Probation Violation Cases in Howard County, MD

Probation Violation Cases
probation-violation
Probation is an agreement that lets you stay out of jail and potentially avoid a criminal record, depending on the specific terms of your agreement. In exchange for your freedom, you must follow certain rules.

The probation agreement may last for months or years, depending on the nature of the offense for which you were convicted. During this time, a probation officer supervises you, the probationer.

Probation Terms

Terms of probation may include:

  • Regular meetings with your probation officer
  • Obeying all laws (i.e. not being arrested or convicted for another crime)
  • Taking randomly scheduled alcohol and drug tests
  • Going to counseling
  • Maintaining employment and attending school
  • Paying fines and court costs
  • Performing community service
  • Paying restitution

Probation Violation Can Result in Jail Time

Violating any part of your probation agreement, especially being convicted of another criminal offense or not reporting to your probation agent, may result in a probation revocation. If your probation officer has reported you for probation violation, you will have to go to probation violation hearing.

Come Prepared to a Probation Violation Hearing

This is a court appearance for which you must be prepared, otherwise you may lose probation and be sent to jail to serve out your original sentence. An attorney can potentially intervene and discuss your situation with your probation officer, explaining all the ways you have been adhering to your probation agreement and how you intend to fulfill the remainder of the agreement.

If your probation agent still insists on going forward with a probation revocation hearing, an experienced probation violation defense attorney can help the judge understand any potential extenuating circumstances that may have contributed to an alleged probation violation. Additionally, a lawyer can effectively help the judge understand all the good things you have done during probation so a more balanced picture of you is in mind before a decision about your future is made.

Probation Violation Lawyer Howard County MD

Mr. 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 charges for probation violation. 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 Criminal Defense Attorney

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in violation of probation, 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.

Act Now to Protect Your Freedom. Contact an Experienced Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Are you facing a potential probation violation? Howard County criminal defense attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has the skill, knowledge, and experience to fight for you and do everything possible to try and keep you out of jail.

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

Defense Against Marijuana Cultivation Charge – Maryland

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Maryland law enforcement officials take cultivation or the growing of marijuana seriously. Overzealous police and detectives may use intrusive and possibly unlawful investigative techniques to ferret out marijuana cultivation growers. They may use technology that unlawfully invades the privacy of Maryland residents. They analyze water and electric bills to discern whether excessive quantities are being used to grow marijuana for possible sale or distribution.

It’s not right. It’s not fair. But it happens. And if you have been arrested on a marijuana cultivation charge, having an attorney experienced in defending clients against these types of charges can mean the difference between your having a bright future and spending many years in prison.

Mandatory Minimum Sentence on Conviction

If you have been convicted of a drug crime in the past, you may be facing a mandatory minimum sentence if you are convicted a second time. Depending on the quantity of marijuana plants confiscated or the weight of the marijuana you have been arrested for, you may be facing a mandatory minimum sentence on conviction of a marijuana cultivation charge.

Questions in Any Marijuana Cultivation Charge Case

  • How did law enforcement officials learn of the marijuana cultivation?
  • Was the search and seizure of the marijuana in accordance with the law?
  • Did the police have probable cause to arrest you?
  • Did authorities have a warrant to search the premises or the property?
  • Were water or electric utility bills obtained in a legal manner?
  • Were the rights of the person charged violated at any point during the arrest or thereafter?
  • Was the marijuana being grown for personal medical use?

Top Rated Howard County Drug Possession Attorney

Mr. 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 numerous marijuana and drug possession charges. 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.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in marijuana and drug possession charges, 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.

Defend Against Marijuana Cultivation Charges – MD Criminal Defense Attorney

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.

Mandatory Minimum Statutes in Maryland

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Mandatory minimum sentences mean that a person must serve a pre-determined minimum sentence upon conviction. Mandatory minimums most severely impact second offenders, especially in cases involving drug charges.

Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws Inflict Extreme Harm

The problem with these mandatory minimum laws is that they do not take into account the specific circumstances of each individual’s case. Mandatory minimums are imposed on those convicted of murder as well as those who have been arrested for victimless crimes, such as smoking marijuana. The sentences are often disproportionately harsh on the convicted person, and judges have no discretion in meting out lighter sentences in mandatory minimum cases.

Minimum sentencing laws inflict extreme punishment in some cases that is significantly out of step with a fair and just criminal justice system.

Victimless Crimes Can Be Subject to Mandatory Minimums

For example, a person who perhaps has been arrested for multiple “victimless” crimes, such as public drunkenness or marijuana use, can be locked up for many years thanks to the mandatory minimum sentencing laws. What is needed is treatment to save a life, not punishment to destroy a life at the taxpayers’ expense.

Even if you have been arrested on a minor drug or other criminal charge, it is important to retain an attorney who understands how to build a strong case in your behalf. If you have one conviction on your record, and are arrested and tried again, you may be subject to mandatory minimum sentencing in Maryland.

Crimes Requiring Mandatory Minimum Sentences

  • Second offense drug crimes
  • Firearms offenses
  • Child abuse
  • Child pornography
  • Violent crimes, including murder and homicide
  • Sex assault, including sexual offense and rape

Third Offense for Certain Drug Crimes – 25 Years No Parole

If you have been convicted as a repeat offender and are now facing a third offense for certain types of drug crimes, you could be facing a mandatory 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole.

Studies have shown that mandatory minimum sentencing laws do not prevent or deduce drug use, drug addiction, or drug selling.

Columbia, and Ellicott City Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

Mr. 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 repeat offenders and mandatory minimum sentencing cases. 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 Criminal Lawyer Howard County, MD

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in 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.

Protect Your Freedom and Your Future—Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney

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.

Maryland Medical Marijuana Defense

Arrested for Medical Marijuana Use or Possession in Maryland?

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If you have been arrested for possession of marijuana, but you are using it out of medical necessity, Maryland law allows an affirmative medical marijuana defense. This means that medical marijuana use has reduced the potential penalty depending on the amount of marijuana in possession.

The general penalty for possession of marijuana is a sentence up to 1 year or a fine up to $500, or both. There is no jail penalty, and only a maximum of a $100 fine, if the accused possessed one ounce or less of marijuana for medical purposes and can demonstrate a legitimate medical need for the cannabis.

How do I Establish a Medical Marijuana Defense?

To establish a medical necessity defense, you must prove the following:

  • You have a “debilitating medical condition” that has been diagnosed by a physician with whom you have a “bona fide physician-patient relationship;”
  • The debilitating medical condition is severe and resistant to conventional medicine; and
  • Marijuana is likely to provide you with therapeutic or palliative relief from the debilitating medical condition.

The defense may not be used if you were using marijuana in a public place, or in possession of more than 1 ounce of marijuana.

Feds Not on Board with Medical Marijuana Use

Despite state lawmakers legalizing medical marijuana, federal law enforcement officials are not on board. For example federal prosecutors recently sent nearly 60 letters to medical marijuana clinics in Orange County, Florida, where it is legal to dispense medical marijuana, threatening criminal charges if they continued to sell medical marijuana.

What Amount Is Legal?

Those who cultivate marijuana or who have larger amounts can still raise that affirmative defense, and can have their sentence mitigated. However, this is far more difficult. Sometimes, a person who uses marijuana for medical purposes will grow many marijuana plants, so that they can have a continuous, inexpensive supply. The police may not see it that way, however.

Top Rated Howard County Drug Possession Attorney

Mr. 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 numerous possession of marijuana and drug possession charges. 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.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in possession of marijuana and drug possession charges, 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, 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.

Contact Us

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.

Embezzlement Crimes in Howard County, MD

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Embezzlement most often involves an individual, generally an employee, embezzling (or unlawfully taking) money or property from a business or an individual. Embezzlement and business fraud are considered white-collar crimes, because they are not violent. Nonetheless, these crimes on conviction carry harsh sentences.

