Towson Maryland Law Blog

If you're one of many Maryland drivers who commute to and from work every day, you likely know what it's like to be in bumper-to-bumper traffic at 4 p.m. when all you really want is to get home for supper. In addition to congested roadways, there are many dangers lurking every time you get behind the wheel. In this state and most others, one of the greatest menaces to traveler safety is drunk driving.

Just because you drink a beer or glass of wine then drive a car, it doesn't necessarily mean you are breaking the law. As a licensed driver, you're obligated to adhere to all traffic laws and safety regulations and to make responsible choices regarding alcohol consumption. Not everyone does, however, which is why it pays to know the signs of drunk driving. It might help you avoid disaster.

It is a harrowing experience to have your car break down and find yourself on the side of the road. It can be even worse when you are stuck on the side of the interstate, with vehicles passing by at high rates of speed. The obvious danger when these elements coincide can lead to deadly results.

According to reports, this very scenario occurred recently near I-695 and I-95 in Maryland. The reports indicate that a man was near his disabled vehicle in the shoulder lane on September 26 during the morning commute hours when he was struck by a white Ford van being driven by a 26-year-old man. The collision caused the pedestrian's death. The pedestrian was 29 years old.

It is a sad reality that domestic violence and abuse is far too common in America, and Maryland is not immune to these types of situations. Every couple has their problems, but there is simply no place for violence in a home. When a domestic violence situation in Maryland does arise, people need to know that they are not without options.

For starters, those who have been the victim of domestic violence will likely want to take appropriate action. In many situations, that might mean pursuing a restraining order, which is also commonly referred to as a "protective" order. Such an order, issued by an appropriate court, is intended to prevent the subject of the order from contacting the alleged victim in any way, including by phone, email or in person.

Child custody issues can be some of the most heart-wrenching disputes in family law courts in Maryland. Whether the couple is married and going through a divorce, or if they were never married to begin with, sometimes in these types of disputes it can be easy to lose track of the idea that what the parties are really fighting over is what they believe is best for the child at issue. So, how do you know who will get custody of the child in one of these disputes?

Unless there are extreme or unusual circumstances, family law courts typical default to both parents having legal custody of the child, which means they will both have some input into the major decisions that will impact the child's life, such as where the child will attend school or church, or what type of medical care the child will receive. So, oftentimes these disputes are about who will get "physical" custody of the child and who will have visitation rights.