Maryland Supreme Court

Cutchember v. State - Criminal Procedure Retroactivity

The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that the state's new law (CP § 1-211), which prohibits stops or searches based solely on the odor of cannabis, does not apply retroactively to incidents occurring before its July 1, 2023 effective date. This decision impacts the application of the exclusionary remedy for cannabis-related stops and searches conducted prior to the statute's enactment.

Maryland Supreme Court: State v. Stone - Traffic Stop Reasonable Suspicion

The Maryland Supreme Court ruled that observing a driver manipulating a mobile phone is insufficient on its own to establish reasonable suspicion for a traffic stop. The court clarified that police must identify specific facts, beyond general lawful phone use, to reasonably believe a traffic violation has occurred.

Attorney Grievance Commission v. Jones - Reinstatement Order

The Maryland Court of Appeals granted the Attorney Grievance Commission's motion to reinstate Gregory Wayne Jones and dismiss the disciplinary petition. This order restores Mr. Jones to good standing and permits him to practice law in Maryland.

Attorney Grievance Commission v. Hamilton - Attorney Misconduct

The Maryland Court of Appeals has disbarred attorney Judith Marie Hamilton for multiple violations of professional conduct rules, including incompetence, lack of diligence, communication failures, and misconduct during an investigation. The disciplinary action stems from her representation in a divorce case and her failure to cooperate with Bar Counsel.

Attorney Grievance Comm'n v. Tucker - Attorney Discipline

The Maryland Court of Appeals has suspended Charles T. Tucker, Jr. for six months from the practice of law, effective March 23, 2026. The disciplinary action stems from violations of Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct.

Attorney Grievance Comm'n v. Wagner - Attorney Discipline

The Maryland Court of Appeals has reprimanded attorney Brenda C. Wagner. This action follows a public censure in the District of Columbia for violating professional conduct rules. The Court denied Wagner's motion for an extension of time to respond to the disciplinary petition.