If 2024 set the stage for family law reform in Maryland, 2025 is already building momentum. Among the quieter yet deeply impactful developments: changes to Maryland’s peace order process.

For attorneys handling domestic matters—especially cases that fall just outside the scope of protective orders—these updates demand close attention. They don’t just shift policy. They change how we assess risk, build cases, and support clients in high-stress situations.

What Are Peace Orders, Again?

Peace orders are Maryland’s answer to civil protection in non-domestic relationships. They’re used when the involved parties aren’t married, related, or cohabiting—think roommates, neighbors, coworkers, or ex-partners without a shared residence. They’ve always existed in a parallel lane to protective orders, but with more limited scope.

Historically, the line between needing a peace order vs. a protective order was blurry. Many clients didn’t even know the distinction existed—until their case was thrown out.

What’s New in 2025?

The Maryland General Assembly took up several peace order reforms during its 2025 session, building on the wave of modernization we saw with HB 1191 and HB929/SB721. Here are some of the key updates:

• Broader eligibility: Courts now have more flexibility to grant peace orders based on repeated emotional harm or digital harassment, reflecting how abuse has evolved in the online era.

• Longer duration options: Previously capped at six months (with rare extensions), some peace orders can now last up to a year with judicial review.

• Faster access to interim relief: Revisions streamline how commissioners handle after-hours petitions—critical for those seeking help outside court hours.

According to MVLS, these changes aim to make peace orders more usable and better aligned with modern realities of harassment and stalking. It’s also part of a broader trend to treat emotional and psychological harm with the same seriousness as physical threats.

Why This Matters for Attorneys

At The Lincoln Law Firm, we’re seeing more cases that land in gray areas—where the abuse is real, but doesn’t meet the narrow definitions used in the past. These updates give us more leverage to advocate for clients facing threats that aren’t overtly violent but are still deeply harmful.

We’re also adjusting how we screen clients. For example:

• Social media abuse, once hard to argue under older standards, is now more clearly covered.

• Former dating partners—especially in short or digitally-focused relationships—may now be eligible for orders that previously would have been dismissed.

The updates also push us to consider whether peace orders might become a first line of protection rather than a last resort when protective orders aren’t available.

Challenges to Watch

Of course, expanded eligibility means increased scrutiny. Judges will likely push back against vague or unsupported claims. Attorneys should be prepared to:

• Present clear digital evidence (texts, screenshots, call logs)

• Help clients articulate how repeated, non-physical actions amount to legitimate harm

• Navigate situations where the respondent argues free speech or mutual conflict

And while the laws have broadened, the burden of proof hasn’t changed: “clear and convincing evidence” is still the standard.

As Brandon Bernstein Law noted in a recent post, practitioners should “expect the unexpected” in how judges interpret these new criteria. One county’s approach may differ widely from another’s—at least until the appellate courts weigh in.

Maryland’s peace order reforms may not grab as many headlines as the state’s custody or protective order updates, but they’re no less critical. They reflect a growing awareness of how harm manifests in real life—not just in bruises, but in patterns of intimidation, surveillance, and unwanted contact.

At The Lincoln Law Firm, we’re watching these trends closely—and adjusting our strategies accordingly. Because when the law expands to recognize more of our clients’ lived realities, it’s our job to meet that moment with clarity, care, and smart advocacy.

Maryland just made a significant change to how survivors of abuse can secure long-term protection—and it’s about time. With the passage of HB929/SB721 in 2024, individuals can now obtain a permanent protective order by consent, not just after a contested trial or criminal conviction.

This might sound like a small tweak, but it’s a meaningful one. For many survivors, it means a safer, more straightforward path to long-term peace of mind.

What Changed?

Before this new law, Maryland’s permanent protective orders were mainly reserved for cases where the abuser was found guilty of specific crimes or where repeat orders were necessary. That meant survivors often had to endure lengthy court battles or wait until a criminal case wrapped up—often a slow and retraumatizing process.

Under HB929/SB721:

• A respondent can now consent to a permanent protective order without admitting fault.

• Judges can issue these orders without a full trial.

• The protection can be as durable as any court-ordered remedy stemming from a conviction.

This reform reflects a growing awareness that survivors shouldn’t be forced into confrontational, high-stakes hearings just to get long-term safety.

Why This Matters

At The Lincoln Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how retraumatizing it can be for survivors to face their abuser in court. Many clients just want it to be over—they want protection, not confrontation.

Now, if both parties agree, they can sidestep trial entirely and still secure a permanent order. No cross-examinations. No drawn-out court appearances. No waiting on criminal proceedings.

This option won’t be right for every case, but for many survivors, it means fewer hoops to jump through and less emotional exposure.

