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Baltimore Has Only 196 Murders in 2011, a First Since 1977

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For the first time in decades, Baltimore City’s murder rate has fallen below 200. Sure, it’s still at the top of the list of murders per capita, but it’s a significant decline and definitely a reason to celebrate. It represents just the third time since the 1960s since there were fewer than 200 murders.

In 2001, officials were celebrating a murder rate that finally dropped below 300, saying it was just the beginning of things to come. In 2007, it was on target again to breach the 300 mark, but was held below.

Neighboring cities like Washington DC have also experienced a similar drop. D.C. saw a high of 479 murders in 1991, and only 108 in the last year.

According to The Baltimore Sun, murders are often seen as “a reliable barometer of crime because they are less subjective than other categories.”

So what’s the cause of the drop? No one can say for certain, though city officials would like to take credit. From taking down drug organizations to targeted enforcement operations, police, probation, and prosecutors are all believed to have played a role in the overall decline of crime and violence in the city.

“A very small segment of our population pool disproportionately contributes to violent crime in this city. Many of these guys are known to us,” said Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III, who took office in 2007. He admits that when he took over the city lacked a real crime reduction plan. He instituted a plan to focus on the “worst of the worst”, targeting known “bad guys” and creating the Violent Crimes Impact Section.

The existing murders still tend to disproportionately affect members of the African American community. Ninety-five percent of the victims of last year’s homicides were black. Only one of the cases have been closed and only 46% of the murder cases have been solved by police—one of the lowest clearance rates on record.

The positive effects of a lower homicide rate, however, are appreciated by all. Police see kids playing football on streets where they wouldn’t have normally been out and about. Community activists remark on the changing scene, saying there were street corners so packed with drug dealers, in years past, that you couldn’t push through.

Do Baltimore police still go after the “little guys”? Yes. Though they are primarily interested in the “worst of the worst”, they will still arrest you for seemingly petty offenses like drug possession and theft.

If you are facing charges, whether for drug possession or homicide, you need a criminal defense attorney on your side. Contact our offices today to discuss your case and how we might be able to help.

Baltimore Crime, Arrests and Indictments All on Decline

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Changes in police practices and prosecutors’ procedures, along with potentially unexplainable factors, have all led to a drop in crime, a drop in the number of arrests, and a drop in the number of defendants released from booking without being charged. As explored in this in-depth piece from the Baltimore Sun, many are taking credit for the shift, though not everyone is completely convinced that the numbers tell the whole story.
In 2000, under the leadership of Martin O’Malley, police in Baltimore city were arresting anyone that ran afoul of even the most minor “quality of life” offenses. People were being arrested and booked into jail for things like loitering, nuisance crimes that would otherwise be handled with a warning or a ticket. This led to a mountainous arrest rate over the next several years, with 98,000 arrested in 2005, at the peak of this zero-tolerance practice.
But this high number of arrests led to prosecutors having to turn many arrestees away. Whether the arrest was made on charges that wouldn’t stick or if the offense was simply too minor to clog up the courts, prosecutors released more than 25,000 people without charging them in that same year.
In 2007, Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III took over and began a more focused approach to enforcing the law. His department is far more concerned with arresting only the serious, violent offenders. While crime has fallen during his time as Commissioner, some believe it’s an anomaly and has nothing to do with what they fear is a more lackadaisical approach to law enforcement.
During zero-tolerance days, nearly anyone who looked suspicious or who was found loitering would be “slammed to the ground” and searched for drugs. Now, some citizens say those same drug dealers who were scared to come back on the corners are doing just that—standing side by side with the police, unafraid of potential consequences because they know the cops aren’t interested in nonviolent and low level drug offenders anymore.
In 2010, the number of people arrested by Baltimore police was down to 62,341. About 42,000 of these arrests were made “on view” or without a warrant. In 2005, 76,500 of the 98,000 arrests were “on view”. So far in 2011 there have been only 16,000 “on view” arrests.
Because the police are being more discriminate about their arrests, they are giving prosecutors better cases to work with and fewer suspects are being released without charges. Some say changes within the state attorney’s office have also made changes contributing to the lower arrest and higher resolution rates.
Another factor not addressed within the Baltimore Sun article is the “unknown” factor of crime reduction. Major cities across the country are experiencing dramatically lower crime rates and cannot put their finger on the cause. Despite the poor economy, fewer crimes are being committed and no one seems to know why. It would be rash to suggest falling crime could be attributed to good old fashioned police work and nothing else, particularly when the residents of the city see at least some crimes being committed in plain view with nothing being done.

