Facing allegations of a crime could significantly impact the personal and professional life of the accused. Whether it is a minor crime or a serious felony, having a crime attached to one’s name can make it challenging to live a normal life no matter if one is a public figure or an average citizen. This is why it is imperative for those facing criminal charges to consider the criminal defense options available to them.
According to recent reports, a Maryland lawmaker was charged with federal bribery and wire fraud. These charges stem from allegations that she took bribes to push for legislation in the state that would benefit marijuana companies as well as other companies in the region.
Reports indicated that she was the lead sponsor for a bill that would create Maryland’s medical cannabis program. She was inspired to fight for this cause because her mother passed from kidney cancer without being able to medically access the drug she believed would have helped her during her fight. However, her political career has been halted by the allegation that she took around $34,000 in bribes to help push for this bill.
It is alleged that she accepted cash payments in exchange for taking efforts to support the expansion of licensing for out-of-state marijuana companies, relax the requirements to become an opioid clinic director, create a preference for companies based in Maryland and assist business people with the ability to obtain restaurant liquor licenses in her district. Following these charges, she resigned from her position. It was further reported that she is the sixth former or current lawmaker in the state that has faced fraud or bribery charges in the past two years.
It can be challenging to imagine a way out of such a complex situation; however, there are criminal defense strategies that can help reduce or eliminate the impact criminal allegations can have on one’s life. Taking timely action could even help avoid a tarnished reputation and the ability to return to one’s normal life.
