Our Maryland Defense Lawyers Defend BWI Airport Cases

Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, security at airports across the nation has increased. This includes Baltimore/Washington International - Thurgood Marshall Airport. As a result of that increased security, prosecutions from incidents occurring at BWI Airport have increased dramatically.

In and around BWI Airport, there are multiple levels of security. The Maryland Transportation Authority Police Department has the primary police authority both inside and outside of the airport. Enforcement outside of the airport includes traffic violations, such as speeding, driving while suspended and driving under the influence of alcohol, to controlling traffic and patrolling the parking garages to keep travelers and guests at the airport safe. Inside of the airport, enforcement can include handling situations involving disorderly individuals, assaults, drug possession, and possession of knives, guns and other weapons.

The Transportation Authority Police Officers work hand-in-hand with the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, who also provide security services at BWI Airport. Among the responsibilities of the TSA personal are to scan travelers and their carry-on items to determine whether the traveler has any illegal or otherwise improper items in their possession. These include some measures we can see, like going through metal detectors, hand inspections of carryon bags, and K-9 scans by uniformed agents. It also includes other measures we cannot see but know are there to protect us.

The prosecution of illegal items in carry-on bags and other luggage has increased greatly over the past several years. Many of these cases come about when a traveler forgets that he or she has an item packed their bag, which is later discovered by a TSA agent at a routine security checkpoint. Some of these items, like marijuana, are always illegal; some are only illegal to possess inside of the airport, such as an otherwise lawfully purchased and lawfully owned handgun.

Once an illegal item is found, TSA agents turn over the investigation to the Transportation Authority Police for further investigation and to formally charge the traveler with a criminal offense, if warranted.

The attorneys at Jimeno & Gray have experience both prosecuting and defending cases that arise inside and around BWI Airport. BWI is located in Anne Arundel County, where both attorneys served as prosecutors in the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office.

If you have been involved in a crime near BWI Airport, please contact us or call (888) 903-5514.