Law Enforcement Solicits Assistance from Prince George’s Felons

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Summertime is notorious for elevated crime rates. Officials in the legal community of Prince George’s County are taking a new approach to crime prevention this summer, however, and hope residents who were once locked up can help.
According to The Washington Post, the police in PG County are focusing on five different high crime neighborhoods: Langley Park, Riverdale, Suitland, Hillcrest Heights, and Glassmanor. These areas have been pinpointed as having a high concentration of parolees and prior offenders, which law enforcement says is an indicator of future criminality.
Fifty-six people in PG County have been murdered since January 1. That’s twelve more than the same time last year. Many of those involved—both victims and suspects—had priors on their record.
Within these five areas, law enforcement selected 233 people to attend a meeting, all of which had previously been convicted in connection with a violent crime and were out on parole or probation. They were alerted to the meetings by their supervising officers and warned that their attendance was mandatory.
During the meetings, law enforcement and Maryland prosecutors delivered stern warnings to the groups, telling them there would be no lenience offered for new offenses and encouraging them to stay crime-free. But the meetings weren’t all about threats and harsh words—job training and educational programs were offered as incentive.
In 2004, the Maryland recidivism rate was estimated to be around 48.5 percent. This means that within three years of being released from prison, 48.5 percent of offenders would be locked up again. Using this data, officials hope to curtail at least some of the recidivist crimes.
Similar programs have been instituted in other cities across the country. High Point, NC., a relatively small town with a relatively large crime problem, has been using a similar system since 1997. Since that time, they’ve seen a 47% drop in the violent crime rate. (How much of that drop can be attributed to the prevention program is unknown.)
People who are out on parole or on probation normally understand that a judge and even the police won’t give them the same lenience as someone with a criminal record. But sometimes a reminder is necessary. David Kennedy with the Center for Crime Prevention and Control says, “The record is really, really clear that they respect that and they respond to it. What happens when you have these meetings is that word spreads like wildfire on the street.”
Facing criminal charges is frightening enough. But when you have a criminal history the potential consequences could be even more severe. If you are accused of a crime and are in need of a local defense attorney, contact my offices today.

Tis the Season For Increased Thefts?

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It’s holiday time and as Peter Herman with the Baltimore Sun reports, it’s time for law enforcement to start issuing mass warnings about everything from locking your bags in your trunk to leaving your lights on at home when you leave the house. But is there really a peak in theft related crimes over the holidays or is this just a fallacy?
Interestingly, despite the belief that everything from theft to domestic violence peak over the holidays, the statistics tell another story.
With regard to car break-ins, one of those offenses we commonly hear the news and police agencies warning about, there were 57 such crimes in 2009 over a week’s time period including the busiest shopping day of the year—Black Friday. In August of that same year, there were 178 of those break-ins.
Similarly, domestic violence crimes are thought to rise over the holidays when stress is high and finances are often stretched thin. But, according to the Md. Network Against Domestic Violence, November and December 2009 were the two months with the lowest domestic violence complaints.
Despite the numbers telling a different story, the police will likely continue to send out their holiday warnings, with local news stations doing the same sort of thing. Keep your shopping bags in your trunk, never leave your house dark when out of town, and remember to be vigilant on the crowded roadways!
One criminologist states that larcenies do spike over the December month, however, leaving some questions about the trend and the warnings. Also, the roadways do seem to become deadlier as the number of people traveling increases.
With such conflicting data and opinions, maybe the police are right—better safe than sorry. And if you are one of those people who stands on the other side of the law, accused of committing holiday thefts or even being charged with a DUI after a holiday party, know a criminal defense attorney can help.
Whether you are facing reckless driving charges or assault—contact us today for a free consultation on your case.

