Tips for Minimizing the Impact of a Speeding Ticket in Maryland

Ways to Potentially Limit the Consequences of a Citation

Tips for Minimizing the Impact of a Speeding Ticket in MarylandIt happens to many of us at one time or another. You’re behind the wheel and running late, distracted by any number of things. Without even knowing it, you let your speed creep up. Suddenly there are flashing lights in the rearview mirror, and you’re being pulled over for speeding. Unfortunately, such a ticket can put points on our driving record and lead to higher insurance premiums. Here are some things you can do to minimize the impact of a speeding ticket:

  • Ensure that all licenses and insurance documents are up to date—A police officer initially may be willing to give you a warning. However, if your license is expired or has inaccurate information, or your insurance documents are incomplete, the officer may be less accommodating.
  • Treat the officer with courtesy—You don’t want to do anything to put the officer in a bad mood. Be courteous and answer the officer’s questions without being too talkative. To the extent you can, answer questions “yes” or “no.”
  • If you receive a ticket, immediately contact an experienced traffic ticket lawyer.
  • Be willing to enroll in and complete a driving course.

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Baltimore County

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of experience to criminal defendants throughout Baltimore County and the state of Maryland. Attorney Smith is AV-rated by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System and has been named a Maryland Super Lawyer. A recipient of AVVO Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars(the highest rating possible), he also has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) AVVO rating as a litigation attorney and was named a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine.

Attorney Smith will aggressively protect your constitutional rights in any criminal proceeding, from investigation and arrest to arraignment and trial, if necessary. He’ll carefully investigate the details of your traffic stop or citation, so he can make the most compelling arguments in your defense. Smith is a proven trial attorney, with the experience, skill, knowledge, and resources to protect your rights in any criminal matter.

Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Contact criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We handle criminal prosecutions in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland.

The Steps for Getting a Protective Order in Maryland

How to Get a Court Order Restraining the Actions of Another Person

The Steps for Getting a Protective Order in MarylandDo you need to take legal action to limit another person’s contact with you? In the state of Maryland, you can obtain a protective order through either the District Court or Circuit Court in the county where you live. Before a court will issue such an order, you must show how you might be subjected to abuse by the restrainee. That requirement can be met by showing one or more of the following:

  • Actual physical violence in the past—hitting, kicking, shoving, punching, biting, or throwing objects at you
  • Threats or actions that reasonably put you in fear of imminent serious injury
  • Rape or sexual assault
  • Stalking
  • False imprisonment
  • Mental injury to a child

To qualify for a protective order, a person must fall into one of the following categories:

  • A current or former spouse of the abuser
  • A cohabitant of the abuser
  • A person related to the abuser, whether by blood, marriage, or adoption
  • A person who has had a child with the abuser
  • A person who has been involved in a sexual relationship with the abuser within one year of the petition for a protective order
  • A parent, stepparent, or stepchild, provided they have lived with the abuser for at least 90 days in the last 12 months
  • Any vulnerable adult

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Baltimore County

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than three decades of experience to criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland. A recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars(the highest rating possible), he also has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO and was named a 2012 Top-RatedLawyer by The American Lawyer magazine.

Attorney Smith is AV-rated by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System and has been named a Maryland Super Lawyer. He’ll fight for your constitutional rights in any criminal proceeding, from investigation and arrest to arraignment and trial, if necessary. He’ll carefully investigate the facts and circumstances of your arrest and detention in order to present the strongest arguments for your acquittal. He’s a proven trial attorney, with the experience, skill, knowledge, and resources to protect your rights in any criminal matter.

Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Contact criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We handle criminal prosecutions in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland.

The Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License in Maryland

The Consequences of an Arrest and Conviction

The Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License in MarylandMaybe you forgot to renew your driver’s license, or you had an unpaid ticket that caused your driving privileges to be suspended. Then you get pulled over—it’s not really a big deal, is it? Can’t you just explain what happened to the officer and go directly to the license office and reestablish your right to drive? Not necessarily—a ticket for driving on a suspended license can lead to significant penalties, including fines and even jail time.

