Baltimore, MD Attorneys, Lawyers and Law Firms

A week-long crackdown by the Hartford Police Department has led to the arrest of 32 individuals and the seizure of multiple caches of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, and MDMA, as well as 24 guns, including "ghost" rifles. The operation, which involved over 10 search warrants, also yielded $23,240 in cash. Hartford police said the effort is part of a broader push to combat crime in the city. Local lawyer Mark Sherman and State Senator Matthew Lesser were not directly involved in the operation but have called for increased funding for law enforcement. The arrests bring attention to the ongoing struggle with substance abuse and traffic-related offenses in the region surrounding Hartford, CT.

Portland, Oregon, is set to see significant advancements in addiction recovery as Multnomah County partners with Baltimore's Tuerk House to operate its new drug deflection center, opening Sept. 1. This initiative aims to redirect individuals arrested for minor drug possession towards recovery resources rather than incarceration, a strategy bolstered by the recent enactment of House Bill 4002. With extensive experience, Tuerk House is expected to enhance local employment opportunities and support community members in need. County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson emphasized the importance of this milestone in addressing the impact of Measure 110's changes. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve public health outcomes and provide support services in the heart of Portland.

William S. Kern, a Baltimore Police instructor, was handed a 60-day jail stay, for shooting Raymond Gray, a police recruit, while they were doing exercises.

Kern, who has been in service for 19 years, told the court during his trial that he had brought a live gun to the exercises and he had accidentally used it instead of the training weapon.

Gray was hit in the head and was blinded in one eye when Kern fired his gun through the window to show the recruits the danger of lingering near the door, the window or the hallway.

Kern said that he brought his gun to the training for the safety of the recruits because the facility where they were having their exercises is not secure.

Baltimore defense attorney Shaun F. Owens had argued for Kern's release saying that his client's eventual dismissal from the service would already be enough of a punishment.

Kern is on a 60-day suspension while the Baltimore Police conducts an investigation within its ranks.

Gray's family, who expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence, has also filed a civil lawsuit in relation to the incident and is being represented by Baltimore litigator A. Dwight Pettit.

Alexander Kinyua admitted to having killed a family friend, Kujoe Bonsafo Agyei-Kodie, and eating his heart and some of his brains.

However, the judge deemed Kinyua not criminally responsible for what he did as he is mentally ill.

Prosecutors conceded with the decision as a consultation with a psychiatrist not involved in the case also resulted to the finding of Kinyua's mental illness.

The judge, who apologised to the victim's family, said he had based his acceptance of Kinyua's guilty plea on the submissions of the prosecutors and defense.

Baltimore criminal lawyer Donald Daneman, representing Kinyua, did not comment on the decision.

Kinyua killed Kodie just days after he was granted bail for another case wherein he mauled another student.

Tavon White, a convicted murderer, submitted a guilty plea to operating a scheme to bring in drugs and cellphone into the Baltimore jail, and of trying to kill Devon Butler over a drug dispute.

Having gone in and out of jail, and already a member of the Black Guerilla Family (BGF), White rose up the ranks of the gang to lieutenant commander when he went back in jail in 2009 while awaiting the trial for the attempted murder rap.

He became the gang chief in 2011 and started the scheme of smuggling drugs and cellphone into the facility with the help of corrections officers, mostly female, some of whom he admitted he got pregnant.

White was handed a 20-year sentence for the attempted murder case and weapon offense.

His sentencing for the drug and cellphone scheme is scheduled for February 20 yet.

Gary Proctor, Baltimore criminal lawyer representing White, had asked for more time to probe into the background of his client.

A new nonprofit organization has been established in New Haven, Connecticut, to convert blighted properties into affordable housing units. The New Haven Land Bank will be led by Serena Neal-Sanjurjo, former director of the city's anti-blight Livable City Initiative, and will work with local officials including Mayor Justin Elicker to address the city's shortage of affordable housing. With an initial $5 million in funding from the state's Urban Act Grant, the Land Bank aims to purchase dilapidated buildings, fund their redevelopment into housing, and transfer the properties to local housing nonprofits. The move is a step towards addressing New Haven's civil litigation surrounding affordable housing issues.

Connecticut's Clean Slate Promise: 10% of Eligible Records Erased Amidst Technical Issues and Frustration"

**Summary:**

In Connecticut, only 13,000 of the 130,000 eligible records have been erased under the "Clean Slate" law, which was passed to automatically erase misdemeanors after seven years. Technical issues with computer infrastructure have resulted in a temporary freeze on erasures, leaving advocates frustrated and concerned about the impact on residents waiting for their records to be cleared. Despite Governor Ned Lamont's commitment to getting the program done right, many are still waiting, including Adam Osmond who was convicted of a misdemeanor 16 years ago and is one of those affected.

The nearly $3 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project in New Orleans has ignited debates over its economic implications, as stakeholders weigh the benefits against community concerns. Proponents like Simone Maloz emphasize the expected job creation and tax revenue, while critics, including oysterman Mitch Jurisich, raise alarms about potential long-term damage to local industries. As legal challenges threaten the project's progress, local officials seek resolutions that balance restoration needs with environmental safety. The outcome may significantly impact real estate values and civil litigation in the region.

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public input on a proposed ban of motor vehicle access to two beach areas near Pacific City, Oregon, specifically Tierra Del Mar and Cape Kiwanda, citing safety and preservation concerns. OPRD is promoting this initiative to improve beach quality and reduce risks associated with vehicle traffic, particularly during shorebird nesting seasons. Public comments can be submitted until 5 p.m., February 12, 2021. This move may resonate with residents and legal professionals involved in civil litigation and real estate law, as it impacts coastal access rights. Comments can be made online or at an upcoming virtual hearing on January 28, 2021.

Recent tragedies along the Oregon coast highlight critical safety issues for residents and visitors. Two traffic-related deaths occurred on Highway 6 and Highway 18, as Gene Carlson, 66, and a 21-year-old Dayton man lost their lives in separate accidents, raising concerns over driving risks. Additionally, a California man, Steve Allen, was presumed dead after a surfing mishap at the Devil's Churn near Yachats, Oregon, emphasizing the dangers of recreational activities. Oregon State Police urge heightened awareness in both personal injury law and traffic regulations, particularly as summer crowds decrease. Community members are encouraged to prioritize safety while navigating the beautiful but perilous Oregon coastline.