Safe Harbor Criminal Defense Blog

When it comes to self-defense claims in Maryland, the legal landscape is intricate and can be quite confusing for many. One particular area that often requires clarification is the concept of "imperfect self-defense." As an attorney practicing in Maryland, it's crucial to understand the nuances o...

Finding a law firm that is the right fit for you and your case can be a challenge! There are many factors that can go into finding the right lawyer - from price to personality to level of service. All types of law firms provide different benefits and different challenges, and price is often not h...

In Maryland, many criminal convictions, even misdemeanors, can deprive someone of their right to own, possess, or use a firearm. A conviction for ANY felony, ANY crime of violence, or ANY misdemeanor that carries a possible penalty of over two years will deprive someone of their ability to posses...

In Maryland, a Judge can order an evaluation of anyone charged with a crime under Maryland Health General Article 8-505 to determine if that individual would be a good candidate for inpatient drug treatment. This evaluation can take place at anytime, before or after sentencing, but is often used ...

What is a Motion to Reconsider?  Maryland Rule 4-345 allows for anyone sentenced in a criminal case to file a motion asking that the Judge reconsider their sentence. The motion needs to be filed within ninety days of the sentencing date, but the Judge has five years to set the motion in for a he...

In the intricate web of legal rights, the Fifth Amendment stands as a powerful shield, protecting individuals from self-incrimination. However it doesn't mean you can never be forced to testify if you don't want to. Whether you have the right to decline to testify, or even to just decline to answ...

In Maryland's criminal justice system, the process of securing bail can be intricate and challenging. When initially setting bail, judges aim to balance the presumption of innocence with the need to ensure the defendant appears in court and doesn't pose a risk to the community. However, circumsta...

2023 ushered in new laws across the region when it comes to the possession, use, and sale of Marijuana. Washington DC and it's Maryland and Virginia suburbs, affectionately called the “DMV”, poses a unique challenge when it comes to marijuana use and cultivation. Each state/district has its own l...

Criminal court in any state can often be an involved and lengthy process - which gets more involved and lengthier the more complex and more serious the charges. Particularly if you or a loved one is held in a detention center or on a form of pre-trial release, the time period between charges and ...

It's a common question - Television and movies have led us all to believe that anytime a person is arrested, someone, somewhere, is going to read them what most people call "Miranda warnings." These warnings can matter a great deal when you or a loved one made a statement to the police that the p...

As with all great legal questions, the answer is "It Depends." There are two different types of “no contact” orders that can be filed in the state of Maryland: Protective Orders A Protective Order, which is governed by Maryland Family Law § 4-501-§4-512, is an order issued by a judge to protect...