The secretary, a resident of Ellicott City who worked for the church for seven years, was pronounced dead at the church after a custodian discovered the tragic scene and contacted police. Police and hospital officials report that the priest, who had been co-rector of the parish since 2009, was in critical condition at Shock Trauma in Baltimore after the shooting but later passed away. At the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland’s annual convention, the fatal MD shooting provoked anger, grief, and prayerful reflection. A Maryland bishop stated the anger was directed at a society that allowed a mentally ill individual to have a handgun.

Police are investigating the handgun’s registration and history. A spokeswoman for the Howard County Police department stated the homeless man may not have necessarily been targeting the pair, but they may have simply been the two people who were there when he arrived with the gun.

Homicide in the state of Maryland is an extremely serious crime that can result in severe penalties, such as imprisonment. At the law firm of Alpert Schreyer, our Maryland murder defense attorneys can apply our extensive knowledge and skills to build an aggressive defense on your behalf. We offer a free and confidential case evaluation, so contact us immediately to schedule your consultation by calling (866) 444-6363.

Prescription fraud is a very serious and growing problem in the U.S. Prescription drug fraud is defined as the acquiring or obtaining of a controlled substance by illegal means and the wrongful gain of prescription drugs for personal use, or profit, without a validated prescription from a physician. The crime of prescription fraud can be committed in a number of ways, including forging prescriptions, altering prescriptions to increase the quantity, and impersonating a physician over the phone.

The penalties for a prescription fraud conviction in Maryland can be very serious, but seeking assistance from a Bethesda narcotics defense attorney can help protect you from excessive penalties. At the law firm of Alpert Schreyer, our criminal defense attorneys have a successful track record of defending clients facing drug-related charges and will work diligently to ensure your lawful rights are protected. To discuss your case with us, call (866) 444-6363. The initial consultation is free and confidential.

According to the report, police passed the man’s house twice and as the 52-year-old walked toward their vehicle, one of the officers proceeded to get out of the car. ‘Frosty,’ who was not in costume at the time, became “irate and angry” and was using profanity, according to the police officer’s statement. Police suggested he go back inside his home and reportedly gave him many opportunities to cease and desist, but the man continued to act inappropriately and was therefore arrested.

The Chestertown resident believes police went overboard arresting him, but admits using profanity in the presence of the officers was a mistake. Following the arrest, he was released on his own recognizance. In November, the man was arrested for allegedly attempting to kick a police dog during a Chestertown Christmas parade.

If you are facing criminal charges in the state of Maryland, a skilled Maryland criminal defense attorney with the law firm of Alpert Schreyer can help. Seeking assistance from a qualified attorney is well-advised and may help you avoid harsh penalties and excessive fines. To see how we can apply our years of criminal defense experience to your case, call (866) 444-6363 for a free case evaluation.

In order to prevent dangerous DUI (driving under the influence) accidents, the Anne Arundel County Police Department is stepping up DUI enforcement on Saturday, May 5. The Odenton-Severn Patch reports that County police will be coordinating efforts with various law enforcement agencies and will be assigning officers to DUI enforcement throughout the county. In addition, officers will be targeting roads previously identified as having high rates of drunk driving-related accidents and arrests.

The County police department states the DUI saturation patrols in MD have consistently remained an effective strategy for removing impaired drivers from the road, but they are only part of an overall strategy of enforcement, prevention, and education to reduce DUI-related accidents, injuries, and deaths.

All drivers are encouraged to celebrate responsibly on May 5 and throughout the rest of the year, and with the help of both motorists and police, DUI accidents may be prevented. However, increased DUI enforcement during holidays may also mean innocent motorists are the target of overzealous law enforcement. If you have been arrested for drunk driving in the state, the Maryland drunk driving defense lawyers at the law firm of Alpert Schreyer, LLC can help defend you against harsh punishments. To discuss your case with us, please call (866) 952-1500 at any time of the day or night.

The states’ anti-gang programs have been receiving funding under a congressional earmark, which, according to the Examiner, is a “funding mechanism that allows local congressmen to skirt funding competitions within federal agencies.” Now denounced as wasteful spending, smaller jurisdictions, such as Fairfax County, will now have to compete for federal funding against larger cities, such as Baltimore and Chicago.

Funding may not be hard to come by for law enforcement initiatives, but the director of the Northern Virginia Gang Task Force states simply arresting gang members is not enough to prevent gang violence; the key is prevention and prevention programs.

Being involved in any crime in Maryland can leave a person facing serious penalties and consequences without proper legal representation. With years of experience defending Maryland residents against all types of criminal charges, a Bethesda criminal defense lawyer at the law firm of Alpert Schreyer can help you when you are facing criminal charges. For a complimentary consultation regarding your case, call (866) 444-6363.

The 19-year-old was later released and is now charged with eight different crimes in relation to the March incident, including misuse of electronic mail and disruption of a school’s operations. Authorities conducted a search of the former student’s dorm room and his family’s home in Fulton, but no weapons were discovered. The suspect is presently under home detention and has been indefinitely banned from the grounds of any University of Maryland campus. Prosecutors say it could be months before the case goes to trial, if at all. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for May 15.

