Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

someone is charged with a crime ( unauthorized use of vehicle ) in 2 different counties, but for the same vehicle and time frame. He goes to his first court date in one county and they nolle proc (not sure the correct spelling) all the charges, can they still charge him in the other county for the same thing?


Asked on 8/07/09, 9:12 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Jason Cleckner Law Office of Jason Cleckner, LLC

Yes! If you commit a crime in two different jurisdictions, they can theoretically both prosecute you. Nevertheless, you would have a better argument if you were found guilty in the first county, that there is then double jeopardy in the second county. But in this circumstance, you were never put in jeopardy in the first county because the case was dismissed.

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Answered on 8/12/09, 9:25 am
William Welch William L. Welch, III Attorney

Every state and the federal government is its own sovereign jurisdiction. City and county governments are subordinate to the state governments in which the city or county is located. Different states and the federal government may prosecute and convict a person for the same offense. However, two counties within one state may not. Double jeopardy prevents a state or the federal government from prosecuting a person for the same offense in the same court a second time after the person was found guilty or not guilty.

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Answered on 8/12/09, 4:08 pm


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