Montgomery County Circuit Court judge dismisses unfounded rape charges against our client as a result of our Motion to Dismiss the Indictment for pre-indictment delay on June 25, 2014

Posted on: September 30th, 2015  |  No Comments

The Honorable Richard E. Jordan granted the unprecedented and extraordinary relief requested by this office to dismiss the Indictment against our client for pre-indictment delay. No court in the United States had granted such relief without state action being the cause of the pre-indictment delay. Our client was unaware of any allegations against him for approximately 26 years, from the date of the allegations. The Complaining Witness did not report, for approximately 26 years, any inappropriate contact between herself and her former boyfriend to the police for reasons only known to the Complaining Witness. Our client had moved from the Washington Metropolitan area to the Southern regions of the United States. Our client made no attempt to contact the Complaining Witness for approximately 26 years. The Complaining Witness was encouraged to try to call our client to get him to inculpate himself. However, try as the police might have, our client never in any sense admitted to any inappropriate contact in the recorded telephone sting orchestrated by the Police Department. Our client was arrested and extradited to Maryland only on the statements of the Complaining Witness without the slightest corroboration of her clearly stale allegations. Our client spent a considerable amount of time incarcerated in the Montgomery County Detention Center before he was referred to us for relief. We secured our client an immediate bond hearing and he was released by the Circuit Court for Montgomery County pending trial.

Montgomery County, Maryland, Circuit Court jury acquits our client on September 2, 2015, of allegations of a sex offense, which the State alleged to have occurred between 17 and 20 years ago

Posted on: September 30th, 2015  |  No Comments

After a three-day trial in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, before the Honorable Gary E. Bair, a jury acquitted our client of all charges placed against him by the State’s Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County, Maryland. The Complaining Witness had waited at least 17 years before disclosing to the authorities allegations of sexual misconduct against our client. There was a significant issue of the Defendant’s right to have the charges presented to a Grand Jury in a timely fashion and thereby affording him a speedy trial and opportunity to adequately defend himself. The State was unable to prove that our client was guilty of any of the charges in the Indictment. Our client was quite elderly and if convicted would have suffered significant imprisonment, which would have been physically and mentally devastating to a person of his age. Our client at all times protested his innocence and the vindication was magnificent! Kudos and a loud golf clap to my office staff and Abigail Scott, as well as, co-counsel, David Krum.

A Prince George’s County jury acquits our client of Transporting a Handgun and Possession of a Regulated Firearm after a three-day trial before the Honorable Michael R. Pearson of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County Maryland on January 22, 2015

Posted on: September 30th, 2015  |  No Comments

Prior to the jury’s verdict, after a motions hearing before the Honorable Melanie Shaw-Geter, the State had to dismiss the charges of: Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Possession of a Firearm with a Nexus to a Drug Trafficking Crime.

The vindication by the jury was a magnificent result as the client was facing a minimum mandatory prison sentence for the Possession of a Regulated Firearm.

A Montgomery County, Maryland Circuit Court jury returns a verdict of $96,788.00 in favor of our client on September 10, 2014

Posted on: September 30th, 2015  |  No Comments

Our client’s vehicle was struck head on by an intoxicated motorist. Our client suffered significant injuries to his ankle and body. The jury considered past medical expenses, lost wages, as well as pain and suffering. The trial, before the Honorable Richard E. Jordan, lasted approximately three days.

Senate to Improve Forensic Science and Standards

Posted on: May 2nd, 2014  |  No Comments

April 9, 2014, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved “The Forensic Science and Standards Act of 2014” establishing scientific review and standards for forensic sciences, clearing the way for the bill to be considered by the full Senate.

The Forensic Science and Standards Act would employ existing scientific agencies to develop and direct forensic research and set and implement standards for the forensic disciplines, helping to ensure that these disciplines are based on solid, reliable research.

“Today the Senate Commerce Committee approved critical legislation that will help ensure that the forensic practices used in criminal investigations are based on the best possible science and are guided by meaningful and consistent standards. Forensic practitioners have long asked for the scientific support this bill provides, and we have the same goal — to provide law enforcement with rigorously validated and steadfastly reliable forensic practices that identify the people who actually commit those crimes while protecting those who didn’t. We look forward to working with members of both the Senate and the House to quickly pass a law that will strengthen investigations and prevent wrongful convictions through reliable, science-based forensic practices.” said Peter Neufeld, Co-Director of the Innocence Project, which is affiliated with Cardozo School of Law.

Unvalidated and improper forensic science is one of the greatest contributors to wrongful convictions, playing a role in nearly half of the 316 cases later overturned by DNA evidence. The landmark 2009 National Academy of Sciences’ report, Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward, found that there is a desperate need to improve the validity and scientific quality of forensic evidence.

via The Innocence Project.org’s Paul Cates

What Happens After a Collision Accident

Posted on: April 2nd, 2014  |  No Comments

Collisions, whether on the road, at home, or anywhere else, can be life-altering events. While we hope to avoid them, it’s crucial to be prepared for the aftermath and know how to respond effectively.

