Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI-DWI; view more
Licensed in Maryland since: 2012
Education: Appalachian School of Law
Selected to Rising Stars: 2020 - 2025 Call today:
410-497-6162
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Free Consultation Shepard Law
303 W Pennsylvania AveTowson, MD 21204 Visit website
Details
Stephen P. Shepard is a committed criminal defense attorney based in Baltimore, Maryland, who has been ardently defending individuals accused of criminal activities and DUI/DWI offenses since 2012. Working with Shepard Law, located in Towson, Maryland, his approach combines a deep sense of compassion with a rigorous commitment to justice, making him a tenacious advocate for his clients. The firm emphasizes a family-oriented approach, reflecting his belief in treating every client with the utmost care and respect, akin to his own family.
Focusing his practice in the Baltimore metropolitan area, he caters to a broad range of criminal defense needs, including those involving assault crimes, domestic violence, harassment, arson, threat, crimes against the public, resisting arrest, drug crimes, possession and distribution of drugs, traffic violations, DUI, sex crimes, theft crimes, armed robbery and more. His practice is marked by a proactive stance on continuing education and active participation in professional legal associations.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts in criminology and philosophy from Cabrini University, where he graduated summa cum laude, Mr. Shepard was deeply involved in academic societies and gained early insights into the criminal justice system through an internship and various programs. He further honed his legal acumen at the Appalachian School of Law, securing his law degree with honors and immersing himself in criminal law and procedure.
Mr. Shepard’s dedication extends beyond the courtroom. He is known for contributing at least 50 hours of pro bono work each year, supporting those with limited resources. His excellence has not gone unnoticed; his peers and clients consistently recognize his work, earning him accolades such as a 10/10 rating on Avvo. He is closely affiliated with prominent legal organizations, such as the Baltimore County Bar Association, the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys’ Association and the Maryland State Bar Association; and is also a founding member of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: DUI/DWIFocus areas
Arrest & Arraignment, Assault & Battery, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Debt, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Expungement, Failure to Pay Child Support, False Accusations, Felony, Juvenile Delinquency, Misdemeanor, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Murder, Overdrawn Bank Account, Parole, Probation, Prosecution, Sex Offenses, Tax Evasion, Theft, Traffic Violations
- 70% Criminal Defense
- 30% Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
First Admitted: 2012, Maryland
Professional Webpage: https://spslawoffice.com/criminal-defense-attorney-profile-s...
Bar/Professional Activity:
- Member in good standing of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, 2024
- Member in good standing of the Maryland State Bar Association, 2024
- Member in good standing with the Baltimore County Bar Association, 2024
- Member in good standing of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, 2023
- Member in good standing of the Maryland State Bar Association, 2023
- Member in good standing with the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, 2022
- Member in good standing of the Maryland State Bar Association, 2022
- Member in good standing of the Maryland State Bar Association, 2021
- Member in good standing of the American Bar Association, 2020
- Member in good standing of the Maryland State Bar Association, 2020
- Member in good standing of the American Bar Association, 2019
- Member in good standing of the National College for DUI Defense., 2019
- Member in good standing of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers., 2019
- Member in good standing of the Maryland State Bar Association., 2019
- Member in good standing of the American Bar Association, 2018
- Member in good standing of the Maryland State Bar Association., 2018
- Member in good standing of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers., 2018
- Member in good standing of the National College for DUI Defense., 2018
- Member in good standing of the Maryland State Bar Association., 2017
- Member in good standing of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers., 2017
- Member in good standing of the American Bar Association, 2017
- Member in good standing of the American Bar Association, 2016
- Member in good standing of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers., 2016
- Member in good standing of the Maryland State Bar Association., 2016
- Member in good standing of the American Bar Association, 2015
- Member in good standing of the Maryland State Bar Association., 2015
- Member in good standing of the Maryland State Bar Association., 2014
- Member in good standing of the Maryland State Bar Association., 2013
- Member in good standing of the Maryland State Bar Association., 2012
Representative Clients:
- I highly recommend Steve to anyone that needs legal help. He went above and beyond in helping me in a problem I was having and if you're in a financial crunch, they will work with you. Highly recommended to anyone!!, 2024
