How a Simple Traffic Stop can Turn into a Drug Arrest

Drug stops often turn into situations like the children’s book “Give a Mouse a Cookie”, let me give you an example. You and your buddies are getting together one night. All of you get into your friends car. While in the car, you all smoke a little weed, you’re enjoying the ride, then all of a sudden you see those red and blue lights flashing behind you; turns out your buddy has a faulty taillight. The police officer approaches the vehicle and is able to smell the odor from the marijuana. This gives the officer probable cause that there are drugs in the car, and therefore the right to search the vehicle.

At this point, you and your friends have been ordered to sit on a curb, potentially in handcuffs. Maybe you all have under 10 grams of weed, which is just a fineable offense. Or maybe one of your friends has an ounce in the car, or worse- harder drugs. The officer then starts the questioning and no one fesses up, or takes ownership of the drugs. Now you’re all under arrest for possession, and depending on the quantity, maybe even intent to distribute.

What was supposed to be a fun night has quickly turned into a trip to the police station, a commissioner’s bail, and the possibility of jail time. You could lose everything. You need an experienced attorney who understands the drug laws, and how to fight for your innocence in court. At Portner and Shure our experienced attorneys will prepare an excellent defense to get you out of the situation at hand. You trusted a friend, now put your trust in an experienced lawyer.

What Clients are Saying September 2018

This charge was the worst experience in my life, but with your guidance and kindness it made things a little easier to deal with. I would definitely recommend your law firm to a loved one or a friend. Thank you again for your kindness.

This case was handled by our attorney, Ms. Molly Cross out of our Columbia, MD office.

Charged With DUI or DWI on Vacation in Ocean City?

Every year, thousands of Marylanders head to Ocean City for a beach vacation, and inevitably, some of those vacationers end up being charged with driving under the influence. Being charged with a crime in a location far from your home is inconvenient to say the least, and depending on the facts, you could be facing jail time.Portner & Shure has office locations all throughout Maryland, including the eastern shore.

With our firm, not only can you have the peace of mind knowing you’ve hired an aggressive, top 10, criminal defense attorney that is familiar with the eastern shore and their court system, but we also have offices conveniently located within 10 miles of your home, so taking that hike to the shore isn’t necessary to meet with your attorney.  If you’ve been charged with DUI or DWI on the eastern shore, call Portner & Shure today.

Contact an Attorney Before Paying your Traffic Fine

Many traffic tickets can be prepaid following the instructions on the paper ticket given to you by the police officer.

Beware! When you prepay a traffic ticket your driving record will show that you are guilty of the offense listed on the ticket.

Prepaying a ticket is basically telling the court you’re guilty and you’d rather pay then spend the time and effort to fight the ticket. Paying the fine isn’t the end of your experience.

Your car insurance rate may go up when the insurance company makes an annual check of your driving record. Besides fines, many traffic offenses come with points on your driving record. 

If you get enough points the DMV in VA or the MVA in MD WILL suspend your license.

A good lawyer, familiar with the Maryland and Virginia motor vehicle codes, can help you reduce points, fines, and provide some complete defenses to a traffic ticket. The money you spend on a lawyer on the front end should save you from spending more on insurance premiums later.

Can the Police Still Search Your Car in Maryland Now that Possession is Only a Civil Offense?

Smelling marijuana in a vehicle has long been a standard justification used by the police to search the vehicle without a warrant. Now that possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana in Maryland is a civil offense carrying a mere $100 fine, the continued use of the scent of marijuana as probable cause to search a vehicle was recently challenged by attorneys in front of the Court of Appeals.

The Court decided that decriminalization is not the same as legality, therefore the police can still search your vehicle based on the scent of marijuana. If you’ve been charged with an offense after a police search of your vehicle, there may still be defenses available to you.  You need Portner & Shure for representation.

Caught Driving Without a License? How to Get a Maryland License Without Immigration Papers

Charges for driving without a license are one of the most common issues new immigrants to the United States face. Many recent arrivals don't realize that a license from their home country does not operate as a valid driver's license in the United States. At Portner & Shure, we help our clients fight these charges. If you've been charged with driving without a license in Maryland, the best thing you can do in your defense is to get a valid license. Since 2013, Maryland law has provided a pathway for individuals without proof of legal residency in the United States to obtain a driver's license. Here's how:

1. File and pay Maryland income taxes for two full years before applying. Then obtain a certification letter from the Comptroller  of Maryland to prove it. If you've already paid two years of taxes, you can request the letter here: http://taxes.marylandtaxes.com/Individual_Taxes/Individual_Tax_Types/Income_Tax/Obtain_MVA_Tax_Certifications/ 
2. Make sure your passport is current and valid. If you do not have a valid passport, other official ID may be sufficient, however, an unexpired passport is your safest option.
3. Obtain two separate forms of proof of residency in Maryland. These documents can be in the form of a residential lease, a phone or utility bill, or a bank statement.
4. Study the Maryland Drivers Manual, which you can find here in English: http://www.mva.maryland.gov/drivers/maryland-drivers-manual.htm and in Spanish: http://www.mva.maryland.gov/drivers/rookie-driver/tutorial/tutorial-intro.html 
5. Schedule your written test and driving exam with the MVA

Don't get caught driving without a valid driver's license in Maryland and make sure you follow those steps above to get a Maryland driver's license. If you've been charged with driving without a license in Maryland, call the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515. 

What is the Importance of a Criminal Defense Attorney in Bel Air?

If you've been charged with a criminal or serious traffic offense in Bel Air, you may be asking yourself if it is necessary to hire an attorney. Harford County judges are known for handing down some of the harshest criminal and traffic sentences in Maryland. So, when you are facing serious criminal or traffic charges in Bel Air, do you want to risk going before a judge in Harford County without an experienced defense attorney standing next to you? Are you willing to risk jail time?

The tough on crime atmosphere in Harford County and the severe penalties that often get imposed shows why it is necessary to retain a top-rated local defense attorney. Your attorney can aggressively negotiate with the State's Attorney on your behalf to get the best result possible. Oftentimes, having your attorney discuss your case with State's Attorney can make the difference between jail time and no jail time.

Portner & Shure criminal defense attorneys are in the Harford County courthouses every week. Our attorneys are your advocates. We will never just accept the State's first offer, and if negotiations do not result in a favorable outcome, we never hesitate to take the case to trial.

We understand the serious consequences you are facing and we will stop at nothing to get you the best result possible. If you've been arrested for criminal or traffic charges in Bel Air, call Portner & Shure's criminal defense attorneys today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515.