Driving on a suspended license in Maryland is a misdemeanor. If the prosecutor can show that you knew your license had been revoked or suspended, or that you were charged with the same offense before, the repercussions will typically be more severe. Under Maryland law, if your license is suspended, the minimum penalties include a $500 fine and 60 days in jail, but the court may increase the penalties based on the reasons for the suspension. You’re more likely to get a stiff sentence if your license was suspended due to an accumulation of points on your driving recordthan if you forgot to have your mandatory emissions test conducted. There’s also the potential for 12 points to be added to your driving record, which can lead to a dramatic increase in your auto insurance premiums. The maximum penalty for driving on a suspended license is 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine (along with thepoints on your record).

Proven Criminal Defense Attorney in Baltimore

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is AV-rated by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System and has been named a Maryland Super Lawyer. A recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars(the highest rating possible), Smith also has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) AVVO rating as a litigation attorney. He was named a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine.

Attorney Smith offers more than three decades of experience to criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland. He’ll fight for your constitutional rights in any criminal proceeding, from investigation and arrest to arraignment and trial, if necessary. He’ll carefully investigate the facts and circumstances of your arrest and detention in order to present the strongest arguments for your acquittal. He’s a proven trial attorney, with the experience, skill, knowledge, and resources to protect your rights in any criminal matter.

Ellicott City, Maryland, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Contact criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We handle criminal prosecutions in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland.

The Sale of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS)—Penalties

The Five Categories of Controlled Dangerous Substances

The Sale of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS)—PenaltiesIn the state of Maryland, by statute, controlled dangerous substances fall into five different categories, based on the likelihood of abuse and addiction, as well as the recognized medical value. Those drugs with the least medical value and greatest potential for addiction or abuse are found on Schedule I. Schedules II-V contain those controlled substances that have greater medical use and less risk. As a general rule, the penalties are assessed according to the type of CDS involved.

The Different Potential Penalties for Sale of a CDS

Conviction for the sale of a CDS in Maryland can result in the following consequences:

  • Schedule I and II drugs—
    • First conviction— A fine of up to $25,000 and incarceration for up to 5 years, or both
    • Second conviction—$100,000 fine or 10 years of incarceration, or both
    • Third conviction—$100,000 fine or 25 years in prison, or both
    • Fourth conviction—$100,000 fine or 40 years in prison, or both
  • Schedule III, IV, and V substances—
    • First conviction—A fine of up to $15,000 or up to five years in prison, or both
    • All subsequent convictions—$15,000 fine and additional five years in prison, or both

AV-Rated Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is AV-rated by other attorneys under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System and has been honored as a Maryland Super Lawyer. He received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5stars(the highest rating possible) and was named a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine. He has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.

Attorney Smith brings more than 30 years of experience to criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland. He’ll aggressively protect your constitutional rights in any criminal matter, from investigation and arrest to arraignment and trial. He’ll conduct a thorough investigation in order to prepare and present the most compelling arguments for your acquittal. He’s a proven trial attorney, with the experience, skill, knowledge, and resources to protect your rights in any criminal matter.

Columbia, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Contact criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We handle criminal prosecutions in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Three Charged with Assault of Baltimore Police Officer

Sergeant Says “Inadvertent” Bump Led to Altercation

Three Charged with Assault of Baltimore Police OfficerAn accidental bump as an officer was asking bystanders to disperse led to an altercation where three suspects assaulted the officer, according to Baltimore law enforcement officials. The officer says he had asked a number of people standing in front of a store in the 1500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue to “move along,” when he unintentionally made contact with a 23-year-old man, who apparently turned to the officer and said “the word is excuse me.” Police say the man then spit in the officer’s face.

When the officer attempted to arrest the man, another bystander struck the officer, who fell to the ground. While he was down, other bystanders punched him and kicked him in the head. Shortly thereafter, additional officers arrived and contained the altercation. A 20-year-old male and a teenager were taken into custody.

According to police, bystanders took videos of the attack, corroborating police allegations.

Proven Baltimore Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in the Baltimore metro area and throughout the state of Maryland for more than 30 years. He’s a proven trial attorney with the skill, knowledge and resources to protect your rights in any criminal matter, whether you’re under investigation or charged with a crime. He will gather, assess and preserve all evidence and confirm that police and prosecutors did not violate your constitutional rights. And he’ll identify and question all potential witnesses, so he can develop and present the strongest arguments in your defense.