What It Means for Attorneys

For family and domestic violence lawyers, this opens a new negotiation lane. It creates an incentive for abusers to settle—especially if they want to avoid the consequences of a criminal finding. It also allows attorneys to:

• Push for permanent protection early in the case.

• Negotiate consent-based resolutions during mediation.

• Avoid high-conflict hearings that risk harming children or retraumatizing survivors.

But it also raises ethical questions. Consent must be informed, voluntary, and not coerced. Judges are expected to evaluate this before issuing the order, but attorneys on both sides should be vigilant.

Broader Impact on Survivors

According to MVLS, one of Maryland’s leading legal service providers, survivors often abandon protective order cases when they realize they must testify in open court. Consent-based permanency changes that.

“The ability to consent to a permanent protective order creates a pathway to safety for those who don’t feel safe testifying,” said one MVLS advocate. The Daily Record reported similar praise from domestic violence coalitions across the state.

And it’s not just symbolic. These orders can include provisions for no contact, stay-away zones, custody, and even firearm restrictions—just like trial-based orders.

What’s Next?

The law is now in effect, and we’re already seeing an uptick in attorneys negotiating for consent-based resolutions. Judges are adapting, too—asking better questions to ensure consent is real, not coerced.

Still, like any new tool, it’ll take time to see how courts apply it in practice. Some judges may be cautious, others more open. But the law is clear: if both sides agree and the survivor wants it, a permanent protective order can be granted without the trauma of trial.

At The Lincoln Law Firm, we see this as a long-overdue shift—one that puts the survivor’s needs first. If you or someone you know is considering a protective order, know that the legal landscape in Maryland has changed. And sometimes, change means finally being heard without having to shout.

The court allows individuals to represent themselves in court, holding them to the same standards as that of a lawyer. While you may have the option to appear “pro se,” it will definitely stack the odds of winning the case against you.

Here’s why you should not represent yourself in court:

Lack of proper knowledge

Let’s admit it, the law is complicated. With a multitude of legal jargon being thrown around in a courtroom, it’s easy to get lost in the proceedings. Just because you have the ability to represent yourself doesn’t mean that you can do it well.

Just as the average person doesn’t perform their own surgery or do a major plumbing overhaul in their own home, you shouldn’t dive into the legal field without being backed by someone with appropriate expertise. You can consult an attorney in case you’re on a budget, however, it’s cheaper to hire one early on in the game.

Lack of relevant experience

Knowing the ins and outs of your case doesn’t mean you’ll be able to advocate for it appropriately. Most people don’t hold experience in court matters and don’t know anything about the rules of evidence, the right time to object, and how to argue on evidentiary objections against the opposing counsel.

All of these things are important in presenting your case to the court in the best possible method. Attorneys go through many years of training to advocate for others’ rights, and it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to reach that level right before your hearing.

Possible self-incrimination

People who hold no legal knowledge might end up saying things in court that will only hurt their case. For example, the accused may bring up facts that they believe will support their case, but they end up not being a legal defense for the charge.

Getting emotional

Going to court is an emotionally harrowing process in itself, let alone representing yourself. People can get easily nervous and defensive when put under this pressure. This may lead to emotional arguments instead of logical ones, reducing their effectiveness. Irritating the judge and disrupting the court can end up having a bad result for your case.

Professional criminal legal services in Baltimore County

Whether you’re heading to court for a civil or criminal matter, you can reach out to the Lincoln Law Group’s professional lawyers for free initial consultations! You have a sacred right to liberty that we will uphold in order to secure your freedom. We have an experienced team of criminal defense attorneys, personal injury and car accident lawyers, immigration lawyers, tax attorneys, and family law attorneys on board in Baltimore and Silver Spring.

You can call us to find out more about our services.

A criminal conviction can follow you around for the rest of your life, even if it was just a small misdemeanor. Perhaps you committed a minor felony in your past, served your assigned time, and attempted to move on with life. Unfortunately, our society doesn’t let criminal records go that easily.

An unclean criminal record can prevent you from getting the job you want or getting a loan that you need to buy a car or house. One mistake can haunt you forever, and here’s why it’s worth the effort, time, and money required to get your an expungement:

Easier to get a job

When filling out a job application, there’s usually a section where they question whether you’ve ever been involved in criminal acts or have been convicted in the past. This can create a difficult situation for someone who does have a criminal record. If they answer truthfully, they risk not landing the job. But if they lie and say they have a clean record, then they’re risking violating the law again. If you’ve expunged your record successfully, you can truthfully answer “no” to the question.

Get approved for a loan

Loan agencies believe that someone who has a criminal conviction would be less likely to pay off their debt or have the resources to do so. This means you might face prohibitive rates for interest or just not qualify for a loan at all. It can become difficult to buy a car or home in this sort of situation, especially when it’s already harder to find a job.