Law enforcement officials are focusing more aggressively on ferreting out crimes of embezzlement and fraud, including:

  • Wire fraud
  • Mail fraud
  • Internet fraud
  • Tax embezzlement fraud
  • Identity theft and cyber crime
  • Credit card fraud
  • Forgery
  • Identity theft

Fraud Enforcement Task Force Aggressively Pursues Embezzlement Crimes

The Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force was recently established by President Barack Obama to aggressively, proactively, and with coordinated effort investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The force includes regulatory agencies, federal agencies, inspectors general, and law enforcement officials at the local and state level, all of which work together to fight embezzlement and financial fraud.

Cases: Former Fast Food Franchise President Guilty of $885,000 Wire Fraud

The task force was involved in investigating the embezzlement case involving Mark Chandler Goodnow, 55. The president and CEO of a national fast food franchise based in Severna Park, Maryland, pleaded guilty to wire fraud involving more than $885,000 from the corporation he controlled. He is now facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

In yet another case, a Maryland woman was sentenced to 15 months in prison after embezzling more than $900,000 from XM Satellite Radio. Valencia Person, 54, was sentenced this past August. Evidently, Person and an accomplice deposited money that was meant to go to the radio station’s vendors into the conspirator’s bank account.

Another woman, Katherine Haddaway, embezzled more than $335,000 from her former employer over a three year time period. Haddaway was found guilty in Talbot County of 37 counts of fraudulently taking money from Wayne Hilmer. There was a significant paper trail involved in the trial, with prosecutors introducing 345 exhibits to prove their case.

Embezzlement and fraud cases are complicated to prosecute and defend, often involving complex paper and cyber trails. You need to retain an attorney who has the knowledge and experience necessary to track effectively the evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Howard County

If you are under investigation for embezzlement, fraud, or any other white-collar crime, talk with an attorney at the Smith Criminal Defense Firm, in Columbia, MD. Let a former prosecutor fight for your rights and freedom. Call 410-740-0101 or email us to schedule a consultation.

Authorities Target DUI Drivers on Holidays

Maryland has targeted Thanksgiving with mobile and stationary patrols. Additionally, the Maryland State Police’s operation “Centerpoint Strikeforce” regularly sets up checkpoints throughout the state.

The Centerpoint Strikeforce operation recently checked 130 cars near the Md. 85 and Executive Way in just a four-hour weekend-period, but no one was arrested on drunk driving charges. This particular Maryland location was chosen because of the area’s relative frequency of DUI arrests and crashes involving alcohol.

Interestingly, the American Beverage Institute notes a University of Maryland study (2009) that indicates sobriety checkpoints do not in fact affect drivers’ actions. Rather, research seems to indicate that roving police cars tend to make more DUI arrests.

Throughout the United States authorities have been cracking down on DUI drivers just before and during holidays. For those interested, it is possible to find the location of these DUI police checkpoints online, through websites devoted specifically to tracking DUI checkpoints. Also, police departments often announce their plans to conduct sobriety checkpoints (but not the locations).

Holidays such as Labor Day typically have more drunk-driving related crashes. For instance, during Labor Day weekend in 2010, 147 people died as a result of car crashes that involved a drunk driver.

Accused of DUI or DWI in MD? Contact an Experience Criminal Defense Attorney

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

Expungement of Criminal Records in Maryland

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Were you that information regarding the criminal charge and/or court proceeding is accessible to the public, employers and others? Would you like to know more about clearing your criminal record? In many instances, individuals can have their criminal records in Maryland cleared or “expunged.” Expungement is the destruction of the records, or removal of records from public inspection.

