Facing charges in Baltimore County, contact the Baltimore County Criminal Lawyer, G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC, at 410.288.2900.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Man Charged In Fatal Dundalk Shooting - Baltimore, Maryland News Story - WBAL Baltimore
Man Charged In Fatal Dundalk Shooting - Baltimore, Maryland News Story - WBAL Baltimore
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Special prosecutor emerging as option on conflict cases
Special prosecutor emerging as option on conflict cases
By the Baltimore Sun:
In the case involving an altercation last week between Baltimore Clerk of Circuit Court Frank M. Conaway Sr. and a blogger, State's Attorney Gregg Bernstein has said his office won't make the decision on whether to file criminal charges or handle any ensuing court proceedings.
That responsibility will instead fall to Steven I. Kroll, a formerBaltimore County prosecutor who now works as a coordinator for Maryland's association of state's attorneys. In recent months, Kroll's position has evolved from one that deals with ethics and training issues, to also serving as a special outside counsel for cases in which prosecutors say their offices have a potential conflict of interest.
Kroll will be sworn in, review the case, and, if he determines charges should be filed, will handle the proceedings.
Traditionally, prosecutors often tap neighbors in other jurisdictions to take on the cases in which there's a possible conflict of interest. Eventually, they repay the favor.
But, with prosecutors faced with tightening budgets and a reluctance to ask others to add to their burden, Kroll has presented an alternative. He receives no additional pay for taking on these cases, and makes decisions independently of any prosecutor's office, instead drawing on his 26 years as a Baltimore County prosecutor.
Kroll did not respond to requests for comment, but those who have worked with him say he was eager to return to the courtroom.
"Steven Kroll was a great option," said Wicomico County State's Attorney Matthew Maciardello, who asked Kroll to handle a case involving a supporter of his campaign. "He's ready, willing and able to come down, and nobody can question his integrity or his motives."
Bernstein has asked Kroll to investigate the case involving Conaway and blogger Adam Meister, who clashed outside Conaway's home on Nov. 21. According to police, Conaway was carrying a firearm with an expired concealed-carry permit, while Meister allegedly tried to kick Conaway. Meister was sued for $21 million by Conaway's daughter after writing about property-tax credits she was receiving, while Conaway says Meister is harassing him.
"Given Mr. Conaway's position with the Court in which our Office conducts its business, we have taken this step to avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance thereof," Bernstein said last week through a spokesman.
Dario Broccolino, the state's attorney for Howard County and president of the Maryland State's Attorneys' Association, said it is not unprecedented for the association's coordinator to take on such cases — Broccolino himself held the title from 1988 to 1999 and said he handled conflict cases in "five or six" counties.
Still, it was rare enough that the association sought an opinion from Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler in September, seeking clarification on whether Kroll could prosecute cases. He got the thumbs up.
"A lot of it depends on the personality of the coordinator," Broccolino said. "One of the things I didn't like about the job as a coordinator is that it took me out of the courtroom. He's willing to do it, and we can take advantage of his willingness to do that."
Broccolino said he deliberates on requests for Kroll's services — "We don't want Steve jumping all over the state," he said. According to court records, Kroll has been doing just that.
In Wicomico County, he is handling a case involving a former county council candidate charged with drug possession and drunk driving. Maciardello said the candidate's wife was a supporter of his campaign for state's attorney, and he felt that Eastern Shore politics were too close to ask another local state's attorney to take on the case.
"We've run into problems where we secured a special prosecutor [from another county], but then come to find out it's overly burdening the office. We've then had to then find another prosecutor," Maciardello said. "Every one of us is dealing with budgets. … We know what we're going through, and you can only imagine what [others are] going through."
In Somerset County, Kroll was appointed to prosecute a District Court commissioner, Deborah Barkley, charged with accessing sensitive case information about her daughter's criminal case. Those charges were recently placed on the inactive docket, though Kroll is listed as the attorney handling the daughter's attempted-murder trial.
Looking into the Conaway-Meister feud won't be Kroll's first case in Baltimore, either: Earlier this year, he handled charges against a man who threatened to kill an assistant state's attorney, as well as a local attorney who threatened to kill Bernstein himself.