Simple Md. Criminal Case Reveals Complex Legal System

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An appeals court recently upheld the conviction of a man whose arrest began with a bad shot. His bad aim led to a confrontation with police which landed him with a 60 day jail sentence. The story goes to show that not all criminal charges are the result of a planned or morally questionable motive.
According to the Baltimore Sun, the defendant in this case was walking along Market Street in Frederick when he threw a newspaper to his friend. He missed, hitting a patrol car instead. The officer in the car exited the vehicle and that’s when things went bad.
The officer reported that when he confronted the paper boy he became loud and confrontational, yelling obscenities and causing a scene. He was eventually convicted of resisting arrest and failing to obey the order of the police. His sentence: 60 days in jail.
His attorney appealed the conviction on the grounds that he was simply exercising his right to free speech. The court determined it was the defendant’s volume that caused the problem, not the content of his speech. Apparently, the confrontation was loud enough to cause patrons of a local bar to come outside and watch.
Also at issue was the right a person has under Maryland law to “offer reasonable resistance to an unlawful arrest”. However, once the arrest was deemed lawful and not in violation of the defendant’s first Amendment rights, this argument failed to hold water.
This case is a good example of how things aren’t as clear cut when they are dissected in a court of law. The law is a very precise thing. In order to be charged and convicted of a crime and for that conviction to be upheld, it must adhere to every letter of the law and not violate your rights.
It also shows how a defense lawyer can often find many opportunities to challenge the rulings made, whether your ultimate conviction or the simple admissibility of evidence and testimony. An aggressive defense attorney will analyze your case and ensure they are leaving no stone unturned.
Whether you are facing charges like possession of a controlled substance and believe the evidence was seized in an illegal search or if you are up against charges of disorderly conduct for a misunderstanding with police, I can help.
Contact our lawyers today for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.

Violent Crime Down but still High in Baltimore

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The Associated Press reports this week that violent crime is down in the city known as the setting for gritty dramas like Homicide and The Wire. But despite these drops, the Baltimore is still high when compared with other cities of similar sizes. Officials are questioning whether new policing techniques may be positively impacting the violence.

This report details how 10 years ago cops would have broken up any illegal activity they believed was going on in their presence. Now, they’re more selective, focusing on quality, not quantity of arrests.

Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III is quoted as saying he isn’t trying “to win the drug war”, but rather “the war on violence.” By focusing their efforts on some of the more notorious violent offenders in the city, the police claim they have been able to keep violence down to levels not seen in over 20 years.

In addition to going after the “regular suspects”, police are serving warrants on people with violent pasts quicker than before—even if the warrant is for a nonviolent charge. The city has also developed a gun offender registry, similar to the one in NYC requiring people with gun convictions to register their address.

While the police may drive by a known drug dealer on the corner, this doesn’t mean drug offenses are allowed to run rampant. Arrests for drug crimes are still a fact of everyday life in Baltimore too.

Another change that has gone with the decrease in crime, is an increase in successful convictions on the part of the prosecutor. Because crime is lower, the cases being referred to the DA are better, making dropped charges less and less common. This should be a top concern if you are facing criminal charges today.

If you are facing charges in Maryland, you need to discuss the details of your crime with a defense attorney. Contact me today to talk about the circumstances surrounding the charges against you and what you can do.

Baltimore Residential Robberies on the Rise

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Despite a general downward trend on crime in the city, residential robberies climbed a remarkable 34% from this time last year. Home invasions are said to be the only type of crime that is actually increasing in the city this year and officials are wondering why and looking at ways to prevent it.

According to the Baltimore Sun, police are wary of blaming the economy or drugs, two commonly blamed factors when property crimes increase. The trend is hitting the areas of Northwest Baltimore the most with 21 reported home invasions so far this year (up from just 8 at this time last year).

The Sun article points out the difference between a residential robbery and a burglary as the presence of a victim. If there is no one in the house at the time, it is a burglary. If people are present it’s a robbery and considered more serious by the law.

The presence of people in the home changes a property crime to a crime against people. And anytime someone is victimized, the law treats that very seriously.

That isn’t to say that purely property crimes are not serious or victimless. On the contrary, theft crimes even when someone isn’t present can result in decades-long prison sentences. In addition, those people who lost the property in the commission of the crime may be entitled to restitution.

When you are facing charges like any of these an aggressive defense attorney is crucial. Whether someone was present when you committed the offense or if no one was there, the repercussions can be life changing and the charges shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Baltimore police and prosecutors are cracking down on these sorts of crime to bring the numbers down. You can bet that, especially if charged with a residential robbery, you will be facing serious consequences.

No matter what the actual charge is against you, I can help. I am dedicated to giving my clients the personalized attention they deserve and putting in the work that their case needs. Contact me today for some free legal advice on your case.

Baltimore Mayor Dixon Guilty of Embezzlement The mayor faced 5 charges, was acquitted on 3, deadlocked on one, and found guilty of the last. Facing se

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The mayor faced 5 charges, was acquitted on 3, deadlocked on one, and found guilty of the last. Facing sentencing for embezzlement, the Mayor’s continued service to the city is now in question.

