Wishing you holidays filled with fun and laughter, and very best wishes for a prosperous new year.
Archives for December 2019
Baltimore Murder Tally Hits 300 for Fifth Consecutive Year
December 19, 2019 by
Homicides Up Dramatically Over 2018
In 2018, Baltimore registered more than 300 murders for the fourth consecutive year, but the 300th did not occur until December 20. The city is well ahead of that pace this year, with police recording the 300th homicide on November 14.The number of non-fatal shootings in the city is also up, with more than 700 reported as of mid-November. The city has seen as many as 342 homicides—in both 2015 and 2017.
Baltimore is currently among the top 25 cities in the world for number of homicides per capita, with 51 for every 100,000 residents. It’s not the worst city in the country, though; that would be St. Louis, where 187 annual homicides equates to 61 murders per 100,000.
AV-Rated Baltimore County Criminal Defense Attorney
Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of experience to criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland. He’ll carefully interview all potential witnesses so he can prepare and present the strongest arguments in your defense. He’s a highly-experienced trial lawyer, with the skill, knowledge, and resources to protect your rights in any criminal prosecution. He’ll aggressively protect your constitutional rights throughout the criminal process, from investigation and arrest to arraignment and trial. He’ll also gather, evaluate, and preserve all evidence in your defense and will confirm that police and prosecutors followed constitutional requirements.
Attorney Smith has been the recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). Smith is AV-rated by other attorneys under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System and has been named a Maryland Super Lawyer. He was honored as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine, and he has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.
Columbia, MD Criminal Defense Lawyer
Contact attorney Jonathan Scott Smith by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland.
Federal Agents Arrest and Charge Rappers with Drug Crimes
December 5, 2019 by
Law Enforcement Officials Say Crimes Were Described in 2016 Video
Citing a YouTube video made in 2016, federal agents arrested two local rappers and booked them on drug charges. YGG, whose real name is Davante Harrison, was arrested at his Cockeysville apartment on Monday, November 25, after agents found heroin and an unknown white powder in his rental car. The same day, Damont Brown was arrested in Owings Mills on a drug charge. Harrison and Brown made a video in 2016 called “Errday,” which authorities say chronicles their illegal activity.
When arrested, Harrison also had nearly $10,000 in cash and a loaded .40 caliber Glock pistol. Officers found approximately 40 grams of heroin at Brown’s apartment, as well as a sifter, mixing bowl, and digital scale. A third defendant was arrested in the Riverside neighborhood, allegedly in possession of almost 500 grams of heroin and other drugs.
Officials contend that Harrison and Brown are associated with the “Trained to Go” crew they allege has been running the heroin and cocaine trade in Baltimore’s Westside for years. They say Harrison offered a bounty of $20,000 to anyone willing to kill a police informant working against the Trained to Go crew. The informant was slain on city streets a year ago.
Proven Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney
For over 30 years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of people charged with criminal acts in the greater Baltimore area and throughout Maryland. He has a thorough understanding of criminal law and procedure. He’ll painstakingly investigate your case, gather and preserve all relevant evidence, and confirm that law enforcement officers did not violate your constitutional rights.
Attorney Smith has been selected as a Maryland Super Lawyer, and was named a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine in 2012. He is AV-rated (the highest rating possible) by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. He has a 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO and also has received AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars.
Effective Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Baltimore Metro Area
At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we fight for the rights of criminal defendants. Contact our office online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland.