Adoption

Fifteen states in the U.S have made it illegal to adopt a child if you have a criminal record. If you’re looking into adopting a child and growing your family, you’ll have to get your record expunged. However, keep in mind that offenses against minors can never be expunged.

Find an experienced criminal defense attorney in Maryland

Expungements are not guaranteed, so working with a criminal defense lawyer can significantly increase your chances of it being granted. Our professionals can make the process less stressful and will help you retain confidence that you’re doing the best that you can to achieve a clean record.

The Lincoln Law Group has a diverse team of legal professionals, including tax attorneys, criminal defense attorneys, family law attorneys, immigration lawyers, and personal injury lawyers in Baltimore and Silver Spring.

Contact us today to get started.

Understanding the purpose of a bail hearing can be helpful before you appear in court. You should be aware of who will be present and who else can make an appearance, what issues are to be addressed, and what expectations are held from you. The process can feel less stressful if you know what to expect beforehand and can also help you stay prepared for the eventual hearing.

Bail hearing

A bail hearing is a process of the court where the judge determines whether the defendant is allowed to post bail or not. A bail can release the individual from jail for the length of their trial.

The specific purpose is to set a certain amount of money to get you released until the trial while providing assurance to the court that you’ll appear as scheduled in the future. Evidence of reappearing can be presented by you as a defendant, but the ultimate decision is in the hands of the court.

Who’s present?

Usually, a jury’s presence isn’t required in a bail hearing. The judge has precedence over the court’s decision, and the defendant is present along with their defense attorney. Spectators are welcome to make an appearance.

Determining the outcome

A judge considers a multitude of factors before deciding to allow bail and when deciding the amount for it. Some factors that a judge might consider are:

• Personal history and character
• Employment and financial resources
• The alleged crime’s nature
• Criminal history and past court appearances
• Length of the defendant’s residence in the community along with family ties

Possible outcomes

The court may set certain conditions for the defendant to meet before it approves the request for bail. These may include things like travel limitations, employment requirements, alcohol, and drug testing. The judge may even deny bail due to lack of evidence or evidence that goes against the defendant’s favor. It all depends on the level of preparation, history, and the defense lawyer’s success.

Find an experienced criminal defense attorney in Maryland

We know that getting out of jail is of utmost importance if you’ve been charged with a crime. Working with a criminal defense lawyer can work to your advantage. Our professionals have intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the Maryland courts, increasing your chances of being released on a bond.

The Lincoln Law Group has a diverse team of legal professionals, including tax attorneys, criminal defense attorneys, family law attorneys, immigration lawyers, and personal injury lawyers in Baltimore and Silver Spring.

Contact us today to get started.

Levies and garnishments are common methods used by creditors to get paid for a delinquent account. They use them as collection tools to seize your stream of income or assets. Levies deal with your financial accounts, while garnishments are applied to your wages.

Here’s all you need to know about their differences:

Legal actions

Both of these methods are used by creditors when you’ve been unable to pay your debt. Private creditors need to get a court order before they can use these legal actions, meaning they have to sue you before winning the collection lawsuit. The court issues a money judgment to the winning party as proof of the amount that they’re owed.

However, government agencies like the IRS and the Department of Education don’t need to go through the same process. They can levy or garnish you without any judgment, after having provided you a notice of their intent. This notice provides a reasonable length of time to pay up the debt or respond with a reason you believe you don’t need to pay.

Levy

A levy freezes your bank account to seize the money in it. If you continue depositing money into an account that has been levied, it might also get seized by your creditor. Government agencies tend to use levies more often than private creditors, who prefer to use wage garnishment.

Wage garnishment

A garnishment forces your employer to hand over a part of your earned wages to the creditor. Your employer is not allowed to refuse to follow through on this order. To stop wage garnishments, you have to either file bankruptcy or negotiate a repayment. The wage garnishment will continue till the debt has been fulfilled if it isn’t stopped.

Find an experienced IRS levy lawyer

If you’re facing a wage garnishment or levy order, an IRS Audit lawyer can communicate with the credit agency for you, ensure that your records add up, and file appeals or claims on your behalf if needed. Having access to a legal team with both a tax lawyer and a criminal defense lawyer can also work to your advantage.

The Lincoln Law Group has a diverse team of legal professionals, including tax attorneys, criminal defense attorneys, family law attorneys, immigration lawyers, and personal injury lawyers in Baltimore and Silver Spring.

Contact us today to get started.

The government enacted the third Coronavirus relief package, also known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES), on 27th March 2020. The act assists people in various capacities, including students, unemployed people, businesses, and healthcare providers. The act also provides some tax relief options for certain income groups.

Here are a few important things you should know about the CARES Act.

