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Baltimore Police Set for Cell Phone, Seat Belt Crackdowns

February 10, 2014 by

Baltimore Police Set to Enforce New Laws on Cell Phone and Seat Belt Use

seat_belt
In the wake of the passage of new laws in Maryland limiting the use of cell phones while driving, police have issued a statement indicating that the law will be strictly enforced, reported The Baltimore Sun. The announcement indicated that checkpoints would be set up starting in early October. Police said they will also use the checkpoints to monitor whether motorists are complying with a new law that requires all adult passengers to wear a seat belt. The enforcement is expected to be citywide.

In 2010, Maryland lawmakers passed a bill making it a “secondary” offense to use a handheld device while behind the wheel of a car, meaning that the law could only be enforced if there were other violations of the law. In 2013, the General Assembly upgraded the cell phone offense to a “primary” violation, giving law enforcement officers the authority to stop a motorist who breaks the cell phone law.

Maryland’s seat belt law previously required drivers and front-seat passengers to wear a restraint. The new law, however, makes it a “secondary” offense for an adult to ride in the backseat without a seat belt.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Maryland

Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has aggressively protected the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 30 years. He carries a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and has received the Clients’ Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He is also widely respected by 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 and experienced criminal defense representation, contact our office by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: traffic charges

Black Guerrilla Family Member Pleads Guilty

January 29, 2014 by

Black Guerrilla Family Lieutenant Cops to Plea on Drug Smuggling Charge

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Based on evidence obtained from a female corrections officer with whom he was involved, a man authorities say was the second in command in the Black Guerrilla Family gang has pleaded guilty to a drug smuggling charge, reported The Baltimore Sun. The man, who joined the gang in 2011, was apparently the cellmate of the BGF’s jail leader. The drug smuggling ring was apparently run from within the state’s correctional system, with the assistance of a number of corrections officers. In April 2013, it was announced that 25 people, including 13 corrections officers, had been charged with racketeering as well as drug and money laundering.

In the case involving the BGF’s number-two man, authorities intercepted a call between the suspect and the corrections officer with whom he was involved on which the suspect discussed using a debit card to obtain money to purchase drugs. When police brought the corrections officer in for questioning, they found that she had kept a ledger for her lover, listing all of his illegal transactions. The corrections officer also pleaded guilty to smuggling controlled substances.

Highly Respected Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has protected the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than three decades. He is a recipient of the Clients’ 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

Regardless of the charges you face, we will aggressively protect your constitutional rights. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense

Glen Burnie Man Arrested after Rash of “Smash and Grab” Burglaries

January 14, 2014 by

Suspect Detained for Spate of “Smash and Grab” Burglaries

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After a September 20 robbery at Parks Liquors in Deale, police used surveillance video evidence to identify the motor vehicle used in the crime. When they stopped a vehicle matching that description, they located tools in the car that they believe were used in the liquor store robbery as well as a number of similar “smash and grab” burglaries of small businesses throughout Anne Arundel County, reported The Baltimore Sun.

According to authorities, the suspect had a tire iron and used it to break the front-door glass at nine businesses across the county. The first known robbery, at a Starbucks in Severna Park, occurred on July 28. Though the first three break-ins all took place in Severna Park, police believe the suspect then moved to other locations in the county, from Gambrills to Glen Burnie to Edgewater. The suspect, a 54-year-old male, apparently lives in Glen Burnie. Police say that their investigation is not closed and that there may be other unsolved robberies tied to the suspect.

Maryland Criminal 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 Clients’ 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 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.

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

We aggressively protect the constitutional rights of anyone facing criminal charges in Maryland. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense

Towson Attorney Faces Drug Charges

January 7, 2014 by

Baltimore Grand Jury Indicts Lawyer on Drug Conspiracy Charge

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A former public defender and private defense attorney with offices in Towson faces drug-related charges, along with 12 others, after a Baltimore County grand jury returned an indictment in early October, reported The Baltimore Sun. After what authorities termed a “lengthy investigation,” police executed 10 search warrants, seizing a wide range of controlled substances, including heroin, cocaine, marijuana and prescription drugs, such as Hydrocodone, Alprazolam (Xanax), Oxycodone and Suboxone. Officers also seized a number of weapons.

Though police did not provide additional details, sources say that the attorney’s son was also charged. The charges include conspiracy with intent to distribute, as well as possession. The attorney has been a member of the state bar for more than 20 years. The indictment was based on evidence gathered between May and September.

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

Attorney 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 Clients’ 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 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Baltimore County, Maryland, Criminal Defense Attorney

Regardless of the charges you face, we will aggressively protect your constitutional rights. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense

Police Nab Suspect in Glen Burnie Gas Station Shooting

December 30, 2013 by

Glen Burnie Man Charged with Attempted Murder, Other Counts

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Authorities in Anne Arundel County arrested a 39-year-old man in early October, charging him with firing twice into a car leaving a Sunoco station on Hospital Drive on September 24, according to The Baltimore Sun. Police say that evidence suggests the shooting was part of a drug deal gone bad. One person was taken to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center as a result of the altercation.

