DUI Sobriety Checkpoints Announced in Howard County

February 27, 2013 by jsmith

Howard County Police to Conduct DUI Sobriety Checkpoints

DUI sobriety checkpoints will be conducted this coming weekend at an unidentified location, announced the Howard County Police Department. This is one more in a series of DUI sobriety check points that the department conducts periodically.

The sobriety checkpoints are marked with signs, lights and uniformed officers. Officers utilize both marked and unmarked vehicles. They check for violations including DUI/driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, failure to use seat belts, and failure to use child safety seats.

DUI Charges Filed Against Drivers Stopped in DUI Sobriety Checkpoints

In the past, the DUI sobriety check points have resulted in drivers being arrested on DUI charges, as well as other traffic related charges, such as driving with a suspended license.

In 2012, Howard County police arrested 1,174 individuals for driving under the influence. Thirty-percent of Howard County’s fatal collisions in 2012 were alcohol-related.

Howard County and Ellicott City DUI DWI Defense Lawyer

Arrests resulting from sobriety checkpoints are complicated and require an experienced sobriety check point lawyer. Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience in criminal law and drunk driving cases. Before going into private practice, attorney Smith worked as a Maryland prosecutor and learned how the state prepares criminal matters. He has handled 1,000’s of drunk driving cases.

Top Rated Howard County Drunk Driving Lawyer

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

Maryland Super Lawyer.
“10.0 Superb” as a litigation attorney by AVVO.
“AV-Preeminent™*” Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (highest rating for 25 consecutive years).
“Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Sobriety Checkpoints Lawyer Howard County MD

Put the skill and experience of a former prosecutor to work for you. To schedule an appointment with an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer, contact us online or call 410-740-0101. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

Man Arrested for Indecent Exposure at Columbia Mall

February 15, 2013 by jsmith

Burtonsville Man Arrested for Indecent Exposure

On Wednesday, February 12, 2013, Steven Michael Lerer, 49, of Burtonsville, was arrested after a member of the Mall in Columbia’s staff observed him fondling his exposed genitals, The Baltimore Sun reported.

The Sun quoted Howard County Police as stating that Lerer was spotted about 9:30 p.m. near the food court with a jacket covering his genital area. As he turned, the mall staff member noticed he was touching himself. Police said the staff member alerted security, who detained Lerer until police arrived.

Indecent Exposure Laws and Indecent Exposure Definition

What is indecent exposure? Indecent exposure is defined as the deliberate exposure in public or in view of the general public by a person of a portion or portions of his or her body. It includes exposure of the genitalia, breasts, and buttocks.

Indecent Exposure Penalty in Maryland

In Maryland, indecent exposure is a misdemeanor. The indecent exposure penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

Arrested for Indecent Exposure?

The public mistakenly believes that people who may have committed indecent exposure are violent criminals, or rapists. Often, this is mistaken. Many people who are guilty of indecent exposure have no prior criminal record, may be married with children, and are not violent or dangerous. There may be life stresses that overwhelm them, and they simply are crying for help. They may need help, not punishment.

Indecent Exposure Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one is arrested for indecent exposure, you need an experienced criminal lawyer to fight for you.

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor and criminal lawyer with extensive trial experience — and his track record of successful results, including indecent exposure cases, has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

Maryland Super Lawyer.
“10.0 Superb” as a litigation attorney by AVVO.
“AV-Preeminent™*” Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.
“Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Contact Us Now for Help

To schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal defense lawyer, contact us online or call us at 410-740-0101. Put the skill and experience of a former prosecutor to fight for you. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Jonathan Scott Smith Criminal Defense Firm

Archives for February 2013