#1 Setting Up Your Tax Refund with A Direct Deposit Entitles You to A Stimulus Check

For single, employed individuals, who have a social security number and earn a gross income of $75000 or lower, the act provides a stimulus check of $1200. Married couples signing up for joint returns are also eligible for the check, provided their income is $150,000.

For married couples, the stimulus check will amount to $2400, although the exact amount will be determined by the IRS depending on your exact income. These eligibility criteria are also determined by your social security statement showing your income for years 2018 and 2019 and your latest tax returns.

#2 The Pay Check Protection Program Offers Relief to Small Business Owners Through Loans

The Pay Check Program allowed small businesses with 500 or fewer employees, tribal businesses, independent contractors, and gig economy workers to apply for partially or fully forgivable loans through the existing SBA lending program. Although the date for application for the program ended in May, companies can now apply for loan forgiveness instead.

#3 Expired Provisions of the CARES Act

The CARES Act provided benefits to various segments, including the employed, unemployed, and business owners. The act was set in motion through the law to provide economic relief and stimulus to the struggling economy during the pandemic. A few of the expired benefits of the act include:

1. Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation
2. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
3. Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation
4. Pay Check Protection Program

The relief packages mentioned above are no longer available. However, there are still tax-related benefits that you can enjoy as an American citizen under the current administration. To learn more about various tax benefits you can enjoy under CARES Act and subsequent economic packages, reach out to Lincoln Law Group. Our tax litigation and tax controversy lawyer can help you navigate your tax issues in Baltimore, Maryland. We also specialize in family law and divorce, and our personal injury attorney can help you deal with issues like car accidents.

Americans have been urged by the IRS to watch out for tax fraud and scams during the pandemic. This fraud is especially common now due to the increased opportunity available to hackers online because of the internet and the increased number of transactions.

So, the question is, how does one defend themselves against tax fraud when it’s so prevalent?

1. File Early

You need to be proactive. Filing early means you can complete the entire process without any obstacles. If scammers want to misuse your identity to file a tax return, you can always beat them to it.

2. Keep Your Social Security Number Safe

Your social security number will allow you (or anyone else) to access all your private information. Keep the number secret to prevent it from getting into the hands of identity thieves.

Shred any documents that may have the number to carefully dispose of them and watch out for any urgent calls from the “IRS” that may claim to need your number. Remember that the IRS only communicates via US Mail.

3. Hire An Accomplished Tax Attorney

Making mistakes while filing tax returns can happen because of human error as well. However, certain are criminal offenses and can cause a tax controversy. Hiring an experienced tax attorney can help you navigate through the complicated tax law, protect your legal and financial interests, and defend you against any legal charges.

Your attorney should be able to defend you in the case of the following charges:

1. The defendant knowingly provided incorrect information to circumvent the taxation system.
2. The tax statement or return was false.
3. The defendant knew false information was being provided.

The counsel of an expert can help you fight such allegations, defend your reputation, and prevent any penalty that you have to pay.

The IRS is responsible for ensuring that all individuals and companies abide by the taxation law and financial regulations. If you are served an IRS tax audit notice, then you need to be prepared for what’s going to come

Reach out to Lincoln Law Group for all your legal assistance needs. Our group of legal experts will help you fight for your legal rights and secure your interests. We specialize in tax litigation and provide services of immigration attorneys, child custody lawyers, car accident lawyers, and criminal lawyers in Maryland too.

A resisting arrest charge can usually stem from something much less serious—like a routine traffic check or other interaction with the law enforcement. It’s charged against someone who disrupts the legal detaining of suspects. It can result in even more charges since the circumstances can lead you to become confrontational or non-compliant, making it harder to dispute.

This blog briefs you on what resisting arrest charges are and how to dispute them.

What Can Be Defined As Resisting Arrest?

Physical force or evasion alone aren’t the only grounds for resisting arrest. Sometimes non-physical interference can be counted too. Questioning an officer’s authority or providing false information can slow down an investigation and delay an arrest.

Moreover, avoiding parking or speeding tickets by refusing to take them can also escalate into a resisting arrest charge, even if the police wasn’t initially going to take you into custody.

In Maryland, a person can commit a second-degree misdemeanor if a person puts a public servant under risk or substantial bodily injury to prevent them from carrying out a lawful arrest.

Examples include—kicking or attempting to kick officers as they try to arrest you, pushing the officer off when they try to handcuff you, or swinging your fists at the officer as they try to arrest you. If you use physical force, or even threaten to use it against an officer, you might also get charged with committing aggravated assault.

Possible Defenses

If you can show the judge that the arresting officer used excessive force, you can get the resisting arrest charges dropped. You’d have to be careful with the timing and deliverance of this defense—contact a professional criminal law attorney in advance.

You can also plead that you were using self-defense against unreasonable force since peace officers aren’t allowed to be excessively forceful while making an arrest. Using or threatening to use physical force against such force is a defensive action, regardless of the legality of the original arrest.

