Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Baltimore Civilian Review Board Subpoenas Police for Misconduct Records
The Civilian Review Board (the Board) voted unanimously to subpoena 19 case records from the Baltimore Police Department (the Department) concerning potential police misconduct and abuse, reported The Baltimore Sun. Without these files, the Board will be unable to carry out its missing of investigating allegations of police misconduct. This is the latest development… Read More »
Examining the Crime of Extortion in Maryland
The popular conception of extortion seems fixated on organized crime, with mafia or gang members intimidating everyday people into unlawful deals. If anyone resists, the criminals respond with force or threats of force. Eventually, everyone seems to give in to these criminal demands. That is why Maryland enforces extortion laws to prohibit this type… Read More »
What are the Reporting Requirements for Maryland Car Accidents?
With so many vehicles on the road, car accidents are a regular occurrence across the state of Maryland. When such an accident results in property damage, physical injury or death, then the driver must adhere to certain reporting requirements. If the driver fails to comply with these requirements, they may face administrative penalties under… Read More »
Negligent, Reckless and Aggressive Driving Laws in Maryland
In order to combat serious car and truck accidents, Maryland law makes it unlawful to engage in negligent, reckless or aggressive driving. To understand the boundaries of and differences between these three traffic offenses, the following sections will explore important considerations for each offense. Negligent Driving in Maryland The definition of negligent driving appears… Read More »
Possession of Illegal Drugs in Maryland
The subject for exploration today centers on the possession of illegal drugs and other controlled substances in Maryland. To gain a full appreciation of this legal issue, the following sections will examine key definitions and penalties for this offense. Possession of Illegal Drugs Under Code of Maryland Section 5–601, it is illegal to obtain… Read More »
Criminal Case vs. Civil Lawsuit for Crime Victims in Maryland
Criminal cases and civil lawsuits are not the same. In light of this, the following examines six differences between criminal cases and civil lawsuits for crime victims in Maryland. Purpose The purpose of a criminal case is to punish the perpetrator for violating state criminal law. The perpetrator is responsible to the state, not… Read More »
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits Under Maryland Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation is a legal doctrine that governs injuries that arise out of employment. After suffering a qualifying work-related injury, the employee can obtain compensation and benefits. That being said, the injury must arise in the course of employment to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. In certain cases, an employee suffers an injury so… Read More »
Maryland Transportation Authority Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MTA) just paid out $900,000 to settle a wrongful death lawsuit that stemmed from a high-speed chase, reported The Baltimore Sun. The incident in question occurred in December 2015. At that time, MTA police officers attempted to stop a Hagerstown man near the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Kane Street… Read More »
Exploring Negligent Security Claims in Maryland
Negligent security is a facet of personal injury law that addresses liability for criminal conduct on commercial properties. Essentially, the law requires commercial property owners to keep their premises in a well-maintained and safe condition. When there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of criminal activity on a commercial property, owners must enact adequate security… Read More »
Viral Video Leads to Baltimore Police Misconduct Investigation
A police misconduct investigation is underway after a viral video surfaced of a brutal assault at the hands of a Baltimore police officer, reported The Baltimore Sun. The incident in question occurred on Saturday, August 11th, near the 2600 block of East Monument Street in East Baltimore. At that point, two police officers stopped… Read More »
