If someone you love is in federal prison — or waiting to find out where they’ll be sent — the news that the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is closing facilities can be unsettling and confusing. You’re probably wondering what it means for their location, their programs, and their release date. Here’s what we know […]
BOP Prison Closures 2026: What Families Need to Know Read More »
In the world of criminal defense, the most dangerous thing an attorney can do is walk into a courtroom with an untested theory. You might have the facts on your side, and the law might be crystal clear, but if the jury finds your client “unlikeable” or your main argument “confusing,” none of that matters.
Why Do Defense Attorneys Use Focus Groups Before Trial? Read More »
Last weekend, we had the privilege of attending the 18th Annual NARSOL (National Association for Rational Sexual Offense Laws) Conference right here in in Baltimore, Maryland. From June 25th to the 28th, the historic Lord Baltimore Hotel was filled with advocates, legal colleagues, registered people, families, and other professionals all focused on the goal of discussing and sharing advocacy strategies, legal
2026 NARSOL Conference: A Review Read More »
The Ultimate Guide to Your Parole Packet in Maryland: Everything You Need to Succeed If a loved one is currently serving time in a Maryland facility, the word “parole” is likely the only thing on your mind. It represents the light at the end of a very long, dark tunnel. But here is the reality
How Can You Get Parole in Maryland? Read More »
Navigating the complexities of sex offender laws can be more confusing and stressful than the legal process itself. For many first-time offenders and their families, the registry isn’t just a list; it is a restrictive, potentially-lifelong framework that can dictate where you live, work, and how you move through the world. At Smith & Good Associates, we
Sex Offense Registry: Top 20 Questions and Answers Read More »
When you or a loved one are facing serious criminal charges, the focus is usually entirely on you: what you supposedly did, what the evidence says, witness statements, and more. However, in many cases, a critical factor isn’t actually the defendant; it is the person making the accusation. If an alleged victim struggles with severe
How Does an Alleged Victim’s Mental Health Affect Your Defense? Read More »
When a person on the autism spectrum interacts with the criminal justice system at any level – local, state, or federal – they are entering a world designed for neurotypical people. The system relies on social nuances, the ability to read “unspoken” cues, and a specific type of emotional performance that many individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
How to Deal with Criminal Charges for a Defendant with Autism Read More »
Can you ever truly leave the registry behind? Many people assume that if they just keep their nose clean for 15 or 25 years, the state hits a “delete” button on their record. Unfortunately, that’s rarely how sex offender laws work. Myth #1: Removal is AutomaticIn almost every jurisdiction, removal is not automatic. Even if you’ve met the time
SORNA Secrets Part 4: Can You Actually Get Off the Registry? Read More »
Registering is just the tip of the iceberg. SORNA triggers “collateral consequences” that fundamentally change how you live, work, and travel. At Smith & Good Associates, we see clients blindsided by these rules every day. Housing: The “Buffer Zone” TrapMost states enforce strict residency restrictions. You often cannot live within 1,000 to 2,500 feet of “prohibited
SORNA Secrets Part 3: The Hidden Life Restrictions Read More »
Most people think the SORNA tiering system is a simple 1-2-3 ladder. Tier I is “light,” Tier II is “medium,” and Tier III is “life.” If only it were that easy. At Smith & Good Associates, we see clients fall into the “Tiering Trap” every day because they assume their status is universal. Here is the reality: SORNA
SORNA Secrets Part 2: The Tiering Trap Read More »