Your attorney can investigate security footage and get a hold of potential eyewitnesses to prove that you only acted out of fear of the officer’s actions. They can also consider the possibility of it being an unlawful arrest and get your charges dropped.

If you or someone you know has been charged with resisting arrest, The Lincoln Law Group LLC is here to help with our top-notch criminal legal services. We offer free and confidential consultations and won’t let you face your criminal charges alone. Our other legal services includes tax lawyers, personal injury lawyers, car accident lawyers, criminal lawyers, and others in Maryland.

Contact us and schedule an appointment today.

Hundreds of businesses and individual entities fall victim to IRS’s tax fraud allegations every year. While some of them are legit and accountable, others face the consequences of a wrong, misinterpreted calculation.

The IRS, along with the Tax Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ), places a high priority on tax loss and theft cases in the US. More than 70% of the total IRS revenue consists of employment taxes, so they make extra efforts to ensure there are no unpaid dues.

If you own a business and more than two of your employees are alleged for committing a tax crime, the impact on the firm can be quite disastrous. You may have to spend several billable hours filing paperwork, sending emails, and making phone calls. Your best bet, in this case, is to hire an experienced tax controversy lawyer in Baltimore. They can help you manage the paperwork and meet IRS deadlines without any slip-ups.

They can take care of the extra work and save your business from prolonged distrust and lost income. While you may conduct your business using rightful practices, there are ways the IRS can get hold of unpaid, withheld taxes from employee paychecks.

If you’ve received a notice from the IRS inquiring about a tax deficit, you should seek legal counsel right away. Here are some tips to defend your firm against the allegations.

1. Living of Cash Capital

A common yet effective defense raised against tax fraud allegations is to tell the IRS that you’ve lived off of your cash capital. IRS tends to dig into your business transactions including payables, receivables, deposits, and expenses to look for potential slipups. However, they don’t have anything against you holding cash, unrelated to the company.

IRS’s legitimate concerns involve all taxable income and whether or not it’s reported on time. While the IRS may be suspicious about people holding cash outside an interest-bearing account, they don’t report it because it’s non-taxable.

2. Using Non-Taxable Income

Not all kinds of money receipts are taxable. Nontaxable income comes in various forms such as gifts, inheritances, borrowed money, etc. This defense can be raised against tax deficit allegations.

3. Sometimes It’s an Honest Mistake

Humans can make mistakes, and the tax deficit on your company’s financials can be one too! A genuine slipup when filing company taxes isn’t a fraud unless you report it.

So, if you make a valid defense that the tax issue wasn’t your intention, you may be able to convince the jury that it was an honest mistake.

Note: Don’t Bluff

While an adept tax controversy lawyer in Silver Spring may help you devise a strong defense action against tax allegations, don’t use this opportunity to bluff. Telling lies can worsen your case. If you’re unsure about something, communicate with your tax lawyer and let them do the talking.

Exercise your Fifth Amendment right to protect yourself from self-incrimination.

At The Lincoln Law, we have experienced tax controversy lawyers on board in Maryland and Washington D.C. We offer expert legal counsel and support for tax preparation, filing, analysis, negotiation, and tax disputes. Feel free to reach out to us at 443-542-5889 or contact us here.

Many teenagers and young adults make prank calls when they get together with friends. People usually try to have fun in their free time by making such calls. It is, however, a risky activity that can sometimes, lead to unexpected legal charges and land the caller in hot legal water.

Let’s have a look at some cases when a prank is considered illegal.

1. Harassing Prank Calls

The most applicable legal law to prank calls is harassment. Making a late-night call to some random stranger might sound funny. It is, however, against the law to call someone late at night and make nasty remarks. If you call someone several times a day, the receiver might feel threatened and file a complaint against you.

Besides, if someone makes phone calls with their computer, the police can also charge them with computer harassment crime or cyberstalking.

2. Disorderly Conduct

When you call a random person and use abusive language to arouse anger, it is considered disorderly conduct under American law. Police can charge a person under disorderly conduct if they “disturb the peace.”

3. Wiretapping

Recording a telephone conversation with someone without their consent is not just unethical, it’s a severe violation of American law. Violations of the Privacy of Communication is an illegal act, and the police can even arrest you if they find you engaged in such an act.

4. Hate Crimes

If a prank call is made to abuse someone on the basis of their appearance, religion, race, or ethnicity it can be deemed a hate crime. Hate calls and crimes are usually performed because of prejudice against ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

Mocking a person for their voice or any other aspect of their personality is a serious crime. It is similar to harassment; however, the motive is different. Calling a person to intimidate them is considered violence.

Consult an Attorney

If you have been hurt by a prank call, or need any legal assistance in this regard, contact The Lincoln Law Group.