In the first case, a 22-year-old man named Shaun Johnson was accused of threatening to kill Assistant State's Attorney Tracy Varda, distraught over the fact that she was prosecuting his girlfriend for setting fire to their apartment. Johnson was listed as the victim in the case, but they shared a daughter together and he did not want to see her imprisoned for the crime, records show.
Johnson, who according to court papers was abused by his mother and lived on the streets, repeatedly called Varda and told her that she was "taking my family from me, and that's all I have." He made numerous threats, telling her to watch out and that he "knew people."
Both ended up receiving substantial time, records show: Garcia pleaded guilty to the arson and received 15 years; Johnson pleaded guilty to making threats and received five years in prison.
While prosecutors praise Kroll's work, it seems defense attorneys have had good experiences as well.
Johnson's attorney, public defender Robert Durkin, recently informed Kroll that he would be seeking a sentence modification in a note tucked into the court file that concludes: "It was a pleasure working with you on this case and I wish the best to you."
justin.fenton@baltsun.com
That responsibility will instead fall to Steven I. Kroll, a formerBaltimore County prosecutor who now works as a coordinator for Maryland's association of state's attorneys. In recent months, Kroll's position has evolved from one that deals with ethics and training issues, to also serving as a special outside counsel for cases in which prosecutors say their offices have a potential conflict of interest.
Kroll will be sworn in, review the case, and, if he determines charges should be filed, will handle the proceedings.
Traditionally, prosecutors often tap neighbors in other jurisdictions to take on the cases in which there's a possible conflict of interest. Eventually, they repay the favor.
But, with prosecutors faced with tightening budgets and a reluctance to ask others to add to their burden, Kroll has presented an alternative. He receives no additional pay for taking on these cases, and makes decisions independently of any prosecutor's office, instead drawing on his 26 years as a Baltimore County prosecutor.
Kroll did not respond to requests for comment, but those who have worked with him say he was eager to return to the courtroom.
"Steven Kroll was a great option," said Wicomico County State's Attorney Matthew Maciardello, who asked Kroll to handle a case involving a supporter of his campaign. "He's ready, willing and able to come down, and nobody can question his integrity or his motives."
Bernstein has asked Kroll to investigate the case involving Conaway and blogger Adam Meister, who clashed outside Conaway's home on Nov. 21. According to police, Conaway was carrying a firearm with an expired concealed-carry permit, while Meister allegedly tried to kick Conaway. Meister was sued for $21 million by Conaway's daughter after writing about property-tax credits she was receiving, while Conaway says Meister is harassing him.
"Given Mr. Conaway's position with the Court in which our Office conducts its business, we have taken this step to avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance thereof," Bernstein said last week through a spokesman.
Dario Broccolino, the state's attorney for Howard County and president of the Maryland State's Attorneys' Association, said it is not unprecedented for the association's coordinator to take on such cases — Broccolino himself held the title from 1988 to 1999 and said he handled conflict cases in "five or six" counties.
Still, it was rare enough that the association sought an opinion from Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler in September, seeking clarification on whether Kroll could prosecute cases. He got the thumbs up.
"A lot of it depends on the personality of the coordinator," Broccolino said. "One of the things I didn't like about the job as a coordinator is that it took me out of the courtroom. He's willing to do it, and we can take advantage of his willingness to do that."
Broccolino said he deliberates on requests for Kroll's services — "We don't want Steve jumping all over the state," he said. According to court records, Kroll has been doing just that.
In Wicomico County, he is handling a case involving a former county council candidate charged with drug possession and drunk driving. Maciardello said the candidate's wife was a supporter of his campaign for state's attorney, and he felt that Eastern Shore politics were too close to ask another local state's attorney to take on the case.
"We've run into problems where we secured a special prosecutor [from another county], but then come to find out it's overly burdening the office. We've then had to then find another prosecutor," Maciardello said. "Every one of us is dealing with budgets. … We know what we're going through, and you can only imagine what [others are] going through."
