Archives for August 2023

Who Can Seek a Protective Order in Maryland

What Parties May Be Eligible for Protection from the Court?

Who Can Seek a Protective Order in MarylandIn Maryland, when you have been the victim of certain types of abuse or violence, you can ask the court to issue a protective order, preventing the person who committed the wrongful act from have certain types of contact with or proximity to you. You must, however, be in one of the following relationships with the perpetrator of the violence or abuse in order to qualify for a protective order. Those categories include:

  • The current or former spouse of the respondent (person against whom the order is sought)
  • A person related by marriage, blood or adoption to the respondent, including a parent, child, stepparent, stepchild or adopted child of the perpetrator
  • A person who lives with the respondent
  • A person who has had a child in common with the respondent
  • A person who has had a sexual liaison or relationship with the respondent within the last 12 months
  • The victim of a sexual offense perpetrated by the respondent within the last 6 months
  • A vulnerable adult who has been the victim of abuse or violence by the respondent

Experienced Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 40 years of experience to criminal defendants throughout the Baltimore County area and across the state of Maryland. For more than 30 years, he has been consistently received an AV-rating (the highest rating possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System from his colleagues in the Maryland bar. He has been listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland listed by SuperLawyers and was designated a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine. He has been the recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, an honor bestowed upon less than 4% of all lawyers nationwide.

Throughout his years in practice, attorney Smith has successfully protected the rights of individuals facing all types of criminal charges. He will zealously protect your constitutional rights, taking the time to carefully investigate your case and confirm that law enforcement officers and prosecutors follow proper procedures when gathering evidence. He’ll interview all key witnesses and preserve all relevant evidence, so that he can prepare and present the most compelling arguments for your acquittal.

Attorney Smith has been listed among the top 100 attorneys in Maryland by the National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” professional organization. He holds a 10.0 (Superb) rating as a trial attorney from AVVO, as well as AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Proven Maryland Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer

Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 for a free initial consultation. We represent criminal defendants in Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

The Different Types of Criminal Assault in Maryland

What Must Prosecutors Show? What Are the Penalties?

The Different Types of Criminal Assault in MarylandIn Maryland, when you are charged with assault, it may be either a misdemeanor or a felony. In most instances, second-degree assault will be charged as a misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of no more than a year in jail. However, second-degree assault can lead to 10 years of incarceration and a $2,500 fine. For first-degree criminal assault, the maximum potential sentence is 25 years in prison.

What Are the Elements of Each Offense?

To successfully convict a person on a count of second-degree assault, prosecutors in Maryland must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant engaged in threats, intimidation, violent acts or unwanted touching. The standard is an objective one, based on what a reasonable person would find in the same circumstances.

A first-degree assault charge has the same basic elements, but also requires that the prosecution show that the perpetrator used a weapon, committed serious bodily harm, or assaulted a law enforcement officer.

Proven Maryland Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 40 years, including people charged under Maryland law with any type of narcotics or drug-related offense. SuperLawyers has rated him as one of the top 100 lawyers in Maryland and The American Lawyer Magazine has also listed him as a Top-Rated Lawyer.

Attorney Smith has carried an AV-rating (the highest possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System for more than three decades, a testament from his colleagues in the legal profession. He has also received Martindale-Hubbell’s coveted Client Distinction Award, an award held by less than 4% of all attorneys nationwide. He carries a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a trial lawyer from AVVO and has also earned AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars.

A well-known and respected trial attorney, Jonathan has a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Maryland criminal law and procedure. He knows how to effectively gather and preserve evidence and will take all necessary measures to ensure that law enforcement officers did not violate your constitutional rights.

Contact an Aggressive Baltimore County Criminal Defense Attorney

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we aggressively advocate for criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland, including people charged with any type of child abuse. Contact us online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

ADDRESS :

  • Jonathan Scott Smith 10490 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 200 ,Columbia, MD 21044-4960

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101