Jonathan Smith

Woman Charged as Accessory in Shooting Gets Probation

May 15, 2016 by Jonathan Smith

woman-charged-as-accessory-in-shooting-gets-probation

A Severn woman has been sentenced to serve a period of probation for her involvement in an incident where an Anne Arundel County police officer was shot. Danielle Blake, 30, was initially sentenced to serve eight years in prison for her participation in the events following the shooting. The officer who was shot, Corporal Larry Adams, testified in court that he forgave Blake for her role in the shooting and asked the court not to make her serve any more time in jail. The judge suspended the prison sentence.

According to court records, Blake was in a vehicle with Colvin White, of Annapolis, on April 10, 2015. White had gone to a nearby 7-Eleven to get gas when Corporal Adams approached the vehicle. The officer then went to the 7-Eleven in response to a report of a suspicious person (White). He then chased White into a nearby wooded area, where White shot him twice. White then fled in the van with Blake.

Adams told the court that, in his opinion, Blake had no intention of committing an illegal act that day, and did not initially know that White had shot him.

Highly Respected Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than three decades. He is a recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible), and has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO. Attorney Smith has also built an outstanding reputation with his colleagues in the legal profession, earning an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also listed as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Baltimore, MD

If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime, we can help. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Former Howard County School Teacher Sentenced for Sexual Assault of Boy

May 5, 2016 by Jonathan Smith

sexual-assault-of-boy

A former Howard County school teacher was sentenced to five years in jail after luring a 14-year-old boy out of his bedroom at night by misrepresenting himself as a 16-year-old. The teacher, who worked as a technology teacher and as a coach in the Howard County School system since 2003, pled not guilty last year to a third-degree sexual offense. Prosecutors say he went on a teen dating website, posted false pictures and misrepresented his age. They say that he lured the 14-year-old out of his home to meet him on a local tennis court in July, 2014. The boy subsequently reported the teacher to the police, who conducted an investigation that led to his arrest the following December.

After the teacher was convicted, his attorney asked that his sentence be suspended, but the judge only suspended four of the five years, and placed him on five years of supervised probation.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Maryland

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of criminal defendants for more than 30 years. Smith has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and is also respected by his colleagues in the legal profession, who have given him an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Because of his record and reputation, he has been a multiple recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). Smith was also lauded as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Top-Rated Ellicott City and Columbia, MD, Criminal Defense Lawyer

We aggressively defend people throughout Maryland who are facing criminal charges. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Sexual Assault, Uncategorized

Columbia Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charges

April 14, 2016 by Jonathan Smith

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A 45-year-old Columbia man was arrested last Thursday by Maryland State Police, charged with multiple counts of owning, possessing and distributing child pornography. A resident in the 5600 block of Steven Forest Road, was detained by officers from the Computer Crimes Unit after they conducted a search of his home, pursuant to a warrant. Officials say they received information recently that led them to initiate an investigation. During the course of that investigation, they identified the resident as being involved in the dissemination of child pornography.

A spokesperson for the Maryland State Police said the investigation began in late February when they received an internet-based tip. During the search last Thursday, conducted jointly by the state police and by Homeland Security agents, officers found evidence of child pornography on his cell phone.

AV-Rated Ellicott City Criminal Defense Attorney

Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has more than 30 years of experience successfully protecting the rights of criminal defendants. He has been a multiple recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). Smith has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and is also respected by his colleagues in the legal profession, who have given him the top rating available under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Greater Baltimore Area

We aggressively represent people who have been charged with a criminal act. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Child Pornography Tagged With: cell phone, Homeland Security, Maryland State Police

Hotel Staff Help Police Make Human Trafficking Arrest

April 1, 2016 by Jonathan Smith

human-trafficking

Suspecting that the hotel was being used for prostitution, the staff at a hotel in Ellicott City tipped off police, who arrested a 39-year-old Elkton man and charged him with human trafficking. According to police, the suspect, Berris Munroe advertised the services of a 21-year-old New York woman online, and would arrange to bring her to the hotel to provide sexual services to customers.