1. Stay Calm:
The initial shock of an accident can be overwhelming. Take a deep breath and try to remain as calm as possible. This will help you think more clearly and make better decisions.

2. Check for Injuries:
First and foremost, ensure everyone’s safety. Check for injuries, starting with yourself. If someone is hurt, call for medical assistance immediately.

3. Move to Safety:
If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the traffic flow. This can prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of all involved.

4. Call Authorities:
In most cases, it’s essential to contact the police and file a report. This report can be crucial for insurance claims and legal matters.

5. Exchange Information:
Collect the contact and insurance information of all parties involved. Include details about their vehicles and any witnesses. This information will be essential for insurance claims and potential legal actions.

6. Document the Scene:
Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, injuries, and any contributing factors such as road conditions or traffic signals. These photos can be valuable for insurance claims and investigations.

7. Contact Your Insurance:
Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process.

8. Seek Medical Attention:
Even if injuries seem minor, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation. Some injuries may not manifest immediately, and documentation of your condition is essential.

9. Legal Consultation:
If the accident resulted from someone else’s negligence or you’re facing issues with insurance claims, consider consulting a legal professional specializing in personal injury. They can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal aspects of the accident.

10. Emotional Support:
Collisions can leave emotional scars. Seek emotional support from friends, family, or a therapist if needed. It’s essential to address any emotional trauma in the aftermath of an accident.

11. Vehicle Repairs:
After the accident, your vehicle may need a windshield replacement and/or some other repairs. Contact your insurance company and a collision repair center and follow their guidance to get your vehicle back on the road safely. Your insurance provider will inform you if they will cover the costs of car windshield replacement or any other necessary repairs.

12. Prevention:
Lastly, reflect on the circumstances of the accident and consider steps to prevent a recurrence. This might include defensive driving courses, vehicle maintenance, or other safety measures.

Accidents can be physically and emotionally taxing experiences, but knowing how to respond can make a significant difference in the outcome. By staying calm and taking the appropriate steps, you can navigate life after a collision accident with more confidence and resilience.

A Bit of Humor on Probable Cause

Posted on: March 26th, 2014  |  No Comments

Prosecutor: Officer, can you tell us what led you to believe that the defendant was “under the influence of alcohol”?

Officer: Yes, the defendant had a glazed and glassy look in her eye.

Defense Attorney (questioning the defendant): Is there a medical disability you have that the court should know about?

Defendant: Yes, there is.

Defense Attorney: What is it?

Defendant: I have a glass eye.

How Marijuana Use Causes Deficits that Affect Driving Ability

Posted on: February 19th, 2014  |  No Comments

Science’s answers to crucial questions about driving while stoned — how dangerous it is, how to test for impairment, and how the risks compare to driving drunk — have been slow to reach the general public.

“Our goal is to put out the science and have it used for evidence-based drug policy” said Marilyn A. Huestis, a senior investigator at the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

It is clear that marijuana use causes deficits that affect driving ability, Dr. Huestis said. She noted that several researchers, working independently of one another, have come up with the same estimate: a twofold increase in the risk of an accident if there is any measurable amount of THC in the bloodstream. And then one needs to contact Flagler Personal Injury Group – accident lawyer miami in florida to handle the messy legal complications out of these accidents try here to get in touch with a car accident lawyer or a Truck Accident Law Attorney.

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The estimate is based on review papers that considered the results of many individual studies. The results were often contradictory — some of the papers showed no increase in risk, or even a decrease — but the twofold estimate is widely accepted.

The estimate is low, however, compared with the dangers of drunken driving. A recent study of federal crash data found that 20-year-old drivers with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 percent — the legal limit for driving — had an almost 20-fold increase in the risk of a fatal accident compared with sober drivers. For older adults, up to age 34, the increase was ninefold. The study’s lead author, Eduardo Romano, is a senior research scientist at the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation.

Based on reports by Bradenton criminal defense attorneys, the difference in risk between marijuana and alcohol can probably be explained by two things, Dr. Huestis and Dr. Romano both say. First, stoned drivers drive differently from drunken ones, and they have different deficits. Drunken drivers tend to drive faster than normal and to overestimate their skills, studies have shown; the opposite is true for stoned drivers.

The deficits of being stoned really began to show up, she said, when people had to handle multiple tasks at once and were confronted with something unexpected.

Experts like Dr. Romano and Dr. Kleiman believe that facts suggest public resources are better spent combating drunken driving. Stoned driving, they say, is best dealt with by discouraging people from mixing marijuana and alcohol — a combination that is even riskier than alcohol alone — and by policies that minimize marijuana’s risk on the road. For instance, states that legalize recreational marijuana, Dr. Kleiman said, should ban establishments like pot bars that encourage people to smoke away from home.

via The New York Times’s Maggie Koerth-Baker

A version of this article appears in print on February 18, 2014, on page D1 of the New York edition with the headline: Marijuana and the Sobriety Test.

