mandatory minimum sentencing Tag

28 Jul

Challenge mandatory minimum sentencing for alleged repeat DWIs

Virginia police and prosecutors love seeking mandatory minimum sentencing in DWI cases for blood/breath alcohol levels allegedly at 0.15 or higher, and for repeat DWI offenses. Mandatory minimum sentencing efforts must always be thoroughly challenged. Thankfully, Virginia DWI law makes clear that mandatory minimum sentencing for...

2017 / Criminal Defense / Drunk driving, DWI, DUI

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29 Jun

Today’s criminal conviction can make tomorrow’s sentence harsher

A prosecutor one day told me that for criminal defendants with prior convictions, he liked making plea offers that varied the types of convictions that would accumulate on their rap sheets. Apparently, this prosecutor wanted to enhance the collateral damage that the defendant's convictions would...

2017 / Criminal Defense

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03 Feb

Firearms & Handgun Defense – Beware state and federal court mandatory minimum sentencing

The National Rifle Association may have its allies among lawmakers and Republican presidents and governors, but that does not diminish the harsh mandatory minimum prison sentences risked by those convicted for committing certain crimes in conjunction with possessing firearms, and those convicted of possessing firearms...

2017 / Criminal Defense

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03 Jun

First the Soviet Union collapsed, then marijuana penalties loosened, and now Maryland eliminates mandatory minimum prison for non-violent drug offenses

This year, with an extraordinary coalescing of politicians from across the party spectrum, Maryland will no longer have mandatory minimum sentencing for non-violent drug offenses, although with the compromise of increased available penalties for such offenses as second degree murder. ...

2016 / Criminal Defense / Drugs

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