looking-to-State-to-Catch-Bad-Guys-With-Guns/GxkX44bJeUO55U0x4vLtgQ.cspx