How Maryland’s 2025 Criminal Law Changes Could Affect Your Case

When you’re up against criminal charges, it’s easy to feel like the law is set in stone. However, the laws in the State of Maryland are constantly evolving, often in ways that make a world of difference in how cases are prosecuted, defended, and resolved.

Given the number of new Maryland laws that have been implemented in 2025, it is more important than ever to be informed as to how new changes can impact you. If you, or someone you know, has been investigated or charged, there are some key ways new updates to the law can be relevant. 

Charging decisions can change, sometimes quickly 

In some cases, new laws can impact how prosecutors assess a case right from the start. For instance, in some cases, new laws can introduce new crimes, broaden the definition of crimes, or redefine how certain actions should be charged. This means that actions that would have been charged as a citation or as a less serious offense could now be charged as more serious offenses, while in some cases, certain crimes could be harder to prove.

That is why it’s not such a great idea to take advice from a friend who “went through something similar” years ago. The law, as well as how it’s enforced, may have changed. 

Penalties and sentencing exposure may be different from what you expect 

Even if the offense itself appears to be familiar, the rules of sentencing and the consequences may have changed. Even modifications in the mandatory minimums, enhancements, and offense levels may impact you in the end if you are convicted.

For instance, some reforms target traffic-related behavior that can turn criminal in certain circumstances, such as driving in a reckless manner. When such an offense is involved in an accident, DUI, or repeat offense, the penalty may be stiffer than most people think.

It may also be possible to have your case evaluated by a criminal defense attorney to see if new forms of penalties can be applicable to your case. They may be able to give you a clear understanding of what is really at stake. 

Defense strategy may depend on new laws 

Defending a crime is not a “one-size-fits-all” proposition. New legislation can alter the elements of proof required of the prosecution, the importance of evidence, or the defense of your case. Based on the charge, the following are some of the areas that your lawyer may concentrate on:

• Whether the police had a legal reason for stopping or detaining you
• Whether statements were taken in violation of your rights
• Whether the evidence satisfies the legal definition of the offense
• Whether the government can prove intent, knowledge, or impairment
• What alternatives, if any, might now be possible

Just one change in the law could mean a change in leverage during plea bargain talks or present a new argument that was not available before. 

Talk to a Bel Air, MD, Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Schlaich & Thompson, Chartered, represents the interests of Bel Air, MD, residents who have been charged with serious crimes. Call our Bel Air criminal lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.