Attorney Smith has received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars(the highest rating possible). He is AV-rated by other attorneys under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System and has been named a Maryland SuperLawyer. He was honored as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.

Ellicott City, MD Criminal Defense Lawyer

Contact attorney Jonathan Scott Smith by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We protect the rights of criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Edgewood Woman Faces Multiple Homicide Charges for Arson Deaths

Police Say Defendant Intentionally Set Fire in Illegal Group Home

Edgewood Woman Faces Multiple Homicide Charges for Arson DeathsA 60-year-old Edgewood woman has been arrested and charged with three counts of1st degree murder, two counts of attempted first degree murder and first degree arson after three people died in a fire at a home on the 1800 block of Simons Court in Edgewood. Two residents survived the fire, but one sustained burns to 70% of herbody. Police say they found evidence shortly after the May 9 fire suggesting that it was intentionally set, but needed to conduct further investigation. The suspect was arrested and formally charged in July.

Documents filed with the court indicate that the defendant had made numerous threats to burn down the house before the actual fire. In addition, one of the other residents told police that the defendant had started the fire. Thus far, however, no motive has been identified.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers learned that the house was being used as a group home, in violation of Maryland law.

AV-Rated Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings has aggressively protected criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland.He’ll aggressively protect your constitutional rights throughout the criminal process,from investigation and arrest to arraignment and trial. He’ll question all potential witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most compelling arguments in your defense. He’s a highly experienced trial attorney, with the skill, knowledge andresources to protect your rights in any criminal matter. 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 received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He is also 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 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 ouroffice at 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Happy New Year 2020

Happy New Year 2020

Wishing you holidays filled with fun and laughter, and very best wishes for a prosperous new year.

Baltimore Murder Tally Hits 300 for Fifth Consecutive Year

Homicides Up Dramatically Over 2018

Baltimore Murder Tally Hits 300In 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

Law Enforcement Officials Say Crimes Were Described in 2016 Video

Federal Agents Arrest and Charge Rappers with Drug CrimesCiting 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.

Baltimore Prosecutor Says Nearly 800 Convictions Tainted by Corruption

State’s Attorney Seeks to Have Convictions Dismissed

Baltimore Prosecutor Says Nearly 800 Convictions Tainted by CorruptionBaltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby says that almost 800 criminal cases, involving both convictions and plea bargains, should be thrown out because of corruption by police officers. Those cases were linked to 25 police officers who were part of the Gun Trace Task Force, a now-defunct entity. Initially, six officers pled guilty to corruption charges and two were convicted of similar charges. In the course of those trials, another 17 officers were implicated in the wrongdoing. The State’s Attorney office has reviewed more than 2,500 criminal prosecutions to date and found those officers to have “material” connections to 790 cases.

State officials began reviewing the cases more than two years ago and had previously requested that a number of convictions be vacated. Those requests were rejected, as existing law did not allow the State’s Attorney General the legal authority to vacate those cases. A new law was passed, which went into effect at the beginning of October, 2019, conferring that authority.

AV-Rated Columbia, MD Criminal Defense Lawyer

Proven trial attorney Jonathan Scott Smith offers more than three decades of experience to criminal defendants across the greater Baltimore area and throughout the State of Maryland. Smith has been AV-rated (the highest rating possible) by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988 and also has received Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, given to less than 4% of all attorneys in Martindale-Hubbell’s directory. He’s been named one of the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers and tabbed as a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine in 2012.

Attorney Smith has the experience, skill, knowledge and resources to protect your rights in any criminal matter. He’ll carefully gather, assess and preserve all evidence in your case and ensure that police and prosecutors followed the rules. He’ll aggressively protect your constitutional rights throughout the criminal process, from investigation and arrest to arraignment and trial. He’ll meet with and question all prospective witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most convincing arguments in your defense.

The National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” professional organization, has included him as one of the top 100 attorneys in Maryland. Smith also has a 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO and, with an average client review of 5 stars, has received AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, given to less than 1% of all American lawyers who have obtained million-dollar judgments, awards or settlements.

Carroll County, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in 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