The “prohibitively high” caseloads of Maryland’s public defenders could be reduced if lawmakers decriminalize minor offenses, the state’s public defender says.

Tagged with: Bobby Zirkin caseload de-carcerate decriminalization Paul DeWolfe public defender

Police may search cars of drivers arrested on drunken-driving charges based on suspicion that open cans might be found inside, Maryland's attorney general says.

Tagged with: Attorney General Brian E. Frosh drunken driving fourth amendment Paul DeWolfe reasonable suspicion warrantless search

A liberal Democratic delegate plans to introduce legislation this session to end bail in Maryland, a long-shot measure that has the support of the state’s chief public defender but not of the attorney general.

Tagged with: Attorney General Brian E. Frosh bail reform David Moon Paul DeWolfe

Maryland Public Defender Paul B. DeWolfe has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether police have authority to search without a warrant the cars of drivers they arrest on suspicion of drunken driving.

Tagged with: Attorney General Brian E. Frosh drunken driving Paul DeWolfe search incidident to arrest Supreme Court

Maryland’s chief public defender called on Maryland legislators Wednesday to transfer to district court commissioners the responsibility for determining if a criminal defendant qualifies for state-sponsored counsel.

Tagged with: DeWolfe v. Richmond indigency determination John Morrissey Paul DeWolfe Right to counsel

Maryland Public Defender Paul B. DeWolfe said Tuesday that he will “absolutely” seek appointment this spring for another six-year term.

Tagged with: Paul DeWolfe

The U.S. Supreme Court let stand without comment Tuesday a Maryland high-court ruling that police acted constitutionally when they used the DNA sample a homeless man gave them for a rape investigation to link him to an unrelated burglary.

Tagged with: Attorney General Brian E. Frosh dna fourth amendment Paul DeWolfe Supreme Court

Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh has chosen not to respond to the state public defender’s request that the Supreme Court review and overturn a Maryland high court ruling that police acted constitutionally when they used the DNA sample a homeless man gave them for a rape investigation to link him to an unrelated burglary.

Tagged with: Attorney General Brian E. Frosh dna fourth amendment Paul DeWolfe Supreme Court

Maryland's chief public defender asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday to review and overturn a state high court ruling that police acted constitutionally when they used the DNA sample a homeless man gave them for a rape investigation to link him to an unrelated burglary.

Tagged with: appellate litigation crime dna evidence fourth amendment Paul DeWolfe