Blog | Silverman Thompson

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Recent Blog Posts

What Does "Winning" a Criminal Case Really Mean? Insights from a Veteran Baltimore Criminal Defense Attorney

Posted on June 11, 2025 in Criminal Defense

One of the questions I get asked most often is, "How many of your cases do you win?" It’s a fair question, but the answer depends entirely on how you define a "win."

Most people think of courtroom victories in terms of trials and "not guilty" verdicts. But the reality is that most criminal cases don’t go to trial.

Often, the smartest and most successful outcomes happen outside the courtroom through dismissals, charge reductions, or plea agreements.

Let me give you two real examples: one where things went terribly wrong because an attorney handled the case improperly, and one where, by utilizing an honest and realistic assessment of the evidence and a strategic approach to that difficult situation, we saved a client from spending potentially the rest of his life in prison.

Maryland House Bill 1191 Explained: Effective October 1, 2025

Posted on June 07, 2025 in Family Law

Maryland House Bill 1191, effective October 1, 2025, codifies the factors a Maryland family law court must consider in determining legal and physical custody in certain child custody proceedings.

Historically, these factors have been set out in case law (not statute). This change effects the first significant shift in the best interest custody factors in decades. These factors will apply to both initial custody determinations and modifications of a custody decision, retaining the requirement of a material change to warrant such a modification. HB 1191 also requires courts to explain their reasoning on the record to help families understand the decisions.

Please contact Nathan Volke and the Silverman Thompson family law team at nvolke@silvermanthompson.com or 443-909-7533 with any questions regarding House Bill 1191 or any related matters.

How We Defended a Client Wrongly Accused of Reckless Endangerment and Disorderly Conduct

Posted on June 02, 2025 in Appeals - State & Federal

When you’re facing unfounded criminal accusations, having a knowledgeable and strategic defense is essential to protecting your rights and your future. At Silverman Thompson, we recently defended a client against charges of reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct following an incident with a security guard at a Ravens game. Thanks to a thorough legal strategy and compelling courtroom advocacy, our client was fully acquitted.

The Incident in Question

During a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium in 2024, our client was approached by a stadium security guard who alleged he was using profanity and smoking: a violation of stadium policy, but not a criminal offense under Maryland law. As our client attempted to leave the area, the security guard unexpectedly grabbed his shirt to prevent him from exiting.

In the ensuing struggle, both the guard and our client lost their balance and fell down a flight of concrete stairs. Despite the dramatic incident, no arrest was made at the scene, and no charges were filed at the time.

Fighting (and Beating) DUI Charges Without Signs of Intoxication

Posted on May 23, 2025 in Driving Under the Influence

Every once in a while, a case comes along that underscores exactly why the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial matter so deeply. Recently, Silverman Thompson had the privilege of defending a client in a DUI case in Maryland that ended in an acquittal: a just result in the face of overreach and manipulation.

The Background: A DUI Arrest Without Signs of Intoxication

Our client was pulled over late at night, not for speeding, swerving, or committing any moving violation. The sole basis for the stop was the absence of a front license plate, which is technically required under Maryland law. While that infraction may justify a stop, it certainly did not justify what followed.

The officer claimed he smelled alcohol and asked our client to exit the vehicle. My client admitted to having consumed two Corona beers at Top Golf, the last one approximately 45 minutes prior to the stop. The officer then conducted field sobriety tests, all captured on his body camera.