According to police, information gathered from witnesses led them to a home in the 400 block of Ingram Court. When they executed a search warrant, they found evidence that tied the resident to the Glen Burnie shooting. Police also found a stolen handgun. The suspect faces multiple charges, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of attempted second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of reckless endangerment and a charge of using a handgun during the commission of a violent crime.

Authorities say the suspect is being held at the Jennifer Road Detention Center in Annapolis, with a bond of $5 million in the attempted murder case and $100,000 for the firearms violation.

Top-Rated 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 30 years. Because of his record and reputation for effective representation, he has been awarded the Clients’ 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 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Ellicott City and Columbia, MD

Regardless of the charges you face, we will aggressively protect your constitutional rights. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense

Conviction in Double Shooting

December 19, 2013 by

North Laurel Man Found Guilty of Two Counts of Attempted Murder

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A jury returned a guilty verdict against a North Laurel man who was charged with two counts of attempted murder in an altercation that took place at a beauty salon in Ellicott City, reported The Baltimore Sun. The 36-year-old man was convicted of first- and second-degree attempted murder for shooting his estranged girlfriend and another person at a nail care and hair salon on July 14, 2012. Both victims survived, though initially in critical condition. The suspect evaded capture for eight months before turning himself in.

In addition to the attempted homicide charges, the defendant was also convicted of violating a protective order, reckless endangerment and two counts of using a firearm in a crime of violence. Authorities confirm that the other injured party was the sister of the man the defendant’s ex-girlfriend was dating.

Ellicott City, MD, Criminal Defense Lawyer

With more than three decades in practice, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has a long track record of obtaining positive results for people facing criminal charges throughout Maryland. He takes a thorough approach to criminal defense, carefully examining the facts and circumstances of your case and confirming that police followed proper procedures and that your constitutional rights were not violated.

Attorney Smith has built a strong reputation with clients and colleagues, earning honors as a Maryland Super Lawyer and an AV rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell, he has also received the Clients’ Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He also holds a 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.

Maryland Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer

To learn how we can help protect your rights in a criminal matter, contact our office online or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We defend people throughout Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Assault Charge Against Howard County Football Coach Dropped

December 16, 2013 by

Coach Faced Assault of Charge after On-Field Altercation

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In the aftermath of an on-field melee between the Mt. Hebron and Centennial football teams during the first quarter of a game on September 21, an assistant coach faced charges filed by the father of a Mt. Hebron quarterback. The father alleged that the defendant violently pushed his son to the ground, causing a “severe fracture” of the player’s right wrist, according to The Baltimore Sun. The assistant coach denied that he engaged in any aggressive behavior, saying that he acted defensively to try to keep a fight from escalating.

According to reports, a fight broke out near the end of the first quarter, as players from both teams started throwing punches. The accused admitted going onto the field in an attempt to break up the fight, but adamantly denied committing an assault.

On December 3, 2013, the assault charges against the coach were dismissed after the Howard County State’s Attorney conducted an investigation and concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute, reported The Baltimore Sun.

Top-Rated Maryland Assault Lawyer

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 30 years, including assault charges. Because of his record and reputation for effective representation, he has been awarded the Clients’ 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 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Ellicott City and Columbia, MD

Regardless of the charges you face, we will zealously protect your constitutional rights. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Assault, Criminal Defense

Drug Possession Charges Filed Against Howard County Man

December 9, 2013 by

Savage Man Arrested for Drug Possession

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On September 30, 2013, Howard County Police detectives raided the home of a resident in the 9000 block of Baltimore Street, reported The Baltimore Sun. Acting on an anonymous tip, officers executed a search warrant, which produced extensive evidence to support drug possession charges, including manufacturing, production and distribution of marijuana.

According to police reports, the drug possession charges resulted after Howard County police discovered that the resident had retrofitted a room under the house for the cultivation of marijuana, installing heat insulation, a ventilation system and high-density lighting. The defendant had even employed scented materials to conceal the smell of the plants. Detectives found marijuana plants and seeds, as well as fertilizer and baggies of pot, both in the house and in an adjacent shed. During their search, they also uncovered a loaded handgun as well as other firearms.

The residence had been a licensed child care center, but officials at the state’s Department of Education confirmed that the license was suspended. The Howard County man has been released on bond, but police say the investigation is not closed and that other charges may ensue.

Howard County, MD, Drug Possession Attorney

With more than three decades in practice, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has a long track record of obtaining positive results for people facing criminal and drug possession charges throughout Maryland. He takes a thorough approach to criminal defense, carefully examining the facts and circumstances of your case, and confirming that police followed proper procedures and your constitutional rights were not violated.

