Marijuana is legal for recreational consumption in Maryland, but the laws surrounding its use, especially when combined with driving, are still evolving and often confusing. This creates a complex landscape for those facing Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUI) charges under Maryland Transportation Article 21-902 (c) or (d), and it’s…
Driving under the influence (DUI) under Maryland’s Transportation article 21-902(a) is a criminal offense that carries serious consequences in Maryland, including up to a $1000 fine and 1 year incarceration. DUI as operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs and is a clear crime in Maryland. Driving while fatigued…
As we navigate through the beginning of 2025, notable holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and the approaching St. Patrick’s Day mean that law enforcement is particularly vigilant on our roadways. These celebrations typically result in an increased police presence aimed at detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. …
In October 2022, Silverman Thompson’s client—an Ivy League-educated attorney and mother of two working in a career position with the federal government—was arrested and charged in federal court with cyberstalking. In January 2025, the Government dismissed the case. While the criminal complaint comprised more than 100 pages, it was primarily…
Can I Sue to Stop Internet Harassment? Like all things in the law, the answer is “maybe.” Criminal charges (visit part 1 of this series) typically require what is called specific intent and it will require more than bad language or opinion posted about another person in a single instance. …
In the last few years, explosive growth of social media caused an explosion of internet harassment. Whether it is internet harassment of a person or a business, the growth of cyber-bullying, revenge porn, or just plain false information online has grown exponentially. Changes in evolving technology have been far…
Attorney: Creston Smith Essex District Court December 2-6
This week, the United States Attorney’s Office in the District of Maryland dismissed the five-count indictment that has been pending since early April 2023 against Frederick County Sheriff Charles “Chuck” Jenkins. Jenkins is currently serving his fifth term as the elected sheriff of Frederick County. The dismissal was “with prejudice”…
Maryland Enacts New Law Requiring Enrollment in the Ignition Interlock System Program for Individuals Who Receive Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) The Drunk Driving Reduction Act of 2016 or “Noah’s Law,” in honor of Montgomery County Police Officer Noah Leotta, who was killed in the line of duty by a drunk…
Silverman Thompson attorneys Brian Thompson, Riane White, and Patrick Seidel recently scored a major victory for a married couple facing a 30-count indictment for serious felonies, including armed robbery, extortion, and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence. They faced maximum sentences of over 100…
According to the Pew Research Center, nearly all U.S. teens say they use the internet every day, with almost half reporting they are online “almost constantly.” As every parent knows, the internet is a double-edged sword: it is an incredibly useful tool, but it is fraught with potential danger for our children—especially when unsupervised. …
Both criminal and domestic attorneys are frequently confronted with whether domestic violence protective orders or peace orders can be expunged. This is an extremely important question given how readily available court information now is on the internet. Anyone with a computer or even a smart phone can bring up Maryland…
This post has been updated to reflect the age of consent in Maryland for 2024. “What is the age of sexual consent in Maryland” is a legal question that I am asked quite often. The general rule is that the age at which a young person can legally consent…
This week, the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office dismissed all criminal charges against our client after the entirety of their evidence—incriminating statements coupled with the recovery of more than twelve pounds of cannabis and a loaded firearm—was suppressed by Circuit Court Judge Richard S. Bernhardt, following a three-hour suppression hearing…
Ippei Mizuhara, an interpreter for L.A. Dodger’s star Shohei Ohtani, was recently charged by federal authorities in California with one count of bank fraud related to his alleged theft of millions of dollars from Ohtani, which Mizuhara used to bankroll his prolific gambling habit. Though federal investigations often take a…