February 2010 Archives

An officer can find countless reasons to make a legal traffic stop. The law, however, does restrict the officer's right to search the vehicle. One exception to the search restrictions is whatever the officer sees in his "plain view." In other words, the officer can peak in the car and if he suspects any criminal activity the officer can then search the vehicle further. This occurs frequently in drug cases. For example, a man was just arrested after a deputy saw suspected marijuana in his vehicle during a traffic stop on Mount Zion Road in Frederick County, Maryland. After seeing what he suspected was marijuana, deputies searched the vehicle and found smoking devices. The driver was charged with possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.

If you, a family member or someone you know has been charged with possession of a drug or if you would like more information on car accidents, please visit us on the web at http://portnerandshure.com

Serious criminal charges, like robbery, bring serious sentences with years of possible jail time. Consequently, defendants under 18 often ask that their charges be moved to Juvenile Court. The decision to transfer is often up to the Judge. The request can be made up until the defendants 18^th birthday. Obviously, juvenile sentences are far more lenient that adult sentences, so this is often a worthwhile tactic.

Such as a case in a recent robbery charge in Frederick County, Maryland. Kevin Concalves, an alleged gang member, is charges with the robbery of Philly's Cheesesteak Factory on Urbana Pike, and the Kerrigans Corner Deli in Point of Rocks. Goncalves was 17 at the time of the incidents so he has requested his case be heard in Juvenile Court.

If you, a family member, or someone you know is being charges with robbery or if you would like more information on car accidents please visit us on the web at http://portnerandshure.com