At The Lincoln Law, we have experienced lawyers on board who are always there to help people with their legal claims. We also have immigration attorneys, tax lawyers, criminal lawyers, child custody lawyers onboard in Silver Springs, Baltimore, Towson, and Montgomery County.

Disclaimer: Information in this blog is provided for general informational purposes. It may not reflect current laws in your region or state. It isn’t intended to substitute legal counsel.

A criminal record can seriously impact on a person’s quality of life. Statistics suggests that approximately 70 million people in America have a criminal record. According to a recent report published by the Brennan Center for Justice, criminal convictions are a big cause of entrenching poverty in the U.S.

The adverse consequences of having a criminal charge are undeniable. It becomes categorically more unbearable if the person is wrongly accused of the crime. If a person is accused of a crime, it stays on their record, even if the charge is dropped or they are not found guilty of the crime.

Let’s explore some ways a criminal charge can impact your record.

Career

A criminal charge can significantly hamper your chances of landing a good job. Most employers check the applicants’ background before hiring them.

If they ask you directly about the concern, your best bet would be to remain truthful. You can, however, choose to remain silent about the arrests which did not lead to conviction.

Child Adoption

Once a person is charged for a criminal act, they lose their right to adopt a child. Similarly, it also reduces their right of child custody. So, if you have a criminal record, the court might not allow you to take the custody of your child.

Driving

Depending of the severity of the charge, your driving license may also get suspended or revoked. Your next move under these circumstances should be to follow the rules and to consult an attorney. Failing to follow the rules could result in lengthier suspensions.

Social Reputation

Re-entering to the community after long years of imprisonment is not an easy thing to do. Even a minor criminal charge can deteriorate your reputation and create substantial barriers in attaining acceptable social status.

Even in cases of wrongful accusations, the negative stigma does not leave its mark easily. Nationwide, people with criminal charges are treated with animosity and hate.

Hire an Attorney for Legal Help

If you are falsely accused of a crime or you want to expunge your criminal record, a lawyer can help. Hire a professional lawyer and take the required legal guidance.

At The Lincoln Law Group, we specialize in a number of practice areas such as immigration law, tax law, criminal law, child custody law and provide professional advocacy services in Baltimore and Maryland. Feel free to contact us and schedule an appointment today.

Disclaimer: Information in this blog is provided for educational purposes. It should not be used as a substitute for legal advice.

Having fun on a long drive is one thing, but drinking to have fun on the road is never a good idea. From costly fines and jail times to a suspended driving license—the risks are endless.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or any other addictive substance is a serious violation of law and the individuals involved in such an activity have to face severe consequences. Let’s have a look at the top consequences of a DUI.

Reduced Educational Opportunities

A DUI can affect your career even before it starts. Students who are too young often believe that a DUI will not impact their professional career.

All U.S states, however, have ratified zero tolerance laws which prohibit drivers under 21 from having measurable amounts of alcohol in their blood.

Majority of schools check the applicants’ background before giving admissions. So, a DUI can even hamper your chances of studying from a reputable college.

Besides, working in professional field like medicine or law can also become a challenge for people with a DUI background. A DUI significantly complicates your chances of attaining a professional license.

Limited Career Growth

Most US states are at-will employment states, and therefore, the employer or employee are legally permissible to end the employment relationship at any point of time. So, an employer has the right terminate an employee who is charged with for a DUI.

Besides, a DUI can also make it significantly difficult to find a new job. The majority of employers are concerned about their company culture and perform a criminal check before hiring applicants. Therefore, a DUI can reduce your chances of getting a good job.

Increased Insurance Charges

Individuals with a DUI are considered as “high risk” drivers by the majority of insurance companies. Therefore, when a person is convicted with a DUI, several insurance companies terminate their coverage or bring large increments in their insurance rates.

Bottom line

A DUI conviction can have innumerable repercussions on an individual’s life. These cases are usually handled in criminal courts and therefore a small mistake during the trials can put you at a serious disadvantage in court.

If you don’t want to try a DUI case on your own, hiring a professional lawyer will be your best bet.

Feel free to contact The Lincoln Law Group—an advocacy firm in US—and get assistance from professional and experienced criminal defense lawyers.

At The Lincoln Law Group , we can also help you with hiring tax litigation lawyers, immigration lawyers, truck accident lawyers, and, child custody lawyers in Baltimore, Silver Spring , and Maryland. Get in touch with us if you need legal assistance in any of these areas.

Disclaimer: Information in this blog is provided for educational purposes. It should not be used as a substitute for legal advice.

Being arrested is a daunting experience, especially if it’s your first time. Several apprehensions cross your mind regarding the next step. In this blog, we will guide you through the entire process to help you plan your actions accordingly.

