Ocean City, MD has  changed its open container laws  one way or another over the years in an effort to balance its desire to remain tourist friendly while also preserving a peaceful, quiet atmosphere. Annapolis has plenty of visitors, too, but the Annapolis open container laws have always aligned more closely with Maryland state law.

With our beautiful harbor, historic sites, and the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis gets a major boost from tourism. Many of these tourists enjoy the town’s nightlife, including the many restaurants and bars located on Main and West Streets, and on City Dock. But while Annapolis is known for its bar scene, drunken or disorderly conduct – particularly late at night – can be a major nuisance for residents of the Historic District. As a result, the City is very proactive in enforcing its open container laws.

Understanding the Law

In Maryland, it is unlawful for a vehicle’s driver or passenger to have an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. Some resort towns may let you carry an alcoholic drink in a plastic cup while walking through town. However even in those cases, you may not possess an open container with an alcoholic beverage in it – or an open  empty  container that  had  alcohol in it – while you are in a vehicle. Throughout the State the law is consistent – all previously opened bottles must be stored in the trunk of the vehicle.

This can get especially tricky in Annapolis, where it is lawful to bring an unfinished bottle of wine home from a restaurant (known as a “wine doggy bag”). The key is to stow that unfinished bottle in the trunk so as not to unwittingly violate the open container laws.

Violation of the open container law is a criminal misdemeanor. It is typically punished with a fine. Your vehicle does not have to be in motion for you to be in violation, so even if your car is parked, stow that open container in the trunk. When there is more than one person in the vehicle, the one closest to the open container is the one who receives the citation.

Why such strict standards?

There are a couple of reasons why Annapolis enforces its open container laws in the manner it does:

1. Annapolis wants to maintain the quality and respectability of its lifestyle – gracious streets, colonial homes, colorful gardens. The Historic District is alive with music, diners, and revelers every night, but Annapolis open container laws aim to keep our narrow old streets sober and safe.
2. Maryland’s eligibility for Federal highway funds – like all states – is improved if the state has open container laws in place.

But, Annapolis does a little more.

In addition to the vehicle restrictions described above, Annapolis open container laws prohibit open containers on city sidewalks, on the front steps of the entrance to any building, inside an Annapolis parking lot, and on school property.

Despite the presence of the Naval Academy and St. John’s College, students do not get a break. Students may be cited for open container misdemeanors, but they are also subject to additional charges if they are underage and in possession of or consuming alcohol.

If you’re an underage college student who has gotten caught consuming alcohol in Annapolis, the City’s laws may be the least of your worries. The colleges’ own policies may add to your problem with suspension and expulsion both possible penalties for underage drinking.

What to do?

If you’ve been arrested for violation of Annapolis open container laws, the key is to immediately call an attorney experienced in open container cases in Annapolis. Not only will a local attorney know all the players involved, they will also understand the best way to mount a defense. A good attorney will take a close look at whether the fine is higher than the norm, the charge is incorrectly made or processed, or the possibility that you just may be innocent. If the fine is more significant than typically levied for a  civil violation  and if the charge is  criminal misdemeanor , you will want the help to keep it off your record.

This blog was originally posted on www.drewcochranlaw.com . To read the full text of the original version,  click here .

In what seems to be the most-robbed store in Annapolis, Norwegian clothier, Helly Hansen , a high-end store specializing in sailing and foul weather gear was robbed last night shortly after 2am.

According to Annapolis Police about 2:15am four unknown subjects pulled up in an SUV in front of the business. Three unknown subjects exited the vehicle and entered the front door of the business after prying it with a pry bar.  The three subjects entered the business several times as they continued to take several items from the business and load them into the SUV. Estimated total loss value was approximately $20,000.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 410-280-2583.

At 12:41am on Saturday, October 12, 2013, the residents of a home in the 1000 block of Forest Hills Avenue in Annapolis were asleep when they heard sounds coming from the kitchen.

The male resident went to investigate the noise and found Bladimir Garcia Flores, 31, of Annapolis in the kitchen.  The residents do not know Garcia Flores, who entered the home through an unlocked door.

Garcia Flores was intoxicated and struck the man with a chair.  After a struggle the resident was able to hold down Garcia Flores till police arrived.  The resident was injured during the struggle and was treated at Anne Arundel Medical Center and released.

Garcia Flores was charged with first and second degree burglary, first and second degree assault, reckless endangerment, and disturbing the peace.  He is being held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center on $250,000 bond.

The Annapolis Police Department is seeking the identity of a suspect who robbed the 7-11 located in the 1500 block of Forest Dr in the early morning hours of October 6th, 2013.

On 6 October 2013 at approximately 4:40 a.m., a masked subject entered the business, pulled out a handgun and demanded money from the cashier. The cashier turned over the money to the suspect.  The suspect then fled though the front door and ran towards Spa Rd. The suspect is described as a white male approximately 5’10, weighing approximately 210 lbs.  The suspect is stocky with a muscular build. The suspect has a tattoo on his upper left arm. The suspect may have additional tattoos on his right arm.  The suspect was wearing a white tank-top style T-shirt, black gym shorts, and gray tennis shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Annapolis Police Department at 410-268-9000 or (410) 268-4141.