- I was recently a client of Shepard law, and my lawyer was the best lawyer, he kept me up to date and he insured me of the whole process. Every charge was dropped, and he helped NY record stay clean. He served justice for me, and I am grateful., 2024
- Steve is the best attorney I have ever worked with. From our first meeting, he explained everything to me in terms I could easily understand and was always very responsive when I had questions outside of our meetings. If anyone is looking for a knowledgeable attorney at a great price, then go to Steve., 2024
- Steve was amazing!!! He was so helpful and made me super confident throughout the whole process. I am very satisfied with my experience and the outcome of my case., 2024
- Steve was very nice and easy to work with, was great with deadline and time sensitive matters. 10 out of 10 would suggest to everyone because he really tries his best to go that extra mile, his whole team does, doing everything they can to help those who come to Steve for assistance., 2023
- Stephan was extremely helpful, affordable & overall so nice. He communicated everything that was going on and I was never left unanswered. He got my case dismissed & can say I enjoyed the experience and working with him! 10/10 recommended, 2023
- I would highly recommend Stephen to anyone needing legal assistance. He is extremely knowledgeable, personable and we achieved the best possible outcome. I was extremely pleased with his services, 2023
- Steve did an amazing job for me. Not only did I have confidence in his legal knowledge, but he was also very personable and always responsive. I highly recommend Steve for your legal needs., 2022
- Highest regard for the law office of Stephen Shepard. From the onset of contacting his office Steve went above and beyond offering compassion and understanding not only for the client but also for family members as well. His attention to detail, knowledge and representation is astounding. Mr. Shephard is knowledgeable and truly values his clients. Words cannot express our gratitude for the service and support from you and your staff. Thanks Steve., 2021
- Steven was very helpful, nice and vary on point with His work easy person to talk to and he’s willing to fight for you in court and so you can have the best out come and honestly answered all questions and was very helpful. 10/10 recommended, 2020
- You will not find a more understanding, professional, and attentive lawyer. At no time did I ever feel left in the dark about what was going on or that Mr. Shepard did not have my best interest at heart. He really knocked it out of the park. I could not have hoped for a better outcome with my case for myself and my family., 2019
- Stephen Sheppard was very professional while handling my case. He kept me informed about what steps he was taking and motions he filed. He answered all my questions and always returned my phone calls in a timely manner. I was happy with the outcome if my case and would recommend his services., 2019
- I highly recommend the law office of Stephen P. Shepard to anyone in his practicing area. Steve truly puts everything he's got into his cases and works relentlessly to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients. I've been honored to not only have him represent me, but to be able to call him a friend. He's gone above and beyond for me and my family, offering compassion, practicality and understanding from day one. Steve won't sell you false hopes or fluff, instead, he delivers actions and results. He is very proficient and thorough, leaving no stone unturned while working side by side with you from start to finish. Steve is truly a one-of-a-kind lawyer. His representation is premier, personalized and affordable. In my honest opinion, he is a textbook example of satisfactory criminal defense. He is extremely knowledgeable in his craft and has proven to me just how much he truly values his clients, not the size of the client's wallet. Again, if you're going through a legal situation, Steve should be the first person you call. It's a decision you will not regret, I know I don't! Thank you again Steve for everything you've done for me over the past year. I couldn't have made it legally, mentally or emotionally without your assistance and support. The criminal system is far from perfect, but you've done everything in your power to change that. You've made a tremendous impact on my life, and I'll never forget that! Words can't express how grateful I am for you and your staff. Thank you again, my friend, 2019
- I just really want to thank the law office of Stephen P Shepard Mr. Stephen P Shepard really helped me with what was going on in my life I had some serious charges pending against me very serious charges and doing that course my father passed away and this man right here is like an angel from God very understandable very dependable A-Reliable when he say he for the people he's definitely for the people he will go against his own colleagues just to make sure Justice is really served properly and efficiently doing everything that was going on he was really there for me and my family even came to my house to something 3 in the morning to make sure I was okay when I was going through what I was going through during my hardship I really recommend Stephen P Shepard as a lawyer and not just as a lawyer as a real friend and I appreciate everything he's ever done for me if I could give him a hundred Stars I really would and just put it this way people my charges was very serious and the system really played me because I am a African American male a very easy target sad to say but he went to the Knicks and crannies of everything to get Justice and for me to get out my situation thank you man, 2018
