FrizWoods Blog | Maryland Criminal Law Insights

Maryland Protective Order Changes Effective October 1, 2026: What About Peace Orders?

October 1, 2026

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland changes important parts of its protective-order process. House Bill 497, enacted as Chapter 791, changes temporary-order timing and expressly authorizes financial awards for certain losses caused by abuse. Chapter 791 changes protective orders, not peace orders. If you are seeking protection or responding to [...]

Assault vs. Battery in Maryland: What Is the Difference?

September 28, 2026

People often use "assault" to describe a threat and "battery" to describe physical contact. Maryland law handles the terms differently. Under Maryland's Criminal Law Article, assault is an umbrella term that includes assault, battery, and assault and battery. That means a harmful or offensive touching can still be called [...]

How to Beat a Disorderly Conduct Case

September 24, 2026

A Maryland disorderly conduct charge is beatable when the State cannot prove every required element beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense depends on the exact subsection charged, what the officer ordered, whether anyone's peace was disturbed, and whether the conduct involved protected speech. For an overview of the statute [...]

Solicitation of Prostitution in Maryland: Charges, Penalties, and Defenses

September 14, 2026

Maryland law does not require police or prosecutors to prove that a sexual encounter happened. Criminal Law Section 11-306 prohibits knowingly soliciting, procuring, offering to solicit, or offering to procure prostitution or assignation. The alleged request or offer may itself support a charge. That does not mean every sexual [...]

Can Police Search Your Phone or Make You Unlock It in Maryland?

September 8, 2026

Your phone may contain text messages, photos, call records, internet searches, location history, app activity, and other deeply personal information. That does not mean Maryland police can automatically examine everything on it. The key distinction is between taking possession of the phone and searching the digital information stored on [...]

What Is Burglary in Maryland?

September 1, 2026

What is burglary under Maryland law? The short answer is that burglary generally involves breaking and entering another person's dwelling or storehouse, sometimes with the intent to commit a crime inside. Maryland divides burglary into four degrees. The specific charge depends on factors such as the type of property [...]

Public Defender vs. Private Attorney for a Maryland DUI

August 25, 2026

A public defender can provide skilled courtroom representation in a Maryland DUI case. Many public defenders are experienced trial lawyers, including lawyers who later enter private criminal defense practice. The practical difference is usually not commitment or ability. It is the time, access, and scope of representation available [...]

What Is Shoplifting Under Maryland Law?

August 19, 2026

In Maryland, shoplifting is a theft offense. Taking merchandise, switching or altering price tags, or hiding items with intent to avoid paying can all be charged under the state's theft statute, Criminal Law Section 7-104. The word "shoplifting" appears on no Maryland charging document. Your paperwork will say [...]

How Long Does a Misdemeanor Stay on Your Record in Maryland?

August 11, 2026

A misdemeanor conviction in Maryland stays on your record until you take action to expunge it. There is no expiration date. A conviction from 1995 is as visible today as one from last month. Maryland law gives many people a path to clear their record through expungement. Whether that [...]

Is Embezzlement a Felony in Maryland?

August 3, 2026

Not automatically. Embezzlement in Maryland is usually charged under the general theft statute, so the felony line depends on the amount: $1,500 or more is a felony, anything less is a misdemeanor. There is also a separate embezzlement statute for fiduciaries, and it comes with a twist. That [...]

Free Consultation

Locations

Howard County Baltimore County Baltimore City Prince George's County Anne Arundel County Charles County Calvert County Saint Mary's County Carroll County