After you are arrested, here’s what happens:

Initial Investigation

At this stage, law enforcement takes the person under arrest to a District Court commissioner. District Court commissioners perform required investigations to determine the probable cause.

Probable cause is a mandatory requirement by law enforcement to hold a person accountable for any unethical activity. If this requirement is met, the police can take the suspect under custody, conduct a search or receive a warrant.

In some circumstances, however, a person can also get arrested without a warrant. These circumstances are termed exigent circumstances. Under these circumstances, a responsible authority can take any relevant action to prevent significant harm, such as evidence destruction or the escape of the suspect.

Whatever the scenario, the first step of the investigation is determining the probable cause. Even if a person is arrested without any warrant, they will be shortly brought before a commissioner or a competent authority for prompt judicial determination of the probable cause.

Charges and Possible Penalties

After determining the probable cause, the commissioner informs the person under arrest about the charges against them. He will make sure that the suspect knows the reason for the arrest and is prepared for the possible penalties.

At this point, the commissioner will not ask the suspect to admit anything. Instead, if they have any confusion or difficulty understanding the legal intricacies, they can tell the commissioner, and the commissioner will provide them with all the details and explanations regarding the procedure.

Right to Counsel

As mentioned in The Sixth Amendment, every criminal defendant has the right to counsel, even if they cannot afford to pay for the attorney.

Therefore, shortly after the initial procedures, the suspect will be asked if they want to hire a lawyer to assist them in their defense. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, you can also request a court-appointed lawyer. If the suspect asks for this option, the commissioner will ask them to fill out a form and file a proper request. After the submission, it will be on the commissioner to decide whether you qualify to be represented by the Public Defender or not. This decision, however, depends significantly on certain factors such as your financial status, property and case priority, and severity.

Arraignment

Arraignment is a court proceeding in which the defendant is taken for the initial hearing and asked whether they want to plead guilty or not guilty.

At this time, the defendants receive more clarity about their case status and the charges against them, and the court decides whether they will be held in prison or released until the trial.

Pre-trial Conference and Trial

In the pre-trial conference, plea offers are discussed and all the concerned issues are addressed. After this step, the actual trial takes place.

If the defendant pleads guilty, they give up their right to remain silent and are sentenced. If someone pleads not guilty, they will be asked to opt for a court or jury trial. In either case, if the defendant is found guilty, the judge decides the penalty.

During all these stages, it is highly recommended to strictly follow all the rules and regulations. Any negligence to the law can work against you and worsen your case. If you abide by all the rules and regulations and follow the procedures, you can also appeal for a case reopening later if you’re sentenced after pretrial conference and trial.

Here we shared a quick overview of the conventional legal procedures after an arrest in the USA. If you want further assistance or looking to hire a lawyer, call us at 443-542-5889.

Besides, we also offer legal services such as immigration attorneys, tax lawyers, criminal lawyers, child custody lawyers and other criminal legal services in Silver Springs, Baltimore, Towson and Maryland. Feel free to contact us and schedule an appointment today.

Disclaimer: Information in this blog is provided for general informational purposes. It may not reflect current laws in your region or state. It isn’t intended to substitute legal counsel.

The US legal system defines negligence as “the failure to exercise the care toward others which a reasonable or prudent person would do under the same circumstances.” In personal injury cases, the attorney tries to establish that the defendant’s action is due to negligence.

The Four Components of Negligence

The US courts have broken down the negligence into four components. If you want to prove a negligence claim, then your attorney must provide solid evidence for each of these four components.

Component #1: Proof of Duty

First, the attorney has to show that the defendant had a responsibility/duty of care towards the injured party. This component is usually the easiest and simplest to prove. Example: A property owner has a duty to keep the walkways and sidewalks free from garbage, debris, ice, snow, etc., as it might cause harm to people passing by.

Component #2: Proof of Breach

Once your lawyer has proved duty of care, they’ll have to show that the defendant has breached the duty by failing to act or behave with reasonable care. This will show that the defendant is legally accountable for the results of their actions. Example: A property owner emptied garbage on the sidewalk, which contained broken glass. Despite being wholly sober and conscious, they didn’t clean it or warn passersby.

Component #3: Proof of Proximate Causation

After this, you need to prove that the breach of care caused injuries or harm to the plaintiff. However, this must link your harm directly to the defendant. Example: If the glass you stepped on caused injuries to your body, then that is proof of the proximate cause. However, if the glass was in the garbage can but was knocked over by a cat that caused it to roll over and come in your way, this may not be a direct cause.

Component #4: Proof of Damages

The last step is showing the court how the harm caused to you by the defendant’s actions can be translated into a dollar value. This process is usually complicated as attaching a monetary value to an injury can be difficult. Example: After stepping on the glass, you tripped, got cut, and fractured a bone. So your attorney used the medical bills and records to show that damages in your case equal $30,000.