- Excellent character. Truly cares about clients. I have been working with Stephen for almost 3 years and he has provided guidance and been my lawyer for many things. He has truly been the best lawyer I've ever had., 2018
- Stephen was excellent! I can't thank him enough for his responsiveness, attention to detail, compassion, and knowledge of the law. I highly recommend him, 2018
- I was completely impressed with Stephen Shepard; he is by far the most professional lawyer I have ever had. He has an immaculate office and did not rush us through our meeting or ignore our concerns. He was very detailed in his research of our case as well as in providing us with explicit details about our case concerning the charges against us as well as our options with complete honesty, all while considering our personal situation and treated us as people, not criminals and discussed our case with us at length. He will even provide emergency transportation for you to get to your court date if needed. I will call Stephen Shepard if I ever need a lawyer again and would most definitely recommend him to everyone. He is a very pleasant individual and it was a pleasure to have had such a compassionate, considerate, professional lawyer that I knew I could trust., 2017
- Stephen Shepard became my lawyer around march of 2017, and I can't say enough good about him. Stephen went above and beyond the call of action that he was contracted to do. He was knowledgeable in all matters of the case and even gave me advice for things not pertinent to the case at hand. His prices were very fair, and his representation was excellent. Stephen always made sure i knew all possible outcomes and that I was informed about the process, which really put me at ease. In the court room he was confident and well spoken. I spoke to several lawyers before Stephen and wasn't very satisfied. the deciding factor for me with Stephen was that he cared so much about the case. Mr. Shepard seems to take pride and personal care with every case, he is not satisfied unless you are. Professional, kind, and diligent. I met with Mr. Shepard and signed the same day couldn't be happier with the results and I would recommend him to anyone and everyone. Five out of five stars., 2017
- Mr. Shepard has helped me profusely. He offers an assuring and realistic experience. He is a knowledgeable lawyer. He was able to answer every question I had. I would invite anyone who requires legal assistance to give him a call, 2016
- I recently hired Mr. Shepard as my attorney for a case. Let me start by saying when I contacted him to talk about my case, he wasn't available, so I left a message. He returned my call within a few hours. I gave him a little background on my case, and we scheduled a time to meet. He asked me what my favorite nonalcoholic beverage was and made sure I had that drink when we met. He reviewed my case and talked about different aspects. When it came time to talk about what the fees were going to be Mr. Shepard worked well within my budget. I knew from this moment he wasn't a money hungry attorney, that he cared. My case ended up moving from district to circuit court which of course had some higher fees. But let me tell you Mr. Shepard refunded me over half of what I paid and calculated my new fees keeping it at a decent price, so I didn't have to come up with too much more. I was able to talk to Mr. Shepard whenever I needed too. He always returned my calls and kept me up to date with what he was working on. He also has my case which allowed me to see every paper filed on my behalf or anything that he received. I met with Mr. Shepard a few times regarding my case, and he always had my favorite drink waiting for me. He walked me threw step by step of what was going to happen, and I never doubted his work ethic. Today my case finally went to court. I had 4 felony charges against me. My ending result was my case put on stet with no guilty charge. I must pay a small restitution in 6 months and then these cases will be expunged off my record at no additional fee. That's right even after my court date Mr. Shepard is STILL going to work on my case to get it removed of my record. He is a very honest, nonjudgmental, hardworking attorney. If you have any legal trouble, I will recommend him. Nobody intends on needing a defense attorney, but if you find yourself in the same place, I found myself, not knowing where to go next.... Mr. Shepard will help you. I am home tonight with my kids and family because of him. THANK YOU SO MUCH MR. SHEPARD., 2016
- Steve was extremely professional throughout the whole affair and put my mind at ease regarding the case. His recommendations on things to do beforehand to prep was invaluable. I know that he handles a great many cases, but never once did I feel as though he put my (relatively small) case aside to take care of a more important client or a bigger case. Whenever I called or messaged him, he would pick up the phone or respond very quickly with his advice. I have and would continue to recommend him to friends and family. You just simply cannot do better than this., 2015
