Morgan E. Leigh

03/02/2026

Potential protective order changes happening in Maryland this legislative session: check out my blog about the changes HB 497 would bring to Maryland protective order proceedings if passed.

In the landscape of Maryland domestic violence law, things move quickly. For years, the timeline for obtaining a protective order has been a whirlwind: a petitioner files, a temporary order is served, and a final hearing is held—all within about seven days. However, House Bill 497 (HB 497), introd...

01/29/2026

The UN High Seas Treaty is a landmark piece of legislation that finally received 60% ratification and went into full force on January 17, 2026. It's goals are numerous, including combatting overexploitation of the oceans and protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. Check out my blog on this monumental achievement.

For decades, the vast expanse of the "High Seas"—the two-thirds of our global ocean that lies beyond national jurisdiction—was largely a legal vacuum. Often dubbed the "wild west of the ocean," these waters faced escalating threats from overfishing, pollution, and the emerging ex

01/28/2026

Check out my recent blog post on the Fourth Circuit upholding Maryland handgun carry restrictions. With limited exceptions, Maryland's "sensitive places" carry bans were upheld.

Since the Supreme Court’s landmark 2022 decision in Bruen, courts must use a "history and tradition" test to evaluate gun laws. To justify a restriction, the government must show that the law is consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.

10/09/2025

There are differences between Civil Protection Orders (CPOs) and Anti-Stalking Orders (A*Os) in the District of Columbia. If you qualify for a CPO, it is generally better to request a CPO than an A*O. In this blog, I discuss the differences between the two types of orders and who is eligible for a CPO vs. an A*O.

Anti-Stalking Orders Vs Civil Protective Orders in Washington DC: What You Need to Know

https://www.mel-legal.com/blog/anti-stalking-orders-vs-civil-protective-orders-in-washington-dc-what-you-need-to-know

10/02/2025

This is my first video in a long time, and it's on a feel-good topic, because we could all use some good news right now. In this video, I talk about a case that came out of the Maryland Supreme Court this past summer that expands the class of people that can ask the court to vacate a prior conviction, even if it is many years old.

The Maryland Supreme Court issued a decision this summer (2025) that expands the class of individuals who may request the court to vacate/strike a prior crim...

08/05/2025

I recently shared with my network that I am working on a transition to environment and energy law and will start the journey of obtaining an LLM from Georgetown University this fall. I am still handling criminal matters, criminal record cleanup services, protective orders, and firearm appeals, so keep those referrals coming!

I am following my compass, and I am now ready to share with my larger network that I am embarking on the journey to obtain an LLM from Georgetown Law Center in Environment & Energy law. A friend asked me recently if I was interested in writing an article for a bar magazine on the topic of finding on...

07/15/2025

The Maryland Supreme Court has expanded the circumstances where a person may request that an old conviction be stricken from their record or seek a sentence reduction.

This is a step in the right direction of allowing people who have paid their debt to society to move forward and free themselves of the long-term collateral consequences of a criminal conviction.

In a major decision further limiting firearm eligibility in the District, the DC Court of Appeals ruled in District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department v. Paul Porter , that a person who received a probation before judgment (PBJ) in Maryland and subsequently expunged the case, could still be

05/02/2025

Check out my blog on the recent DC Court of Appeals Case holding that an expunged probation before judgment can still bar an applicant from obtaining a fi****ms registration certificate in the District of Columbia.

https://www.mel-legal.com/blog/dc-expunged-charges-can-still-disqualify-firearm-applicants-in-district-of-columbia-mpd-v-paul-porter

07/10/2024

Attorney Morgan Leigh highlights the importance of understanding DC's ma*****na laws to avoid exposing yourself to criminal liability. The District of Columbia (DC) is a jurisdiction that operates as a state but is interwoven with federal property where federal law applies.
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The District of Columbia (DC) is a jurisdiction that operates as a state but is interwoven with federal property where federal law applies. This is why it is important for you to understand DC’s ma*****na laws to avoid exposing yourself to criminal liability.

03/19/2024

In her latest blog post, Morgan E. Leigh breaks down the laws surrounding self-defense and deadly force in the District of Columbia. Understanding your rights and obligations when it comes to protecting yourself is crucial. Click the link below to read more on this important topic!

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Self-defense is a complete defense to assault-related crimes, including murder. This article will discuss when self-defense applies, and when the use of self-defense can include deadly force in the District of Columbia.   When can self-defense and/or deadly force be used? A person has

03/13/2024

🎥 Check out our latest YouTube video featuring Attorney Morgan E. Leigh, where she breaks down the process of erasing criminal convictions in DC. 📝

🔵Can't get a fire arm?
🔵Hard time finding a job?
🔵Can't rent an apartment?

If you or someone you know is looking to clear their record, this video is a must-watch! Don't miss out on this valuable information.

Click here to watch:

Is a criminal conviction causing you problems - denied your 2A rights? can't get a job? can't get an apartment? Did you know that people who were 24 and youn...