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Starting October 1, 2025, the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act will take effect in Maryland. This law is named after a police sergeant who lost both legs when a speeding driver hit him. The new Maryland law targets reckless and aggressive driving to protect people on the road. Reckless driving causes about six percent of traffic deaths, which is a large share. Certain behaviors are considered reckless driving, such as speeding. The new law allows attorneys to charge reckless driving as a criminal offense. What Is Reckless Driving? Reckless driving is defined under Maryland Transportation Article §21–901.1 as operating a motor vehicle with wanton or willful disregard for other people’s safety. It refers to people who disregard risks and excessively speed, aggressively pass other vehicles, ride another’s bumper, street race, or run traffic lights. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor. A conviction can grant you fines, points on your license, and higher…

In the past, anyone in the state of Maryland who was caught with a small plastic bag of marijuana would face criminal charges, including the potential for jail time and a criminal conviction on their record. With the stroke of the clock at midnight, however, all of that changed as the state’s new marijuana decriminalization law took effect Oct. 1. Now, those who are found in possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana face a civil citation and fine similar to those handed out for parking tickets. For a first offense, the fine is to be no more than $100 and can rise up to $500 for a second or third offense. Prior to today, an arrest for possession of less than 10 grams would have resulted in a misdemeanor criminal charged that carried the possibility of a $500 fine, 90 days in jail, or both. See SB 364.…

DUI arrests have long been a hot button issue and fodder for easy headlines, especially when celebrities are involved. So it was no surprise to see the internet light up with this morning’s announcement that Michael Phelps was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Baltimore. What many of the reports have failed to note, however, is that Phelps has the right to the presumption of innocence and due process. According to local news station WBALTV 11, an officer was driving southbound on the I-395 when a white 2014 Land Rover was picked up by radar and estimated to be traveling 84 mph in a 45 mph zone. Phelps, who was identified during the traffic stop, also allegedly crossed a double lane within the Fort McHenry Tunnel on Interstate 95 around 1:40 a.m. Many news sites noted this is Phelps’ second DUI arrest. According to court records, Phelps…