Eddie Jenkins, Jr

On October 23, 2013 Detectives from the Annapolis Police Department charged Eddie Jenkins, Jr, 20, of Annapolis with 33 counts relating to indecent exposures in Annapolis.

On October 17 ^th Detectives from the Annapolis Police Department charged Jenkins with third degree burglary, peeping tom, visual surveillance with prurient intent, and indecent exposure.  These charges stem from an incident that occurred on October 12 ^th in the unit block of Bricin St.  Jenkins was seen disrobing on the partially enclosed patio of a ground floor apartment and touching his exposed penis.  Jenkins is being held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center on $40,000 bond on these charges.

On October 23 ^rd Jenkins was charged in a further ten incidents dating back to 2012.  The cases tied to Jenkins include one in May 2012 in the unit block of Melrob Ct, two in March 2013, one in the unit block of Bricin St and one in the 1200 block of Hollyday Ct, two in April 2013 both in the unit block of Bricin St, two in May 2013, one in the 1200 block of Hollyday Ct and one in the 1200 block of Gemini Dr, and each one in August, September, October 2013 all in the unit block of Bricin St.  Jenkins is being held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center on $100,000 bond on these charges.

Annapolis Police Department warned the public about the series of indecent exposures in May 2013 .

Jenkins would sometimes knock on the sliding glass doors of a home to gain the resident’s attention.  Jenkins would also leave physical evidence on the sliding glass doors.  If you have any information about Eddie Jenkins or these cases please contact Detective Tom Pyles at 410-268-9000 ext. 5765 or email tnpyles@annapolis.gov .

Source: Annapolis PD

Annapolis Police Chief Michael Pristoop announces the beginning of Ride-Along Thursdays at Annapolis Police Department.  Ride-Along Thursdays are an opportunity for city residents to ride along with Annapolis Police Officers.

Chief Pristoop said, “This is a great opportunity for the citizens of Annapolis.  Participating in ride-alongs strengthens our police-community partnership which helps make out city safer.  Citizens who ride-along will have a clearer understanding of the day-to-day operations of the Annapolis Police Department.  Our commitment to the community made this the logical next step.”

Annapolis residents can ride-along with a patrol officer for two to four hours during the day or at night every Thursday.  Arrangements to ride-along must be made in advance and ride-alongs are limited to a maximum of two people each Thursday.  To ride-along you must complete and sign a ride-along agreement and release form.  Please contact Captain Cynthia Howard at 410-268-9000 ext. 7242 or choward@annapolis.gov to make arrangements to ride-along.  More information about ride-alongs and the ride-along agreement and release form can be found at the police department’s website at www.annapolis.gov/police  under Ride-Along Information.

Scene of shooting at Bay Ridge Gardens Apartments In Annapolis

UPDATE:  From Annapolis Police, they believe that the Forest Drive incident is one of the victims from the Bens Drive incident.  It was unclear if this is a third victim, or if this is one of two victims. It is also unclear how he managed to get to Forest Drive and Youngs Farm Road.  Still developing.

Two incidents within minutes of each other in Annapolis have left three people in critical condition after being shot.

The one incident was on Forest Drive in front of Annapolis Middle School. Police responded to reports of a man laying in the roadway. Upon arrival, witnesses tell us that he had been shot. No further information is available on this incident other than a Medevac helicopter will be landing at Annapolis Middle School.

In the second incident, two people were shot at 19 Bens Drive in the Bay Ridge Gardens Apartments.  Police and fire crews refused to give any statement, but a witness said that there were seven shots fired and a green truck sped out of the complex and headed toward Eastport. According to a report, both are in critical condition and are being transported to shock trauma by a second helicopter which landed at the Eastport fire house.  In this incident the victims are a 23 year old with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and the other is a 22 year old with gunshot wounds to the thigh and neck.

The Annapolis Police Department has released preliminary information regarding yesterday’s shooting on Bens Drive in Annapolis. It was unclear yesterday if there were two shooting incidents involving three people or a single incident involving two. The latter appears to be accurate.

The gunshot victim seen laying in Forest Drive (by Annapolis Middle School) was one of the victims in the Bens Drive shooting.

On October 27, 2013 at 4:32 p.m. Annapolis police officers were dispatched to the unit block of Bens Drive for a shooting.  Two victims were located elsewhere, both having left Bens Drive.  Preliminary investigation reveals one adult male victim was located in a car on Forest Drive, the other adult male victim was located at Eastport Fire Station on Bay Ridge Avenue.  Both victims were transported to Shock Trauma in Baltimore.

Officers are investigating the circumstances of the shooting.  Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Tom Pyles at 410-268-9000 ext. 5765 or email tnpyles@annapolis.gov .