In Somerset County, Kroll was appointed to prosecute a District Court commissioner, Deborah Barkley, charged with accessing sensitive case information about her daughter's criminal case. Those charges were recently placed on the inactive docket, though Kroll is listed as the attorney handling the daughter's attempted-murder trial.
Looking into the Conaway-Meister feud won't be Kroll's first case in Baltimore, either: Earlier this year, he handled charges against a man who threatened to kill an assistant state's attorney, as well as a local attorney who threatened to kill Bernstein himself.
In the first case, a 22-year-old man named Shaun Johnson was accused of threatening to kill Assistant State's Attorney Tracy Varda, distraught over the fact that she was prosecuting his girlfriend for setting fire to their apartment. Johnson was listed as the victim in the case, but they shared a daughter together and he did not want to see her imprisoned for the crime, records show.
Johnson, who according to court papers was abused by his mother and lived on the streets, repeatedly called Varda and told her that she was "taking my family from me, and that's all I have." He made numerous threats, telling her to watch out and that he "knew people."
Both ended up receiving substantial time, records show: Garcia pleaded guilty to the arson and received 15 years; Johnson pleaded guilty to making threats and received five years in prison.
While prosecutors praise Kroll's work, it seems defense attorneys have had good experiences as well.
Johnson's attorney, public defender Robert Durkin, recently informed Kroll that he would be seeking a sentence modification in a note tucked into the court file that concludes: "It was a pleasure working with you on this case and I wish the best to you."
justin.fenton@baltsun.com
Friday, November 11, 2011
Holiday Crime Prevention Tips from the Baltimore County Police
Baltimore County Police have issued a number of warnings for the holidays. Click the link below to learn more.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Community Grant Funds Available
Community Grant Funds Available: "Baltimore County Police Department Seeks Proposals for Community Grants
Baltimore County, Md. (October 25, 2011) - The Baltimore County Police Department is now accepting applications for its Community Crime Prevention and Youth Activity Grants for fiscal year 2013 (July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013).
Community Crime Prevention grants are available for county Citizens On Patrol groups and other programs aimed at reducing crime.
Youth Activity grants are available for programs that provide ongoing, sustained efforts that focus on early intervention and long-term behavior modification of at-risk youth.
Only non-profit groups, community organizations and individuals that operate, or reside in Baltimore County are eligible to receive funding. An application packet that outlines program rules and requirements may be obtained by calling the Police Department’s Grants Management Team at 410-887-5637. Completed applications must be received no later than 3 p.m. Friday, December 16"
Baltimore County, Md. (October 25, 2011) - The Baltimore County Police Department is now accepting applications for its Community Crime Prevention and Youth Activity Grants for fiscal year 2013 (July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013).
Community Crime Prevention grants are available for county Citizens On Patrol groups and other programs aimed at reducing crime.
Youth Activity grants are available for programs that provide ongoing, sustained efforts that focus on early intervention and long-term behavior modification of at-risk youth.
Only non-profit groups, community organizations and individuals that operate, or reside in Baltimore County are eligible to receive funding. An application packet that outlines program rules and requirements may be obtained by calling the Police Department’s Grants Management Team at 410-887-5637. Completed applications must be received no later than 3 p.m. Friday, December 16"
Click the link above for more information.
Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC
6914 Holabird Avenue, Suite A
Dundalk, Maryland 21222
410-288-2900 (office)
Armed Robbery at Liquor Store
Armed Robbery at Liquor Store: "Police Attempting to Identify Oak Grove Liquors Armed Robbery Suspects
Baltimore County, Md. (October 25, 2011) - Baltimore County Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects responsible for an armed robbery at Oak Grove Liquors, in the 300-block of Holly Drive, 21220 in Precinct 11/Essex.
On September 24 at 10:15 a.m., two suspects walked into Oak Grove Liquors with handguns. One suspect pointed a handgun at the store owner, while the other confronted a second employee in the store. The suspect struck the employee in the head with the gun, and the two began struggling over the weapon. Both suspects fled the store on foot with approximately $150."
Click the link above to read more.
Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC
Baltimore County, Md. (October 25, 2011) - Baltimore County Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects responsible for an armed robbery at Oak Grove Liquors, in the 300-block of Holly Drive, 21220 in Precinct 11/Essex.
