Blog Posts in 2017

• Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. 22-Sep-2017

  Crimes that Require Sex Offender Registration

  In addition to prison time and fines, if you are convicted of a sex crime in Maryland, you are required to register as a sex offender. According to federal law, it is mandatory for each state to create and maintain sex registries to monitor those ...

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• Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. 15-Sep-2017

  Am I Eligible for a Restricted License?

  If your Maryland driver’s license is suspended after a DWI conviction, you may be eligible to obtain a restricted can be a substantial benefit to your life. This type of license allows you to continue managing your day-to-day responsibilities. ...

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• Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. 8-Sep-2017

  I've Got a Suspended License-What Now?

  If you take a chemical test to determine your BAC level and fail it, or if you refuse to take the test, the police officer will confiscate and suspend your Maryland driver’s license, issue a paper temporary license, and prepare a case for the ...

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• Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. 30-Aug-2017

  How to Dress for Court

  If you have the misfortunate of being a defendant in a criminal trial, it is critical to spend a few minutes or so planning your wardrobe. How the judge or jury perceives you are one of the many contributing factors that will influence a final court ...

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• Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. 21-Aug-2017

  What Constitutes Illegal Search & Seizure

  Illegal (or unreasonable) search and seizure happens when law enforcement performs a search without a warrant to do so. Under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, law enforcement officers may engage in “reasonable” searches and ...

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• Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. 11-Aug-2017

  4 Tips on How to Act When Being Arrested

  Being arrested for a criminal offense can be a frightening and frustrating experience, no matter if it is your first time or your fourth. Due to the overwhelming nature of the situation, it can be difficult to act properly in a strategic manner that ...

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• Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. 3-Aug-2017

  Navigating a DWI Checkpoint

  DWI checkpoints are administered to deter intoxicated driving and keep drivers safe from drunk motorists. Typically, law enforcement set up these checkpoints along busy highways and roads that are notorious for drunk driving incidents during weekends ...

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• Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. 27-Jul-2017

  How Reliable are Field Sobriety Tests?

  Since the late 1970s, police officers throughout the United States have been using the three “standardized” field sobriety tests (FSTs) – the one-leg stand, walk-and-turn, and horizontal gaze nystagmus – to determine whether a ...

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• Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. 21-Jun-2017

  What are the Penalties for DWI in Maryland?

  If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI offense, you face both criminal penalties and license sanctions. The penalties you face will depend on the number of prior convictions (within five years of current offense) and the circumstances. Keep in ...

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• Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. 7-Jun-2017

  Challenging the Evidence in a DWI Case

  When it comes to DUI/DWI cases, one of the most common ways to successfully challenge the evidence is to file a motion to suppress evidence. This type of court motion asks the judge to block a piece of evidence. If the motion succeeds, the evidence ...

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• Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. 16-May-2017

  How Do I Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer

  If you’ve been arrested for, charged with, or accused of a criminal offense - no matter how serious - it is imperative to speak with a lawyer. Depending on your current finances, you might consider hiring a private criminal defense attorney ...

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• Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. 20-Apr-2017

  How Legal Drug Use Could Lead to a DWI

  Most DWI offenses stem from the use of alcohol or illegal drugs. However, the use of legal drugs – both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications – can also result in impaired driving and potential arrest. According to ...

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• Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. 31-Jan-2017

  Ignition Interlock Program

  What is Ignition Interlock? The ignition interlock program in Maryland is made to deter motorists from operating a vehicle while they are impaired or under the influence of alcohol. An ignition interlock is a device which connects to an ...

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• Posted By William R. Hall, P.A. 27-Jan-2017

  Preventing Dog Bites

  Dogs are known as man’s best friend. However, they have the propensity to attack and bite people. So how do you avoid getting bit by a dog? It is important to be polite and respect the dog’s personal space. If you encounter an unfamiliar ...

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