Criminal Defense Blog in Clinton

16

Mar 2020

Are All Crimes in Washington, D.C. Federal Crimes?

This is a question we hear a lot as Maryland defense attorneys: "since Washington, D.C. is a federal territory, does that mean all crimes committed in D.C. are federal crimes?" The short answer is no . Here's the long answer: while all federal law enforcement agencies have jurisdiction within the District of Columbia, they will often not involve themselves in crimes that don't involve their ...

Posted By Gracia & Mintz

20

Feb 2020

Why Am I Charged with Assault for Defending Myself?

Assault is often misunderstood as a criminal charge—for instance, in Maryland, assault charges come in two forms: first-degree assault, which is a felony, and second-degree assault, which is a misdemeanor. Because of the way assault is defined, people can be charged with assault as a result of circumstances outside their control. Assault vs. Self-Defense For example, there was once a woman who was ...

Posted By Gracia & Mintz

16

Dec 2019

Should You Talk to Police Without a Lawyer?

If you or your loved one were arrested and are being charged with a crime, it is vital to have an experienced attorney on your side before talking to the police. When confronted with police officers, people often feel the need to speak to police officers because they think it will help them get out of the situation. However, this is far from true. Whether a person is innocent or guilty of the ...

Posted By Gracia & MIntz

19

Jul 2019

How to Get a Hardship License in Maryland

If you’ve been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), you'll likely have your driver’s license suspended. A suspended driver’s license can make it difficult to get to work, go to the grocery store, or accomplish other vital daily tasks. Thankfully, it's possible to obtain a hardship license or a limited driving privilege that will allow you get to and from work, school, or medical ...

Posted By Gracia & Mintz

24

Dec 2018

What Happens When I Get Pulled Over Driving with a Suspended License?

Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License in Maryland In Maryland, the penalties for getting pulled over with a suspending license vary depending on why your license was suspended in the first place. At a minimum, you may get 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, and carry 3 points on your driving record. This is called the “H” charge. The more serious penalty, called a “C” charge, carries up to 12 ...

Posted By Gracia & Mintz

10

Oct 2018

What Is Sexual Offender Registration?

Individuals who are convicted of a sex crime are required by Maryland law to add their name to the sex offender registry. The sex offender registry is the system that allows government authorities to keep track of sex offenders who have completed their prison sentences. The severity of an individual’s crimes determines the length that they will be listed on the sexual offender registry. Each state ...

Posted By Gracia & Mintz

23

Jun 2016

What You Should Know After a Domestic Violence Charge

Domestic violence is a serious charge with harsh consequences. Under Maryland family code § 4-501, domestic violence is defined as any instance where one family or household member commits an abuse against another. The state includes current or former spouses, blood relations, parents and step-parents, marriage, or current residents as family or household members. The law articulates the following ...

Posted By Gracia & Mintz

10

Dec 2015

Do I Need a Criminal Defense Attorney If I'm Innocent?

So, you’ve been arrested for a crime you haven’t committed. You’ve seen TV shows—you know that you have the right to an attorney, and that what you say can be used against you in a court of law. But you’re innocent! If you didn’t commit the crime, you won’t need a criminal defense lawyer. Perhaps you cooperated with the police, answered the questions they had, and found that the District Attorney ...

Posted By Gracia & Mintz

10

Aug 2015

Gracia & Mintz Featured on Fox News

Our attorneys, Erick Gracia and Camara Mintz, were recently invited to appear on Fox News to discuss the recent rash of police shootings around the country. As a former Deputy Sheriff and current defense attorney, Attorney Mintz is uniquely qualified to speak on this disturbing trend. Attorney Gracia also shared perspective from his unique legal background. Although our lawyers did not wish to ...

Posted By Gracia & Mintz

11

Aug 2014

What Should I Do If I'm Arrested?

Being arrested can be incredibly scary and you may not know what rights you are entitled to during this process. To ensure your case goes as smoothly as possible, we at Gracia & Mintz have collected the following information for your benefit. This way, you can know what to expect, what your rights are, and what you should do if you ever find yourself in this situation. Knowledge is power, and the ...

Posted By Gracia & Mintz

Serving Maryland & Washington DC