Maryland Criminal Law Attorney|Obama Takes Another Look at Immigration

Just last week, President Obama ordered a review of the immigration policy that has been strongly criticized as of late. Obama seeks to find ways to soften the effects of the current policy. This decision arose after Obama met with three members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and was moved by the pain from which families suffer as a result of the immigration policy. The separation of families is an unwanted effect of the "broken immigration policy." The congressmen implored the President to find a way to relieve the pressure of 11 million illegal aliens. We will have to wait and see how Obama seeks to make a new change.

Maryland Criminal Law Attorney|Marijuana Decriminalization Passes Senate, Awaits House

Just last week, the Senate voted 36 to 8 on a measure that would make possession of small amounts of marijuana a civil offense as opposed to a criminal offense. Under this bill, if one is caught with 10 grams or less, a civil citation will be issued along with a fine up to $100.

Last year, almost 20,000 Marylanders were charged along with 3,000 fined or jailed. Supporters of the bill argue that recreational marijuana use should be decriminalized to protect those who could lose their jobs or be kicked out of school for possession. Furthermore, treating marijuana as a crime is simply a waste of public resources that should be used to catch the real criminals.

Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney|Baltimore City to Pay $250,000 for Alleged First and Fourth Amendment Violations

The city of Baltimore is set to pay $250,000 to Christopher Sharp who claims that law enforcement officers took his cellphone and deleted a recording he took of police officers making an arrest in 2010. While the police deny the allegations, the attorneys state they are settling the case to resolve the issue at hand in an effort to save time, money, and uncertainties. The way I see it, this is their attempt to assuage public outrage.

Last year, the police conducted an investigation into Mr. Sharp's past in order to portray him as a drug addict, contacting his ex-wife and former employers for personal information. While the police were admonished for their actions, it cannot be denied that some police officers choose to take advantage of the power instilled in them. This case has led to new policies that uphold the right of the individual to record police officers. Thankfully, this is one step towards holding police officers accountable for their actions towards individuals.