- I've known Steve since autumn of 2013. The first day I met him, I was overwhelmed with relief due to how much he had investigated my case. He was very kind and noticeably caring. Saying that he is organized is an understatement. You will not just be another client to him. He never overlooked a single detail throughout my entire case, from my consultation to my expungement. I don't know much about law, and even less about being a lawyer. But I DO know that my case was not simple. I always felt that Steve was doing absolutely anything and everything in his power to represent me, and counsel me as best as possible. I never had a doubt in my mind that I had chosen the best possible attorney to defend me. At the end of my last court date, Steve received a significant verbal compliment from the judge about the way he handles his profession. As we walked out the doors of the court room, we were followed by the state's attorney, who claimed that in the long time she had worked with that judge, she had never seen him compliment an attorney. Honestly, I was not surprised at all to hear that at all. Steve is one of a kind. I can promise you that., 2015
- I met Mr. Shepard after he represented a client of his in Howard County. I was so impressed with his work that I hired him on the spot. After speaking with him for the first time, I immediately felt at ease from the stress I had due to my case, which involved two serious criminal charges that had me facing around twenty-five years in prison. After discussing my charges with him, he explained all the different angles of defending my case. He kept me informed throughout the time I waited for my trial and showed me exactly what his plan was. He never once lied to me by promising an outcome; he was honest and gave me his opinion. During the trial, it was evident that he had done his homework on my case. He couldn’t have done any better. Not only did I go home, but I was also either acquitted or found not guilty on all my charges. Just to be clear, I was facing twenty-five years in a county in Maryland that has one of the highest conviction rates, and he was up against a very angry DA. He knew every aspect of my case along with the laws surrounding it, and it showed. He was perfect. I don’t want to sound like I’m overpraising Mr. Shepard, but given the circumstances, I feel confident that if I had had anyone other than him, I would have left the courtroom in handcuffs headed to prison instead of in my car headed home to my family. I owe that man my life and would recommend him to anyone in need of legal counsel. I’ve been in trouble before and hired lawyers who charged me a lot more money and told me the whole time that I was going to be fine, not to worry. In the end, they didn’t prepare or fight for me at all compared to what Mr. Shepard did. He made it a point to demonstrate his ability, and I could not be happier. My family and I are truly grateful to have such a hardworking, fair, and brilliant lawyer on our side. We will never forget him. As a side note, I will say he was unlike any other lawyer I’ve ever met. His focus was winning my case, not taking all my money. I even offered to pay him more, and he declined. Find another person, let alone a lawyer, who will do that! Mr. Shepard is excellent at this point in his career, and I feel confident he is on his way to becoming an all-time great., 2014
- From the moment I first contacted Stephen Shepard I felt that I was in good hands. He went out of his way to calm me down and explain to me everything I needed to know. I was truly impressed by his knowledge and the way he listened to my concerns. When I found out that I was going to be questioned at 1 am on a Sunday, Stephen was right there with me. He went above and beyond to make sure that I was protected, comfortable, and that I was treated fairly. I couldn't have asked for better representation., 2014
Special Licenses/Certifications:
- Notary Public, State of Maryland, Baltimore County, 2021
- Notary Public, State of Maryland, Baltimore County, 2020
- Notary Public, State of Maryland, Baltimore County, 2019
- Notary Public, State of Maryland, Baltimore County, 2018
Pro bono/Community Service:
- Performed 50+ pro bono hours to people of limited income and military service members, 2024
- Performed 50+ pro bono hours to people of limited income and military service members, 2023
- Performed 50+ pro bono hours to people of limited income and military service members/veterans, 2022
- Performed 50+ pro bono hours to people of limited income and military service members/veterans, 2021
- Performed 50+ pro bono hours to people of limited income and military service members/veterans, 2020
- Performed 50+ pro bono hours to people of limited income and military service members/veterans, 2019
- Performed 50+ pro bono hours to people of limited income and military service members/veterans, 2018
- Performed 50+ pro bono hours to people of limited income and military service members/veterans, 2017
- Performed 50+ pro bono hours to people of limited income and military service members/veterans, 2016
- Performed 50+ pro bono hours to people of limited income and military service members/veterans, 2014
- Performed 50+ pro bono hours to people of limited income and military service members/veterans, 2015
Honors/Awards:
- Founding member of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, Founding Member, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, 2024
- Client Champion - Platinum, Client Champion - Platinum, Martindale-Hubbell, 2024
