News and Events
State v. Adnan Syed
.jpg)
Appellate attorney Steve Klepper submitted a brief amicus curiae in the Maryland Court of Appeals in State v. Adnan Syed, a case which has drawn international interest following the popular Serial podcast. Filed on behalf of sixteen prominent criminal defense attorneys, including founding firm principal Andrew Jay Graham, the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys' Association (MCDAA), and the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, the brief argues that "counsel has a duty, not a choice, to make a diligent effort to contact" an alibi witness identified by a client, and that failing to do so constitutes constitutionally deficient representation. The brief was featured in the Daily Record article, Criminal defense lawyers back Syed before Md. high court (September 21, 2018). Steve was joined by firm attorney Louis Malick and other lawyers from the newly formed MCDAA Amicus Committee. Steve and Lou regularly handle appellate matters in state and federal courts.