On September 24 at 10:15 a.m., two suspects walked into Oak Grove Liquors with handguns. One suspect pointed a handgun at the store owner, while the other confronted a second employee in the store. The suspect struck the employee in the head with the gun, and the two began struggling over the weapon. Both suspects fled the store on foot with approximately $150."
Click the link above to read more.
Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC
6914 Holabird Avenue, Suite A
Dundalk, Maryland 21222
410-288-2900 (office 24/7)
Monday, October 24, 2011
Armed Robberies at M&T Banks in Baltimore County, MD
Armed Robberies at M&T Banks: "Baltimore County, Md. (October 24, 2011) - Baltimore County Police are asking for the public’s help in indentifying the man responsible for two armed robberies at M&T Banks in Precinct 6/Towson this month.On October 13 at approximately 12:11 p.m., a man entered the M&T Bank in the 6800-block of Loch Raven Boulevard, 21234. He passed the teller a note implying that he had a weapon, and demanded money. He fled the area on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.
On October 18 at approximately 11:45 a.m., the same man entered the M&T Bank in the 1000-block of York Road, 21204. He approached a teller station, again passed a note indicating that he had a weapon, and demanded money. He fled with an undisclosed amount of money."
If you have any information or would like to read more of the story, click the link above.Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC
6914 Holabird Avenue, Suite A
Dundalk, Maryland 21222
410-288-2900 (office)
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Man accused in gas station slaying claims pressure from victim's wife - baltimoresun.com
Man accused in gas station slaying claims pressure from victim's wife - baltimoresun.com: "A man accused of shooting a Towson gas station owner last year was pressured by "a woman who would go to the ends of the earth to have her husband killed," his attorney told jurors in opening statements Friday. The murder-for-hire trial could be the first test of Maryland's new death penalty law.
Walter Bishop Jr., 29, is accused of fatally shooting William R. Porter in the face and head at a Hess gas station on Joppa Road in March 2010 at the behest of the victim's wife. Prosecutors say that Karla Porter paid Bishop between $300 and $400 and promised him $9,000 more."
Walter Bishop Jr., 29, is accused of fatally shooting William R. Porter in the face and head at a Hess gas station on Joppa Road in March 2010 at the behest of the victim's wife. Prosecutors say that Karla Porter paid Bishop between $300 and $400 and promised him $9,000 more."
Click the link above to read more from the Baltimore Sun.
Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC
6914 Holabird Avenue, Suite A
Baltimore, Maryland 21222
410-288-2900 (office 24/7)
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Teen arrested for vandalizing camera in Dundalk, MD, Baltimore County, MD
Teen arrested for vandalizing camera: "DUNDALK, Md. - Baltimore County Police have charged a third teen for vandalizing a speed camera on October 4th.
Police have charged 18-year-old Brian Roff of Sparrows Point with trespassing on school grounds and malicious destruction of property more than $500.
Two other 17-year-old juveniles were previously charged in the crime.
Police say all three teens hooked a chain to the back of a pick up truck and to the speed camera in front of Sparrow Point High School and pulled it from the ground.
Police reviewed surveillance camera footage in order to catch the teens."
Police have charged 18-year-old Brian Roff of Sparrows Point with trespassing on school grounds and malicious destruction of property more than $500.
Two other 17-year-old juveniles were previously charged in the crime.
Police say all three teens hooked a chain to the back of a pick up truck and to the speed camera in front of Sparrow Point High School and pulled it from the ground.
Police reviewed surveillance camera footage in order to catch the teens."
Click the Link Above to read more from ABC2
Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC
410-288-2900, contact the office to speak with an attorney about your criminal charges in Baltimore County, MD.
Essex Crime: Police Investigate Three Armed Robberies - Essex-Middle River, MD Patch
Essex Crime: Police Investigate Three Armed Robberies - Essex-Middle River, MD Patch: "Baltimore County Police are investigating three unrelated armed robberies that occurred over the last week in the Essex-Middle River area.
According to police reports, a 15-year-old boy was robbed at gunpoint around 1:15 a.m., Sunday, as he waited for a bus at the intersection of Stemmers Run Road and Old Eastern Avenue near the Village Thrift Store.