- Avvo Rated 10/10, Avvo Rated 10/10, Avvo.com, 2024
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2024
- Lead Counsel Rated - Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel Rated - Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel, 2024
- Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel, 2024
- Avvo Rated 10/10, Avvo Rated 10/10, Avvo.com, 2023
- Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion - Gold, Client Champion - Gold, Martindale-Hubbell, 2023
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2023
- Lead Counsel Rated - Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel Rated - Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel, 2023
- Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel, 2023
- American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, Founding Member, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, 2023
- Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion - Gold, Client Champion - Gold, Martindale-Hubbell, 2022
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2022
- Lead Counsel Rated - Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel Rated - Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel, 2022
- Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel, 2022
- American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, Founding Member, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, 2022
- Avvo Rated 10/10, Avvo Rated 10/10, Avvo.com, 2022
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2021
- Lead Counsel Rated - Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel Rated - Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel, 2021
- Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel, 2021
- American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, Founding Member, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, 2021
- Avvo Rated 10/10, Avvo Rated 10/10, Avvo.com, 2021
- Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion - Gold, Client Champion - Gold, Martindale-Hubbell, 2020
- American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, Founding Member, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, 2020
- Avvo Rated 10/10, Avvo Rated 10/10, Avvo.com, 2020
- Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel, 2020
- Lead Counsel Rated - Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel Rated - Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel, 2020
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers award from The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2019
- Top 40 Under 40 award from The National Trial Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers, 2019
- Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion - Gold, Client Champion - Gold, Martindale-Hubbell, 2019
- American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, Founding Member, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, 2019
- Avvo Rated 10/10, Avvo Rated 10/10, Avvo.com, 2019
- Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel Rated - Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel, 2019
- Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel, 2019
- Avvo Rated 10/10, Avvo Rated 10/10, Avvo.com, 2018
- Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel Rated - Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel, 2018
- Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel, 2018
- American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, Founding Member, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, 2018
- Top 40 Under 40 Award, Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers, 2018
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers Award, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2018
- American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, Founding Member, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, 2017
- Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel, 2017
- Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel Rated - Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel, 2017
- Top 40 Under 40 Award, Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers, 2017
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers Award, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2017
- Awarded to attorneys who receive high ratings and reviews from former clients., Avvo Client's Choice Award, Avvo.com, 2016
- American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, Founding Member, American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, 2016
- Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel Rated - Drunk Driving Defense, Lead Counsel, 2016
- Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel, 2016
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers Award, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2016
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers Award, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, 2015
- Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel Rated - Criminal Law - State Level Crimes, Lead Counsel, 2015
Educational Background:
- Cabrini University, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Philosophy, summa cum laude
- Appalachian School of Law, concentrating on criminal law and procedure, criminal practice, appellate advocacy, and client interviewing and counseling, Publication: Appalachian Journal of Law, Articles Editor on the Executive Board.