Threatening to execute an act of violence can get a person in very serious legal trouble even if there is never any follow through with the threat. The Maryland criminal defense lawyers at the law firm of Alpert Schreyer, LLC can help those facing criminal charges build an effective and aggressive defense. To discuss your case with a member of our legal team, call (866) 444-6363 for a free case evaluation.

The driver, a 20-year-old resident of Waldorf, had apparently been selling drugs out of his truck for some time to both teens and young adults, who found out about him by word of mouth. He was also legitimately selling ice cream. The ice cream truck driver has been charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana. The WCSH6.com report says the man is currently “out on bond and out of business.” A spokesperson for the Charles County Sherriff’s office wishes they received the tip much sooner, but is happy that a drug dealer is being taken off the street.

The penalties for drug sales in Maryland can be severe, and without an aggressive Waldorf drug crime defense attorney a person’s future will be in jeopardy. At the law firm of Alpert Schreyer, we have years of experience successfully defending people against drug charges and will fight to get you the best possible outcome in your case. To discuss your specific case with a member of our legal team, call (800) 489-1577.

The spokesperson for the state comptroller says the practice of smuggling cigarettes continues because the penalties are “not very bad,” which can create an environment that breeds repeat offenders. If caught, smugglers currently face criminal charges of transporting and possession of untaxed cigarettes. “Transporting” of untaxed cigarettes carries a fine of $50 per carton and a possible threat of two years in prison, and “possession” is considered a Maryland misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine.

The comptroller is sponsoring legislation to stiffen the penalties for cigarette smuggling; specifically, one would increase the per-carton penalty to a $150 fine and imprisonment for up to two years for first time offenders. Repeat offenders could face up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $300 per carton. To show the substantial increase in this crime, state police at Berlin Barrack are on track to seize approximately four times more cigarettes than last year, already having made five arrests this year and seizing 1,600 cartons. In 2011, only four arrests were made and 1,737 cartons were seized.

Anyone facing criminal charges in the state of Maryland would be well-advised to seek professional legal counsel to help protect them from harsh penalties. The Annapolis criminal defense attorneys with the law firm of Alpert Schreyer have years of experience defending all types of criminal charges and will make certain your lawful rights are protected throughout your case. To see how we can assist you, please call (866) 444-6363 to schedule your free consultation.

First Offense

A first offense for DUI can result in suspension of one’s driver’s license for 45 days or 90 days (for BAC of .15 or more) and fines of up to $1,000. If a minor was in the vehicle at the time of arrest, fines may increase to $2000. Upon conviction, one may also serve a jail term of up to one year, or two years if a minor was in the vehicle.

Second Offense

A second DUI offense can result in driver’s license suspension for 90 days or 180 days (for BAC of .15 or more), fines up to $2,000 (increased to $3,000 with a minor in the vehicle), and a jail term of up to two years. If a minor was in the vehicle, the jail term can be up to three years. An ignition interlock device may be installed in the vehicle after 45 days of suspension.

Three or More Offenses

Any third, or beyond, DUI offense in Maryland may result in a 1 year minimum driver’s license suspension and fines up to $3,000, which increases to $4,000 if a minor was in the vehicle. The jail term substantially increases as well to three years, or four years if a minor was in the vehicle.

A DUI conviction in the state of Maryland will undoubtedly impact the life of a person well beyond when the jail time is served and the fines are paid; an individual’s personal, professional and financial life will be affected for years to come. If you are a MD resident facing a DUI charge, Maryland drunk driving defense lawyer Andrew Alpert and the legal team of Alpert Schreyer have the knowledge and experience to build a strong defense on your behalf and protect your rights. Don’t delay. Call our offices at (866) 444-6363 for a no-cost consultation.

Following the arrest of the four elementary school children, members of the Baltimore Police Department are now facing a wave of controversy for their use of handcuffs on the kids and the manner in which they were arrested as it occurred during school hours where anyone could see. Police adamantly defended their actions stating that suspects in all cases are handcuffed to keep officers safe and to prevent people in custody from harming themselves.

However, parents and others argue that officers could have detained the youth after school ended and with “much less fanfare.” An attorney with the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) in Maryland condemned the arrests and conduct of the police, stating there is no excuse for treating eight- and nine-year-old children the same way as adult criminal suspects, adding this shows a problem with the Baltimore Police Department as a whole. City school officials declined to comment regarding the case, simply saying it is under review.

Regardless of age, any resident charged with assault may face severe penalties without the help of a skilled assault defense attorney in Maryland. The law firm of Alpert Schreyer has years of experience defending individuals facing criminal charges and can help protect you against excessive penalties. To speak with us regarding your case, please call (866) 444-6363 for a free consultation.

Knoxville authorities are unsure why the 53-year-old came to Tennessee to commit suicide as he had no known ties to East Tennessee.