Many in the community and in local city government believe the Mayor should step down or be forced to leave after being convicted of this misdemeanor charge. It’s not the amount of embezzlement they are concerned about but rather the loss of trust they now have towards Dixon.

The misdemeanor conviction was for using gift cards that were purchased by Developer Patrick Turner for the “children of Baltimore.” They were a charitable donation to the city but were used by Dixon to purchase things for herself and her aides, according to the Baltimore Sun report.

The investigation in this case dates back to March 2006 and involved raids on her home and interviews with people in the Mayor’s close circle. The company that donated the gift cards in question is owned by Dixon’s former boyfriend.

Her defense team argued that Dixon believed the cards were from her boyfriend at the time, Lipscomb, and when they arrived in an unmarked envelope she had no other indication that they weren’t intended for her usage. That argument ultimately failed.

Embezzlement is considered a fraud related white collar crime and is essentially theft from your employer. Because Dixon’s employer is the city of Baltimore and the people as well, it is unclear right now what will become of her job.

As for her sentence, Dixon could face time in prison, though this is not likely. More likely, because of her clean criminal record, Dixon will be sentenced to serve some sort of probation, whether supervised or not.

Being charged with theft or any white collar crime can be humiliating and this case just goes to show it can happen to just about anyone. If you are facing criminal charges in Maryland of this nature and need help, contact me immediately.

Maryland Theft Charges Dropped Due to Officer No Show

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This article from the Baltimore Sun details one way in which criminal court cases get dropped on what many people refer to as “a technicality”. Everyone was there except the arresting officer, resulting in numerous criminal charges against Walter Grant being dropped.

Oftentimes the case against a criminal defendant rests solely on the report written by the arresting officer. The attorneys must be able to call this officer as a witness and when they are not, the charges get dropped.

The article details how things like this happen and it basically boils down to a complicated system with several parts not working optimally. Several parties involved were quick to point the finger at why this happened or who should be responsible, but it seemed as if no one had a solution.

For Walter Grant, the bureaucracy worked in his favor. Once facing charges of possessing stolen vehicle, Grant, a convicted felon, walked away from that court date as if nothing had happened.

While cases like this do happen, when you are facing criminal charges you cannot depend on it. You have to be ready to defend your case and hope for the best.

Theft charges like those Grant was facing come with fairly stringent sentences and one would be mistaken to assume they might get charges dropped “on a technicality”. This is where having an experienced defense attorney comes in.

As your defense attorneys, we plan for all possibilities. Our experienced defense lawyers will examine your case from the moment of your arrest to the present, ensuring the police acted in accordance with the laws and procedures designed to protect your rights.

Next, together, we will come up with a plan. That plan might include possible defense strategies and the possibility of reaching a plea bargain with the prosecution. Throughout this process we will act as your advocate, providing you with sound legal advice while being open to your input.

If you are facing criminal charges in Maryland, whether they are related to drugs, theft, DUI, or assault, we can help. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case.

Maryland’s New Texting While Driving Ban

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It is officially against the law to text while driving in Maryland now. The ban became active just a few days ago but the law is riddled with some interesting flaws. As this report from WBAL radio points out, the texting while driving law isn’t cut and dried.

If you are cited for texting while behind the wheel you could face a $500 fine. This is considered a traffic offense, not a crime like some other criminal traffic laws on the books. However, a $500 fine is nothing to shake a stick at.

The points of interest in this law include the fact that you cannot be fined for reading text messages, only for actually texting. So, receiving messages will not get you in trouble, only responding to them will.

Next, the law says nothing about posting to social networking sites while driving. With so many people constantly updating their statuses or sending tweets on Facebook, Twitter, and similar sites, it is interesting that the texting law “is silent” on this issue.

Lastly, it isn’t clear if the law applies to emailing. Many people use their phone to email correspondences while on the move. Similar to texting, it requires the same amount of attention and distraction, but the law does not address this.

One of the major points of concern here is the determination that a drive has been actively texting while driving must be made by an officer. So, it seems the officer would have to witness the texting. How an officer, even when next to you at a stop light, would be able to determine if you are texting or simply dialing a number (or updating one of many social networking sites) is beyond me.

The application of this law will be interesting to say the least and I expect to see some arguments in traffic court over many $500 fines should the police choose to enforce this one on any regular basis.

If you find yourself facing fines and potential jail time and you think the reasoning is questionable, call me. There are many criminal traffic offenses on the books in Maryland and they are not to be taken lightly. Contact me today to see how having an aggressive defense attorney on your side can help on your day in court.