FrizWoods Blog | Maryland Criminal Law Insights
Protective Order vs Peace Order in Maryland: Quick Guide
November 10, 2025
Quick answer: A protective order is for certain relationships and can cover a wide range of abusive acts with strong court powers. A peace order is for non‑qualifying relationships, is more limited in duration, and covers most of the same conduct as a protective order. Updated for 2025 - [...]
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On-View Arrests in Maryland: What It Means and What Happens Next
November 10, 2025
Quick answer: An on-view arrest happens when an officer makes a same-moment arrest based on what they observed or immediately developed as probable cause. It is common at crash scenes, in-progress calls, and active incidents. You still get a rapid court review, and you still have the same [...]
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District Court Discovery in Maryland: What Changed in Rule 4-262 on October 1, 2025
November 3, 2025
Maryland's Rule 4-262, which governs discovery in District Court criminal cases, was updated effective October 1, 2025. If you handle DUI, traffic, or misdemeanor matters in District Court, these changes matter. The update expands what the State must provide without a request, adds clarity around technology like facial [...]
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Extreme Risk Protective Orders in Maryland (ERPO): What to Expect
October 29, 2025
An Extreme Risk Protective Order is a civil court order that can temporarily prohibit a person from possessing firearms when a judge or commissioner finds they pose a risk to themselves or others. People often call this Maryland’s red flag process. It moves fast, and the consequences are [...]
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Attempted Crimes in Maryland: Elements, Examples, and Defenses
October 21, 2025
Attempt covers situations where someone is stopped short of completing a crime. The State still must prove real movement toward the offense, not just talk or planning. In plain terms, attempt means the person took a substantial step toward committing the crime and did so on purpose. - Substantial [...]
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How to Get a Warrant Recalled in Maryland
October 15, 2025
A bench warrant means a judge wants you brought back to court. Common reasons include a failure to appear (FTA), a violation of probation (VOP), or failure to comply with court-ordered conditions. Many warrants can be recalled with a targeted plan that protects your freedom and positions you [...]
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Can You Go to Jail for Speeding in Maryland?
October 1, 2025
Short answer: yes if you are 30+ mph over the limit, police can now charge reckless driving, which carries up to 60 days in jail. If you're going slower than that, a standalone speeding ticket is a civil offense in Maryland and doesn't carry jail time. Automated [...]
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Reckless vs. Negligent Driving in Maryland DUI Cases
October 1, 2025
DUI stops in Maryland often come with a stack of companion tickets. Two common adds are reckless driving and negligent driving. Knowing the line between them helps shape strategy and outcomes. Transportation Article section 21-901.1 a defines reckless driving. A person is guilty of reckless driving if they drive: [...]
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DWI vs DUI - Which Is Worse in Maryland?
September 25, 2025
In Maryland, DUI is more serious than DWI. DUI typically involves a higher impairment standard (or a BAC of .08+ under DUI Per Se) and carries stiffer criminal and MVA penalties. DWI is the lesser offense often charged with .07 BAC or lower or evidence of impairment that's [...]
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What Does PBT Mean in a Maryland DUI Case?
September 25, 2025
Updated for 2025 A Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) is a roadside screening tool police use to help decide whether to arrest you for DUI. In Maryland, you may refuse a PBT without automatic license penalties. PBT results aren't admissible at trial to prove guilt, and the State cannot [...]
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