Employees of the hotel, which has thus far not been named, apparently called police on Monday after seeing traffic in and out of one of the rooms. When police arrived, they found Munroe and the young woman in the room. Monroe was also charged with disorderly conduct. The woman has been placed with a victim advocate service to help her get back to New York.

Highly Respected Criminal Defense Attorney in the Baltimore Area

Jonathan Scott Smith has protected the rights of criminal defendants throughout Maryland for more than 30 years. Because of his record and reputation for effective representation, he has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). A Maryland Super Lawyer, Smith has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and has also built an outstanding reputation with his colleagues in the legal profession, earning an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Ellicott City Criminal Defense Lawyer

For aggressive defense in a criminal matter, contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Howard County Officer Faces Multiple Criminal Charges after DUI

March 31, 2016 by Jonathan Smith

criminal-charges

In the aftermath of a hit-and-run in Prince George’s County, a Howard County law enforcement officer faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to control speed to avoid a collision, and transporting a minor while driving under the influence. Corporal Corey Britton, 37, was allegedly driving on MD 202 near Watkins Park Drive in Upper Marlboro on Tuesday, October 6, when he struck a car from behind. The owner of the car said that he got out of his car temporarily, appeared to be unsteady on his feet, and then left the scene without waiting for police to arrive. The woman took pictures of both vehicles, allowing officials to identify Britton as owner of the other car.

Baltimore County, Maryland, Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has fought for the rights of criminal defendants across Maryland for more than 30 years. He has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and is also respected by his colleagues in the legal profession, who have given him an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Because of his record and reputation, Smith has been a multiple recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Top-Rated Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

We fight for the rights of criminal defendants. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Drunk Driver Sentenced to Three Years for Injuring Police Officer

March 29, 2016 by Jonathan Smith

injuring-police

A Maryland man has been sentenced to three years in prison after he struck a police officer with his car while driving under the influence of alcohol. Lennwood Saunders, 35, was driving a Chevy Tahoe on October 21, 2015, when he “felt something.” Shortly thereafter, he was pulled over by Montgomery County police officer Michael Murphy, who after asking for his license, informed Saunders that what he “felt” was his side-view mirror striking the officer in the rib cage. Murphy suffered a broken rib, but was able to run to his vehicle and chase Saunders down. Officials say the severity of the sentence stems from the fact that Saunders has multiple DUI convictions and the fact that he nearly killed the officer.

AV-Rated Maryland DUI Defense Attorney

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of criminal defendants for more than 30 years. Because of his record and reputation, he has been a multiple recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and is also respected by his colleagues in the legal profession, who have given him the top rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer in Ellicott City and Columbia, MD

If you or someone you love faces any type of criminal charge, you want experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorneys to protect your rights.Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Mother Who Abandoned Baby on Road Pleads Guilty

February 23, 2016 by Jonathan Smith

mother-who-abandoned-baby-on-road-pleads-guilty

Anne Arundel County prosecutors have accepted a guilty plea from a 26-year-old woman who left her two-month-old daughter in a child carrier on the road in the 900 block of Druid Hill Avenue in Pasadena. As a part of the plea agreement, the woman was sentenced to five years in prison, with all but five months suspended as time served. She will be on probation for the five-year-period and must complete drug and alcohol treatment, as well as a parenting class. She is also prohibited from having any unlawful contact with her children.

Police say the defendant had a physical altercation with the father of the child on the 4th of July. She apparently set the child by the side of the road during the confrontation. The infant was left alone on the roadside for more than an hour before passers-by rescued her.

Top-Rated Columbia and Ellicott City, MD, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 30 years. Because of his record and reputation for effective representation, he has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and has also built an outstanding reputation with his colleagues in the legal profession, earning an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also recognized as a 2013 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Baltimore County, Maryland

At the law office of Jonathan Scott Smith, we aggressively defend people charged with any crime. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/mother-who-abandoned-baby-on-road-pleads-guilty/36720732

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, domestic violence lawyer

Man Arrested in Rosedale Stabbings

February 8, 2016 by Jonathan Smith

man-arrested-in-rosedale-stabbings

Police in Baltimore County have taken a local man into custody, charging him with attempted first degree murder, first and second-degree assault and home invasion in connection with a Thanksgiving Day attack that injured three people.