Committed Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or your loved ones have suffered serious injuries due to someone else’s negligent actions, contact The Lincoln Law Group now. Our team of legal experts will listen to your story and fight for your case.

For more information on the legalities of negligence or to schedule an appointment with our personal injury lawyer, call us at 443-542-5889.

The Lincoln Law Group is committed to serving you as best as possible with their team of expert immigration lawyers, tax attorneys, family law attorneys, personal injury lawyers, and criminal defense attorneys in Baltimore and Silver Spring.

Running into problems with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or another tax authority, it’s best to get a professional on board who understands the nitty-gritty details. Here, you might run into a confusing decision: should you go for a tax controversy lawyer or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) consultant?

In general, tax attorneys have a better grasp on legal issues and changes in tax laws, while CPAs have a thorough understanding of financial reporting and accounting.

That said, it should be kept in mind that a tax problem with the IRS can impact your finances and come with possible criminal charges. There much more at stake here, which makes a qualified tax litigation lawyer much better suited.

Here’s what gives tax attorneys an edge over CPAs.

Tax Lawyers Understand the Law

Tax lawyers are well-versed in taxation laws and stay up-to-date with changes in federal and state tax codes. They can help clients make sense of complicated, lengthy, and detailed legislation on tax law.

Attorney-Client Confidentiality

Attorneys are bound by an attorney-client confidentiality clause, and any conversations with the attorney are protected by law. However, CPAs and accounting firms are not bound by confidentiality.

Protection from Criminal Charges

For a tax lawyer, the aim is to work out a plan that protects you from criminal charges. For CPAs and tax attorneys, the priority might be different; they may testify against you in court to protect themselves or their company.

Tax Lawyers Know Your Options

Tax lawyers are well aware of tax laws, along with the policies and procedures used by tax authorities. As a result, they are able to provide you better recommendations and a solid plan of action to overcome any tax controversy.

Avoid Overpromises with Tax Lawyers

Tax lawyers aren’t allowed to exaggerate or misinform clients about their abilities. They are also bound by ethical rules that prevent them from making exaggerated claims or promises that they might not be able to keep.

Why Choose Either?

If you’ve run into tax problems with the IRS, your finances, future, and freedom are at stake. Make sure you have a knowledgeable legal and financial team on your side during the entire process.

At The Lincoln Law Group, our tax attorneys have accounting backgrounds and expertise working on legal audit and tax problems. Schedule an appointment with us and get the best of both worlds with our qualified tax lawyers, that are well-equipped to handle your tax controversy in Baltimore and Silver Spring.

An IRS tax audit letter can put the love of God into even the most experienced adult and/or a business owner. You may start to panic if you receive a letter or have the impulse to run from it. However, that’s not a wise strategy (especially when our tax lawyers in Baltimore and Silver Spring can handle it).

Keep your calm, call a tax litigation lawyer, and let them take you through what needs to be done in your specific case. However, if you’re feeling worried, here’s some basic information on what you can do.

Why is The IRS Auditing You?

The IRS may choose to audit you for any number of reasons — but it’s not always necessary that they’re doing it because they think you did something wrong. An audit is the IRS’s way of keeping an eye on individuals they believe could have made an error or business owners that are high-risk. Sometimes, this does mean that they suspect you of something.

However, if you’ve done nothing wrong, don’t panic. First, make sure you’re being audited. The IRS may be sending you a letter for a range of other reasons, which is why you should be clear on that first. If you are being audited, find out what kind of audit it is.

Types of Tax Audits

There are three types of audits: more severe and the last of which is pretty easy to get through.

1. Field Audits: A field audit is one in which IRS investigators visit your business and home to investigate your assets and operations. They may conduct interviews and try to get a sense of your lifestyle to ascertain your net worth. This is serious and can feel very invasive.
2. Office Audit: This is a step down from a field audit and involves IRS investigators going over your business paperwork with a fine-toothed comb to see if everything adds up. They may find something that leads them to open an investigation.
3. Correspondence Audit: This audit is performed via documentation and correspondence, usually after someone is flagged via a computer. This is much less serious and can be considered procedural at times.

How a Tax Lawyer Can Help

Never call your accountant or CPA first. If something incriminating comes to light, they may be forced to testify against you. Instead, reach out to our IRS audit lawyer in Baltimore, Silver Spring, Towson, and Washington D.C. We can help you get your papers in order and take over correspondence with the IRS.

At The Lincoln Law Group, our lead attorney has experience in IRS procedures and tax controversies, which is why when you hire us, you know an experienced attorney is taking charge. Contact us for an appointment — we have immigration lawyers, divorce attorneys, and criminal defense attorneys on our team too.