Prince George’s County is Overhauling Photo Lineups to Protect the Innocent from Prison

Posted on: February 18th, 2014  |  No Comments

Last fall Baltimore adopted new photo lineup policies that have since become the norm in Dallas, North Carolina, Philadelphia and other jurisdictions. Now the Prince George’s County Police Department is also overhauling how detectives conduct photo lineups in an effort to prevent innocent people from going to prison.

Starting this spring, detectives must show witnesses photos of potential suspects one at a time on separate pieces of paper rather than all at once on a single page. Lineups must also be “blind,” which means a detective unfamiliar with the case must present photos to witnesses instead of an officer investigating the crime.

The method is called the “double-blind sequential lineup.” The goal is to reduce chances that witnesses would falsely identify suspects or that detectives would unwittingly nudge witnesses to choose a particular photo.

To view the full article online you must log in to The Washington Post

A version of this article appeared in print on Monday, February 10, 2014, on page B of The Washington Post with the headline: Move aims to prevent jailing of innocent. Pr.George’s police alter method for conducting photo lineups of suspects. By Lynh Bui

A First Degree Murder Case is Finally Resolved in the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County in Our Client’s Favor

Posted on: February 4th, 2014  |  No Comments

Our client was arrested on July 25, 2010 for a First Degree Murder which was alleged to have occurred on July 26, 2007. The client was held without bond. The case came to trial on October 3, 2011 and after a prolonged trial before a jury the client was acquitted of First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder and Second Degree Depraved Heart Murder. The jury could not reach a verdict as to the remaining counts of Manslaughter, Attempted First Degree Murder and First Degree Felony Assault. The client was released on bond. If your loved one was arrested, contacting a bondsman may help facilitate his or her release.

The defense then appealed the Court’s denial of our Motion to Dismiss for Double Jeopardy and the Courts of Appeal returned this matter to the Circuit Court for trial after denying our appeal of the denial of our Motion to Dismiss for Double Jeopardy. Go on and click here to find out more on what happens in such cases.

The Circuit Court set this matter on the remaining counts for trial on February 3, 2014. However this office was able to negotiate a final resolution of all the charges on February 3, 2014, just prior to the trial commencing. If you need an expert who can get you the full compensation you deserve, make sure you hire the right personal injury attorney or car accident attorney from sites like https://hurtworkingoffshore.com/offshore-maritime-personal-injury/.

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The client entered an Alford plea to Second Degree Misdemeanor Assault and the Misdemeanor of Carrying a Dangerous Weapon Openly. The Court placed the client on 18 months probation. Both the client and the attorney must weigh the risks of trial versus the “no risk” of a misdemeanor plea with no incarceration and without admitting guilt. We believe the client made the right decision. Life in prison means life in prison!

We believe that the resolution of this case was precipitated by our relentless pursuit of exculpatory evidence; primarily our independent discovery of a $10,000 fee (reward) paid to a witness by Prince George’s County Crime Solvers Inc. at the request of the lead investigator. Initially the State, in court and on the record, denied any knowledge of this payment. Getting a health insurance claims represented by McKennon Law Group is also crucial.

“And there’s been no funds given to [the witness] and I’ve disclosed to Mr. Kupferberg before that he was relocated. No funds were given to him, but there was funds paid to relocate him.” August 24, 2011 Motions Hearing.

However after our continued demands it became known just one month prior to the first trial that in fact this payment had been made to the State’s most critical witness more than six months (March 11, 2011) before the commencement of the trial.

The defense during trial subpoeaned the records of Prince George’s County Crime Solvers Inc. and for the first time found an email between the primary investigator and Crime Solvers showing that request was being processed by Prince George’s County Crime Solvers Inc. as early as January 31, 2011 some nine months before the commencement of the trial. The correspondence stated in pertinent part:

Crime Solvers to Investigator dated January 31, 2011

I was processing the reward payment request for the [case] and 2 questions came up?

1. You mentioned using this person in court at the trial. Is the State’s Atty’s office okay with this person being paid before they testify?

2. If it is okay… does your person want cash or a check made out to them?

Investigator’s reply to Crime Solvers dated January 31, 2011

Yes the State’s Attorney knows and it is OK to pay him. Either check or cash is fine.

Outside the hearing of the jury the Court held a hearing on this new revelation in which the Assistant State’s Attorney indicated that he became aware of the $10,000 payment from Prince George’s County Crime Solvers Inc. in late August of 2011.

When the primary investigator was questioned about his email response “Yes the State’s Attorney knows and it is OK to pay him.” to Prince George’s County Crime Solvers Inc. of January 31, 2011, the primary investigator stated under oath that he gave the Assistant State’s Attorney the payment information in July of 2011. CLEARLY THE PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR HAD MISLED CRIME SOLVERS WHEN HE TOLD THEM IN HIS EMAIL OF JANUARY 31, 2011 THAT THE STATE KNEW OF THE PROPOSED $10,000 PAYMENT.

Without the tireless efforts of our present and past associates, Anne Khirallah, Joshua Borean, Joseph Hainline and Joshua Goyden as well as our staff, Pat and Shelly, this result could not have been accomplished.

RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF THE TRUTH ALWAYS IS IMPORTANT IN THE DEFENSE OF THE INNOCENT