According to law enforcement officers, they received a call around 2 am on Thanksgiving morning from a residence on Nancy Court in Baltimore. Witnesses say a small group of people had gathered at the residence when a visitor arrived. The suspect apparently assaulted the visitor with a knife. A woman at the residence attempted to break up the fight, and the visitor fled.

The woman and another party at the home were taken to the hospital with multiple knife wounds to their upper bodies. The visitor who subsequently fled had minor wounds that did not require hospitalization. None of the injuries were considered to be life-threatening.

Top-Rated Ellicott City Criminal Defense Attorney

Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has more than 30 years of experience successfully protecting the rights of criminal defendants. He has been a multiple recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). Smith has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and is also respected by his colleagues in the legal profession, who have given him the top rating available under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also recognized as a 2013 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Greater Baltimore Area

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/man-arrested-in-rosedale-stabbings/36718630

Filed Under: Assault, Criminal Defense

Police Seize Marijuana with Street Value of $1.45 Million

January 21, 2016 by Jonathan Smith

Maryland State Police, in conjunction with the Queen Anne’s County Drug Task Force and the Kent County Narcotics Task Force, busted a marijuana cultivation operation in August that led to the seizure of plants with an estimated street value of nearly one and a half million dollars. The 15-acre property, located near Chesterville Bridge Road in Chesterville and Kent, has apparently been abandoned for a number of years. The owners, who live in Delaware, are reported to visit the property only occasionally and are not suspected of being involved in the operation.

Law enforcement officials say they became suspicious of illegal drug activity there and conducted surveillance for several days, but did not observe any activity on the property or any traffic in or out of the property. In late August, after obtaining a search warrant, officers went into the home, which had been covered with plywood. Inside, they discovered a seedling area, where marijuana plants were started before transfer outside. They also found processed marijuana, large plastic bags, a heat sealer and some personal items belonging to one of the suspects.

Outside, officers found more than 714 adult marijuana plants, some nearly 10 feet tall. The plots all had irrigation and fertilization systems in place. A pit bull was chained near the entrance to the fields. The dog has since been adopted.

Highly Respected Criminal Defense Attorney in the Baltimore Area

Jonathan Scott Smith has protected the rights of criminal defendants throughout Maryland for more than 30 years. Because of his record and reputation for effective representation, he has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). A Maryland Super Lawyer, Smith has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and has also built an outstanding reputation with his colleagues in the legal profession, earning an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also recognized as a 2013 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Ellicott City Criminal Defense Lawyer

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/marijuana-worth-145m-seized-in-kent-county/35795266

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Howard County Police Charge Three with Human Trafficking

January 7, 2016 by Jonathan Smith

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Law enforcement officers in Howard County have arrested and charged three people—two men and a woman—with human trafficking and prostitution after the culmination of a two-month investigation. Officers say that the three posted advertisements on Backpage.com, with pictures of women who could be paid for sex.

They suspect that the three have as many as 12 women under their control, keeping them housed in a hotel in Baltimore. Based on their investigation, they believe that the three defendants supplied drugs to the women to keep them high, used sleep-deprivation tactics, and physically and sexually assaulted the women. The defendants allegedly set up all prostitution liaisons and took all money for any sexual acts performed.

The investigation apparently came to a head when police received a call from the TA Truck Stop in Jessup, alleging that someone was engaging in prostitution there. When officers arrived, they recognized a woman whose picture had appeared on Backpage.com.

Baltimore County, Maryland, Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has fought for the rights of criminal defendants across Maryland for more than 30 years. He has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and is also respected by his colleagues in the legal profession, who have given him an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Because of his record and reputation, Smith has been a multiple recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). Smith was also recognized as a 2013 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Top-Rated Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/howard-county-police-charge-3-with-human-trafficking/36501016

Filed Under: criminal defense lawyer

Jonathan Scott Smith Criminal Defense Firm

Woman Charged as Accessory in Shooting Gets Probation