Attorney Smith has built a strong reputation with clients and colleagues, earning honors as a Maryland Super Lawyer and an AV rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell, he has also received the Clients’ Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He also holds a 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.

Maryland Drug Possession Lawyer

To learn how we can help protect your constitutional rights in a criminal matter, or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We defend people throughout Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Marijuana

Simple Assault Defense in Columbia, Maryland

January 10, 2013 by

What is Assault?

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In Maryland assault you can be charged with assault even if you do not physically harm someone. Just attempting to touch another person without that person’s agreement and causing them to be fearful of being touched is considered an assault crime in Columbia and elsewhere throughout Maryland.

In a typical simple assault arrest, the police have been called to someone’s home for a domestic altercation, or somewhere to break up a fight. Even if one person was acting in self-defense, the police often arrest both parties anyway. Sometimes, the person who has signs of injury is the one who is spared arrest, even if he or she started the fight. Other times, the person who gets to the police first avoids arrest, even though that person initiated the fight. And just touching a police officer is also considered assault.

Assault Convictions Can Mean 10 Years Jail Time

Even if you never should have been arrested and the police have made a mistake, you will still be facing up to ten years in prison if you are charged with a simple assault, also known as a second-degree assault. Second degree assault is a misdemeanor and carries a fine of up to $2500.

It helps to have an attorney experienced defending clients who have found themselves in unfortunate situations like these.

Second Degree Assault Defined

Assault in the second degree happens when one person physically injures another. The injuries can be minor or cause physical injury, but not serious or permanent injury.

Second-degree assault also includes causing a reasonable person to fear imminent physical harm. This means that even if you did not physically touch another person but you caused them to have a reasonable fear of being hurt by you, you could potentially be charged with assault.

Battery, which is also considered an assault crime, means unlawfully, offensively touching another person without his or her agreement. In most situations, however, assault does refer to a fight or disagreement that has turned physically violent.

Highly Rated Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor with over 30 years of courtroom experience. 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.
  • “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.

Defense Against Simple Assault Charges in Columbia, MD

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

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, Domestic Assault Tagged With:

Shoplifting Charges in Howard County, MD

December 18, 2012 by

Theft Charges for Shoplifting
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A shoplifting arrest at the Columbia Center Mall in Kennewick, WA involved a 31-year-old mom who stripped all her clothes off to prove she had not stolen anything, according to news reports. The mother in question evidently was stopped for shoplifting and refused to put her clothes back on. When police did arrive, the mother’s daughter, age 9, revealed a jewelry box hidden under her shirt.

If you have been arrested for shoplifting charges in Howard County or elsewhere throughout Maryland, it is important to have an experienced criminal lawyer represent you.

Penalties for Thefts Under $1,000 — Misdemeanor

In Maryland, penalties on conviction of theft of less than $100 can be up to 90 days in jail or a fine up to $500, or both. For theft convictions over $100 but less than $1,000, jail time can be up to 18 months, with a fine up to $500, or both. Additionally, the person convicted must make restitution to the owner of the property stolen. Anything under $1,000 is a misdemeanor.

Felony Charges – Shoplift More Than $1,000

If the value of the items stolen is more than $1,000, the crime is considered a felony under Maryland criminal law.

23 Million People Accused of Shoplifting in the US

According to Shoplifters Alternative, about 23 million people shoplift, and one-quarter of these are teenagers. Howard County shopping malls like Columbia Mall offer significant temptations, and there are occasions when people make mistakes in judgment.

If you have been arrested for shoplifting anything from a pair of jeans to an expensive electronic item, you must take action to protect your rights and avoid a criminal record if at all possible. A conviction on a shoplifting charge can impact your ability to get a job, a college loan, and possibly even your ability to get credit.

Talking with an attorney experienced in investigating and successfully defending clients against shoplifting charges, or any other type of theft, can be critical to the outcome of your case.

Criminal Lawyer Howard County MD

Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of extensive trial experience. Attorney Smith has handled thousands of criminal cases in the local courts, including cases involving shoplifting and theft. With a solid and longstanding reputation for personal service and thorough preparation, we get many of our new cases as referrals from existing or former clients, or from other attorneys. Mr. Smith fights hard for his clients. That’s why many satisfied clients think so highly of him.

Top Rated Columbia and Ellicott City MD Shoplifting Defense Attorney

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in shoplifting, theft, and other criminal cases— has earned him the recognition of his peers, with an AV® Preeminent™* Peer Review Rating in the Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating process, and a 10.0 Superb AVVO rating. These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition. Attorney Smith is considered to be one of the best criminal lawyers in Howard County.

Arrested for Shoplifting? Contact Experienced Theft Defense Attorney in Howard County, MD

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

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney Tagged With:

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