Lowell Tayon Hawkins

On October 28, 2013 at 11:10 p.m. Detectives from Annapolis Police Department arrested Lowell Hawkins, 23, of Millersville for the shooting of Marcus Johnson on Bens Drive on October 27.

On October 27, 2013 at 4:32 p.m. Annapolis police officers were dispatched to the unit block of Bens Drive for a shooting.  Lowell Hawkins, 23, of Millersville was located in a car on Forest Drive, suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso.  Marcus Johnson, 22, of Annapolis was located at the Eastport Fire Station on Bay Ridge Avenue, suffering from multiple shots to the legs and one in the back.  Both men were treated and released from Shock Trauma in Baltimore.

“Nobody is happy in the wake of a serious crime,” said Annapolis Police Chief Michael Pristoop.  “But the good news is the Police Department worked tirelessly investigating and arresting a responsible suspect without delay.  Besides being an extremely proactive agency, we react urgently to effect necessary arrests to protect the community.  We know the community appreciates both aspects.”

Annapolis Mayor Joshua Cohen said, “I applaud the swift work of APD in making an arrest in this reckless and horrible shooting.  This senseless gun violence has no place in our community.  We will pursue every avenue to get the perpetrators of gun violence off our streets and make our neighborhoods safer.”

Hawkins was charged with twelve counts including attempted first degree murder and attempted second degree murder.  He is being held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center without bond.

Police believe there still may be a third person involved and  anyone with information is asked to call Detective Tom Pyles at 410-268-9000 ext. 5765 or email tnpyles@annapolis.gov .

Source: Annapolis PD

On November 13, 2013 at 10:07 a.m. Detectives from Annapolis Police Department arrested Demarrow Williams, 20, of Annapolis for the armed robbery of a cab driver that occurred on President St on November 8.

On November 8, 2013 at 2:20 a.m. Annapolis police officers were dispatched to the 900 block of President St for an armed robbery.  When officers arrived they spoke to the  cab driver who indicated picked up a man, later identified as Demarrow Williams, in the 400 block of Hammond Place and drove him to the 900 block of President St.  Once at President St. Williams struck the driver in the face with a handgun and demanded the driver’s money and cell phone.   After giving Williams the cash and phone Williams fled the area on foot.  The cab driver was treated at the scene for a laceration over his eye.

“I commend the detectives and officers’ sense of urgency and thoroughness in resolving this case,” said Annapolis Police Chief Michael Pristoop.  “Neither the community nor the Police will tolerate violent crime in our city.  This is an example of excellent police work supporting our resolve.”

Williams was charged with ten counts including armed robbery, robbery, and first and second degree assault.  He is being held at the Annapolis Police Department until he is transported to a hearing before the District Court Commissioner on these charges.

Detectives are investigating this robbery and a similar attempted robbery of a cab driver on November 5 in the unit block of Pleasant St.  Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Deborah Sauriol-Gibris at 410-268-9000 ext. 7253 or email dasauriol-gibris@annapolis.gov .

Source: APD

On November 23, 2013 between 10:17 p.m. and 10:48 p.m. Officers from the Annapolis Police Department responded to four burglaries at businesses in Annapolis.

Subway at 1 Park Place, McCormick Paints at 3 Old Solomons Island Road, Insane Car Audio at 1991 West Street, and Dunkin’ Donuts at 2004 West Street were broken into.

An additional burglary in the 2000 block of West Street was reported to Anne Arundel County Police Department.

It is believed that these burglaries all occurred within minutes of each other. Money and some property were stolen from the businesses.

A possible suspect is described as a black male, wearing a distinctive green or blue plaid hooded jacket, yellow and blue work gloves, light colored pants, and tan work boots. An early 2000’s style green or blue minivan with silver trim was seen in the area of the burglaries.

On November 22, 2013 at 4:23 a.m. a similar burglary occurred at Jerry’s Subs and Pizza at 914 Bay Ridge Road. The glass door to the business was broken and the drawers to the cash registers were taken.

Anyone with information about these burglaries or the possible suspect and suspect vehicle is asked to call Detective Michael Prout at 410-268-9000 ext. 7209 or email msprout@annapolis.gov

Source: Annapolis PD.

Annapolis Police Department is hosting a toy drive December 9 through 13 at the Department’s Headquarters at 199 Taylor Avenue.

New, unwrapped toys will be collected for the Annapolis Santa Run.  You can drive into the Police Department’s parking lot and drop off your toy donation without getting out of the car.  Parking lot drop offs will be accepted Monday, December 9 through Friday, December 13 from 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm daily.

Annapolis Police Chief Michael Pristoop said, “As part of the community, we want to do all we can to help families and children during the holiday season.  Public safety is our number one priority, but a toy drive is surely another way to show our community commitment and support.”

For more information about the Annapolis Santa Run visit www.annapolissantarun.com .  If you have any questions please contact Corporal Amy Miguez at 410-268-9000 ext. 7261 or email amiguez@annapolis.gov .