Serving Maryland and Washington DC Since 1993 | Call (301) 870-1200
Over 90% of the car accidents in southern Maryland are caused by driver error, usually operator impairment and/or aggressive driving. The high percentage of driver error-caused accidents invokes simple “you break it, you buy it” responsibility. If Laura drops a coffee mug at a china shop, she must compensate the owner (replace the mug). Likewise, […]
Authorities aggressively pursue drug possession cases. Over 85% of the drug cases in Maryland are simple possession matters. Authorities aggressively pursue these charges because they erroneously believe they are easy to prove in court. But as outlined below, drug possession charges often do not hold up in court. Procedural and/or substantive defenses often apply. A […]
If at least one future spouse has been married before, the couple should at least consider a premarital agreement. The second marriage divorce rate is about 50% higher than the first marriage divorce rate. These marriage dissolutions often create a host of unanswered emotional and financial questions. Prenups determine these matters in advance and memorialize […]
All defenses in criminal cases are based on the presumption of innocence. The presumption of innocence is strong in Maryland. It is more like a presumption of false accusations. So, the state must do two things to overcome this presumption. First, prosecutors must prove the charges are valid. Second, they must prove those charges are […]
At a minimum, a slip-and-fall settlement usually covers medical expenses and other out-of-pocket losses. These economic losses often exceed $40,000. Additionally, slip-and-fall victims are entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. In most cases, two or three times the economic losses is a reasonable amount of non-economic damages. In some extreme cases, additional punitive damages […]
Usually, if truck driver negligence causes a vehicle collision, the shipping or transportation company that owned the truck pays for the crash, under the respondeat superior doctrine. Employers can stop truck crashes before they happen. When they fail to do so, they are financially responsible for damages. Respondeat superior gives truck crash victims access to […]
Although the birth injury rate has leveled off in recent years, roughly three babies per hour are born with serious, and usually lifelong, injuries. As outlined below, a birth injury could occur due to a medical mistake before, during, or after the birth itself. Maryland law holds doctors to a very high standard of care. […]
We live in a mobile society. Most people relocate about a dozen times during their lives. Most of these relocations occur before age 45, when many divorced adults have young children at home. If either parent’s relocation significantly affects the current timesharing arrangement, a judge must determine if the proposed relocation is in the child’s […]
All child custody matters, whether original determinations or subsequent modifications, must be in the best interests of the children. Most good parents readily agree that timesharing plans should be child-focused and uphold their best interests. But most good parents disagree as to the specifics. For this reason, Maryland law sets out a number of factors […]
Long after court cases end and defendants complete their sentences, the effects of a criminal conviction linger on. Job implications are a good example. The unemployment rate for convicted felons is close to 30%. This high unemployment rate punishes everyone, and not just defendants. Such ongoing punishment adversely affects everyone, not just individual defendants. Fortunately, […]
A “deposition” is a legal evidence-gathering tool that is allowed if a personal injury or car accident lawsuit has been filed in the Maryland State courts. In other words, a deposition is provided by a party or witness in a legal case. A deposition is done in person and orally through a question-and-answer format somewhat […]
In Maryland criminal law, there is a distinction between two types of evidence, which are generally called “direct” and “circumstantial” evidence. Both types of evidence can and are used by Maryland prosecuting attorneys to obtain convictions for crimes. Direct evidence is where the evidence directly identifies the person accused. For example, a witness might testify […]
If you are “going it alone” and trying to settle your Maryland car accident claim with the insurance company, the first question is whether the insurance company’s settlement offer is fair and reasonable. Victims who are injured by the wrongdoing of another driver (or other person) are entitled to compensation for ALL potential categories of […]
If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (“DUI”) in Maryland, it is very likely that you will face several charges in addition to those associated with driving under the influence. Maryland prosecuting attorneys will charge as many crimes as possible for at least two reasons. First, by charging as many crimes as […]
The Maryland Appellate Court has recently held that pre-impact fear and fright is something for which compensation can be recovered in Maryland car accident cases. In general, victims of negligence and wrongdoing by other drivers who cause accidents can recover compensation for all forms of damages. Forms of damages include: Medical expenses Lost wages Pain […]
No. It is true that subrogation is important in some Maryland auto accident cases. But, generally, subrogation does not directly involve accident victims. Subrogation typically involves insurance companies disputing and attempting to recover payments made either to or on behalf of the victims. Subrogation is legally complicated, so call us at (301) 870-1200 or contact […]
Parents have an absolute right to appeal any adverse custody Order issued by a Maryland divorce court. However, filing an appeal is not the same as winning the appeal. For questions about Maryland child custody and appeals, call the Law Office of Robert Castro. Our number is (301) 870-1200. You can also use our contact […]
When parents get divorced in Maryland, the divorce court must make decisions with respect to custody arrangements. This is true for all minor children under the age of 18. However, matters have an extra layer of complication when a Maryland divorce court is dealing with older children, those who are 15 to 17 years old. […]
Breaking and entering is a crime in Maryland. See Section 6–204 of the Maryland Criminal Law Code, which states that a “… person may not break and enter the dwelling of another with the intent to commit a crime.” This crime is deemed a felony under Maryland law and is technically called “burglary in the […]
You probably will NOT lose custody of your kids if you are arrested in Maryland for DUI, or driving under the influence of alcohol, assuming that the current custody arrangement is based on a divorce case and a custody Order entered by a Maryland divorce court. The following disregards the possibility that the kids could […]
Contact us to discuss your case and find out how we can help you navigate your legal challenges. Our team is ready to provide a consultation and develop a strategy that works for you.
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