Scholarly Lectures/Writings:
- Served as a volunteer judge for a high school mock trial competition., Judge, Empire Mock Trials, 2023
- Provided sixth-grade students with a well-rounded perspective of the criminal justice system that included a meeting with an Assistant State's Attorney and a District Court Judge., Speaker/Presenter, Career Day: Criminal Defense Attorney, Students, 2016
- America is often thought of as the land of equal opportunity. Many Americans believe that hard work and ambition lead to the “American Dream,” or “the ability of individuals and families to move up the income ladder over their lifetime and across generations.” And yet, historically, there are groups of Americans who have been denied the opportunity to fully realize the American Dream and who continue to be denied that opportunity to this day. Former criminal offenders, or “ex- offenders,” are arguably one such group. Moreover, ex-offenders comprise a large and rapidly growing portion of the United States population. According to one estimate, more than 1 out of every 100 American adults is presently incarcerated. In 2009, there were 729,295 offenders released from federal and state prisons combined, and most offenders who are presently incarcerated will be released back into society as ex-offenders at some point in the future. One estimate suggests that there are presently over 12 million ex-offenders in the United States, which represents approximately 8 percent of the working-age population. Being labeled an ex-offender in America is essentially the modern equivalent to a “scarlet letter” because of the stigma associated with a criminal record. In what some have referred to as the “collateral sentencing consequences” of incarceration, ex-offenders are frequently denied valuable social and economic opportunities to fully participate as members in American society simply because they have a criminal record. Ex-offender status negatively affects eligibility for various government benefits, such as public housing, financial assistance, food stamps, and student loans. Additionally, ex- offender status limits certain rights and privileges, such as “voting rights, drivers' license privileges, and rights to foster and [adopt] [children].” As one commentator noted, these collateral sentencing consequences effectively operate on ex-offenders as “a powerful form of social disenfranchisement.” Perhaps the most problematic collateral sentencing consequence is that ex-offenders are frequently denied opportunities to obtain legitimate employment and earn an honest living. It is well established that denying employment opportunities to ex-offenders increases the likelihood they will recidivate or commit a new criminal offense. Ex-offenders faced with few, if any, opportunities for legitimate employment may feel left with no other choice but to commit another crime. Thus, ex-offenders who recidivate are not necessarily “bad people,” but may have few opportunities to legitimately earn a living because of a prior “bad decision.” Ultimately, recidivism is a growing social problem that America must solve. This Note addresses one aspect of that problem by examining negligent hiring liability and how it affects employers and the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-offenders. Negligent hiring is a relatively new and expanding cause of action that holds employers civilly liable for the tortious conduct of an employee. There are two competing social interests that surround an employer's liability for negligently hiring ex-offenders. On the one hand, society has an interest in employing ex-offenders and facilitating their rehabilitation and reintegration back into society. This is because successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated ex-offenders are less likely to commit new crimes. On the other hand, employers have an interest in reducing the risk of workplace violence by not hiring an individual with a propensity to commit violent or other deviant acts. Consequently, employers are often discouraged from hiring ex-offenders because of the exposure to negligent hiring liability arising from the possibility of an ex-offender employee harming another employee or a member of the public while on the job. The inconsistent holdings and rules in negligent hiring cases may cause employers to believe that the safest course of action is not hiring ex-offenders altogether, thus avoiding exposure to negligent hiring liability. At the outset, it may seem quite difficult to reconcile society's interest in the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-offenders with the employers' interest in reducing exposure to negligent hiring liability and the incidence of workplace violence. To illustrate why employers may have concerns about hiring ex-offenders, consider the following scenario involving Rundy. Rundy is a 