The boy told police that he was approached by two unknown men wearing ski masks. One of the men appeared to have a gun and the other displayed a black folding knife. The suspects allegedly took the boy’s cell phone and $12 before they ran eastbound toward Old Eastern Avenue."
According to police reports, a 15-year-old boy was robbed at gunpoint around 1:15 a.m., Sunday, as he waited for a bus at the intersection of Stemmers Run Road and Old Eastern Avenue near the Village Thrift Store.
The boy told police that he was approached by two unknown men wearing ski masks. One of the men appeared to have a gun and the other displayed a black folding knife. The suspects allegedly took the boy’s cell phone and $12 before they ran eastbound toward Old Eastern Avenue."
Click the link above to read the full Patch article.
Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC
410-288-2900 (office)
Severn Man Arrested for Child Sex Offenses (Photo Available)
Severn Man Arrested for Child Sex Offenses (Photo Available):
"Severn Man Arrested for Child Sex Offenses
Baltimore County, Md. (October 19, 2011) - Baltimore County Police have charged Brandon Henry Sukeforth, 22, of the 8200-block of Quarterfield Road, 21144 with multiple sex offenses against two Baltimore County teenagers.
On October 4, a mother of a 14-year-old boy contacted the police to report that she believed her son was engaging in sexual activity with an adult male because she had found suspicious messages and phone calls between the two. Detectives were able to confirm that sexual activity had occurred between the 14-year-old and the suspect, who was found to be 22 years old, throughout the month of September."
Click the link above to read more from the Baltimore County iWatch.
Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC
Baltimore County Criminal Lawyer
Office: 410-288-2900, call now to schedule a free consultation.
"Severn Man Arrested for Child Sex Offenses
Baltimore County, Md. (October 19, 2011) - Baltimore County Police have charged Brandon Henry Sukeforth, 22, of the 8200-block of Quarterfield Road, 21144 with multiple sex offenses against two Baltimore County teenagers.
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| Baltimore County MD Criminal Lawyer |
On October 4, a mother of a 14-year-old boy contacted the police to report that she believed her son was engaging in sexual activity with an adult male because she had found suspicious messages and phone calls between the two. Detectives were able to confirm that sexual activity had occurred between the 14-year-old and the suspect, who was found to be 22 years old, throughout the month of September."
Click the link above to read more from the Baltimore County iWatch.
Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC
Baltimore County Criminal Lawyer
Office: 410-288-2900, call now to schedule a free consultation.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Baltimore County Circuit Court Location and Information
Baltimore County, Maryland has one Circuit Court building, it is located at:
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21204
Here is a Google map to the Baltimore County Circuit Court
If you have a criminal case in the Baltimore County Circuit Court, contact the Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC, at 410-288-2900 to discuss your case with a Baltimore County Criminal Lawyer.
Here is a Google map to the Baltimore County Circuit Court
If you have a criminal case in the Baltimore County Circuit Court, contact the Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC, at 410-288-2900 to discuss your case with a Baltimore County Criminal Lawyer.
Baltimore County MD Criminal Defense Lawyer
Have you been charged with a crime in Baltimore County, MD? You need the Baltimore County Criminal Defense Lawyer ranked by CitySpur as a Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Baltimore, MD.
The Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC, founded by attorney G. Randolph Rice, Jr., provides trusted legal advise to individuals charged with crimes in Baltimore County, MD.
Contact the office at 410-288-2900 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your Baltimore County criminal charges.
Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC
6914 Holabird Avenue, Suite A
Dundalk, Maryland 21222
RiceLawMD@gmail.com
The Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC, founded by attorney G. Randolph Rice, Jr., provides trusted legal advise to individuals charged with crimes in Baltimore County, MD.
Contact the office at 410-288-2900 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your Baltimore County criminal charges.
Law Offices of G. Randolph Rice, Jr., LLC
6914 Holabird Avenue, Suite A
Dundalk, Maryland 21222
RiceLawMD@gmail.com
410-288-2900 (Office)
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| Baltimore County Criminal Defense Lawyer G. Randolph Rice, Jr. |
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