Any person who faces charges for a sex crime in Maryland may face serious criminal penalties. The penalties for a sex crime conviction can include incarceration, fines, and registry as a Maryland sex offender for a person’s entire life. In addition, a conviction for a sex crime can cause irreparable damage to one’s personal and professional life. Facing such charges on one’s own can be a daunting and overwhelming experience without the help of a knowledgeable attorney.

The Bethesda sex crime defense lawyers with the law firm of Alpert Schreyer have an excellent track record of getting successful results for clients facing sex crime charges, and will work diligently to get you the best possible outcome in your case. Our legal team will ensure your lawful rights are protected. For a no-cost consultation regarding your specific case, please call (866) 444-6363.

The shooting suspect was later found hiding in a wooded area near a Baker Street railroad bridge. Officers searched the 22-year-old man and found ten Ziploc baggies of marijuana. Homicide detectives who later took control of the investigation say the man confessed to the shooting. This is unfortunately was not the 22-year-old’s first brush with the law; his previous arrests include Maryland carjacking charges in 2010 and a second carjacking charge with kidnapping of a minor in 2011. In both case, the man evaded prison time. The shooting victim did not appear to have any criminal record.

The state of Maryland takes the crime of murder very seriously and anyone facing charges for this crime will undoubtedly face severe penalties, including incarceration. Prosecutors will likely seek the maximum punishment for the crime. In order to protect your future, seeking assistance from a skilled homicide defense attorney in Maryland would be well advised to try and avoid a lengthy prison sentence and other harsh penalties. At the law firm of Alpert Schreyer, our firm has extensive experience defending criminal charges and will work to ensure your lawful rights are protected. Call (866) 444-6363 to schedule a free consultation.

TheGrio.com reports that stories have been pouring in from across the U.S. of thieves stealing thousands of dollars worth of Tide and engaging in weeks, or even months, of heists before being captured. The criminal act of Tide-swiping is relatively low risk, with few dangers and repercussions. National chains, such as drug store CVS, have attempted to electronically tag the detergent bottles as a theft-deterrent, but ultimately to no avail as robbers (who sometimes work in teams) simply run or drive away with as many bottles as they can take, removing the tags later.

Due to the ailing economy, certain consumers have become more willing to buy stolen goods at cut-rate prices; the National Retail Federation reports that the stealing of basic staples for barter or resale, such as over-the-counter medications or razor blades, has been on the rise and costs stores millions. Losses amounted to more than $3 billion in 2010 alone. Some of the Tide stealers find it profitable to resell the brand name item at steep discounts directly to consumers outside of Laundromats; however, drug dealers are beginning to accept Tide as a form of payment and even smaller retail shops, like corner stores, are also stocking up on the stolen detergent to save big.

Regardless of the item, a theft charge in the state of Maryland is a very serious offense. A person may receive harsh penalties, including incarceration, as a result. To help protect you from excessive penalties, the Waldorf theft defense lawyers of Alpert Schreyer can aid you in building an aggressive defense if you are facing Maryland robbery or theft charges. To discuss your case with a knowledgeable member of our law team, call (866) 444-6363. We offer a free consultation.

In addition to the charges of negligent manslaughter and reckless driving, the Pasadena man also faces a slew of other Maryland criminal charges, including negligent driving, unsafe lane changing, driving vehicle on highway at speed exceeding limit, and following a vehicle too closely. According to online court records, the man was charged with a number of vehicular offenses for an unrelated crash that happened two months after this fatal accident, including driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). The 25-year-old’s arraignment is scheduled for March 19, with a trial set for June 28 in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.

Anyone facing manslaughter charges in the state of Maryland can face very serious penalties, including incarceration. The Maryland vehicular homicide attorneys of Alpert Schreyer have years of experience defending clients facing these types of charges and will work diligently to protect your lawful rights, from the arrest through the trial. Our legal team will fight to get you the best possible outcome in your case. For assistance and a complimentary consultation, please call (866) 444-6363.

• Cars;
• SUVs (sport utility vehicles);
• Motorcycles;
• Trucks or buses; or
• Vans and mini-vans.

In general, snowmobiles, skateboards, watercraft, and farm tractors are a few examples of things not considered to be motor vehicles. Vehicular homicide can typically be prosecuted anywhere within the state, even if the crime occurred on public property.

Under Maryland criminal law code, “A person may not cause the death of another as a result of the person's driving, operating, or controlling a vehicle or vessel in a grossly negligent manner.” A person convicted of the crime of vehicular homicide, or vehicular manslaughter, and found guilty of violating this statute will be guilty of committing a felony in Maryland. The penalties for a conviction of grossly negligent vehicular homicide may be imprisonment for a time not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000, or both. For those charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the fine will be the same, and the maximum potential jail time would be 5 years unless gross negligence is proven.

If you are a Maryland resident facing charges for vehicular homicide, it is imperative you seek help from an experienced Waldorf vehicular homicide lawyer. The legal team at Alpert Schreyer has the experienced needed to provide you with aggressive legal representation and defend you against harsh penalties. For a free consultation regarding your case, call (800) 489-1577.