41-year-old male who recently moved to Mississippi in search of work. However, he is also a sex offender and has convictions for numerous criminal offenses. Unlike many other ex-offenders, he successfully found employment despite his criminal past. In the wake of the 2010 BP oil spill, he supervised a crew of oil spill cleanup workers. One day, Rundy offered to drive a female employee home who had reported feeling ill. He accompanied the employee to her hotel room, where he allegedly raped her. The victim and members of the public were outraged because evidence emerged that the employment agency, which BP had contracted to hire the cleanup workers, failed to conduct a criminal background check before hiring Rundy. Rundy's victim explained: “If they would have [completed] the background checks, they wouldn't have a man like that working.” Although not all ex-offenders are necessarily like Rundy, employers may still be reluctant to hire ex-offenders because they fear doing so may not only expose their company to negligent hiring liability, but also create bad publicity and expose their employees and the public to danger. Consider the following scenario involving Terrance to illustrate how employers' fear of negligent hiring liability can negatively affect the employment of ex-offenders. Terrance is a 28-year-old male resident of North Carolina. He is a high school graduate and a licensed driver. However, Terrance is also an ex-offender with a criminal record for felony conspiracy to distribute cocaine. After serving his sentence of four-and-a-half years in federal prison, Terrance spent the next year searching for employment. As part of that search, he “put in applications, worked connections through friends and family, and talked to a job coach.” Despite his best efforts, “most employers don't even bother calling him back.” As Terrance explains: “I've been trying to do right, but it's kind of hard when you want to do right [and] . . . [employers] won't even give you a chance.” Many have commented on the various aspects of negligent hiring liability. Some commentators have focused on identifying the surrounding legal issues, and others have followed by proposing specific solutions to those issues. But few commentators have approached the topic by using a blend of traditional legal analysis, empirical research, and criminological theory to demonstrate how and why negligent hiring liability is not only a legal problem but a social problem as well. This Note uses the “blended” approach and synthesizes the work of various legal commentators and social scientists to provide a new perspective on negligent hiring liability. This Note analyzes negligent hiring liability as both a legal and social problem. Part II will examine some of the history and elements of negligent hiring, beginning with an in-depth analysis of Ponticas v. K.M.S. Investments. Part II also highlights some of the inconsistencies among jurisdictions in applying the elements of negligent hiring. Part III examines the barriers that ex-offenders encounter in searching for employment. Specifically, Part III summarizes various empirical research studies analyzing employers' willingness to hire ex-offenders and their use of criminal background checks in hiring decisions. Part IV examines the criminological theories and empirical research on recidivism to suggest that the lack of employment opportunities available to ex-offenders may increase the likelihood of recidivism. Part V proposes several objectives for devising a comprehensive solution to effectively balance the competing interests that surround negligent hiring liability. Part VI follows with some concluding remarks on how negligent hiring liability relates to broader issues within the American criminal justice system., Student Author, Negligent Hiring Liability: A Look at How it Affects the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Ex-Offenders, Appalachian Journal of Law, Law, 2011
Other Outstanding Achievements:
- Served as the Appointed Defense Attorney for Drug/DUI Court for Howard County, Maryland., 2018
- Served as a Panel Attorney for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender., 2018
- Served as the Appointed Defense Attorney for Drug/DUI Court for Howard County, Maryland., 2017
- Served as a Panel Attorney for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender., 2017
- Served as a Panel Attorney for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender., 2016
- Served as the Appointed Defense Attorney for Drug/DUI Court for Howard County, Maryland., 2016
- Served as a Panel Attorney for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender., 2015
- Served as a Panel Attorney for the Maryland Office of the Public Defender., 2014
Industry Groups:
- Citizens
- Criminal
- Defendants
- DUI
- People
Selections
6 Years Rising Stars
- Rising Stars: 2020 - 2025