In Maryland, many records and files may be expunged from public viewing, including:

  • Motor Vehicle Administration driving records
  • Police files
  • Court files
  • Probation files

Howard County Expungement Lawyer

Expungement of records is a complicated process that is most easily done with the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith of the Smith Criminal Defense Firm has successfully expunged records for many clients. At our office we can:

  • Prepare your Petition for Expungement and related papers
  • File your documents and required copies
  • Appear in court to petition your Expungement
  • Follow-up and ensure all agencies expunge the records

When Your Record is Expunged, Potential Employers Won’t See Your Record

A criminal record can cause many problems in your life. The most serious and immediate problem will likely be employment issues.

Attorney Smith has practiced criminal law for over three decades and has successfully helped many people by expunging their records and eliminating barriers to employment. He also has a well-earned reputation for providing the personal service and thorough preparation needed to complete the expungement of records. Contact us online or call 410-740-0101. Let us help you with expungement today.

Attorney for Possession of Marijuana Charges in Maryland

Penalties, Enhancements and Other Elements that Could Affect Your Case and Your Rights

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Any marijuana criminal charge in Maryland is serious. Possession and distribution charges, however, can become significantly more serious depending on such factors as the number of convictions, the quantity of marijuana in question, and the location of the incident (for instance, proximity to a school can result in increased penalties).

For instance, incarceration durations can more than double in sale and distribution charges when quantities exceed 45 kilograms. Also, for any second or subsequent conviction, the sentence may double from that for a first-time offense.

Clearly, then, it is important to establish numerous facts when contesting a marijuana possession charge or other charge. How many times as the charged individual been convicted? What is the exact weight of the marijuana in question? And who is the true owner the marijuana?

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith of Smith Criminal Defense Firm can handle the numerous confusing issues that arise in any drug charge, provide knowledgeable counsel and advice and aggressively investigate and defend your charges and your rights.

Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Marijuana charges in Maryland often carry mandatory minimum sentences including five years in jail for drug sale or cultivation charges of 50 or more pounds of marijuana. In many instances it is important to pursue a reduction or dismissal of charges and/or full acquittal.

Attorney Smith’s track record includes the full dismissal of all charges in numerous cases involving marijuana possession and sale, including cases in which a conviction seemed at first to be inevitable. After a recent successful outcome, a client said to attorney Smith that he is “worth every penny.” To contact our firm to discuss your criminal charges, call 410-740-0101.

Attorney Representing Immigrants Charged with Crimes in Maryland

Legal Information and Legal Assistance from Smith Criminal Defense Firm

Criminal charges are always serious. For immigrants, though, a criminal conviction can bring even more problems. For instance:

  • If you are an immigrant, a conviction can lead to deportation
  • If you have a green card, a conviction can lead to the loss of your permanent residency status
  • A conviction can lead to the loss of your chance for American citizenship

Your right to remain in the U.S. isn’t threatened only by a felony conviction. Even a seemingly minor and “private” domestic violence dispute can lead to deportation, as can a one-time conviction for petty theft.
If you are an immigrant facing criminal charges in Maryland, have questions regarding the rights of a family member facing criminal charges, contact the Columbia law firm of Smith Criminal Defense Firm. Firm founder and attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who has assisted numerous immigrants fight and beat criminal charges.

In addition, attorney Smith is a former prosecutor who is highly experienced in handling criminal cases involving immigration issues on both sides of the law. He is committed to providing the aggressive legal representation needed to keep you out of jail and in the U.S. This means that, if a conviction occurs, we can use appeals, motions to vacate and other legal options available in an attempt to eliminate or reduce your charges and achieve a cancellation of removal.

To discuss your legal concerns with an attorney who has worked with numerous immigrants charged with crimes in Maryland, please contact Smith Criminal Defense Firm by calling 410-740-0101.

Criminal Lawyer Defending Against Felonies and Misdemeanors in Maryland

Making the Law and Your Rights Clear

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Have you been charged with a crime? Criminal law in Maryland can be difficult to understand. A good starting point is determining the difference between a felony and misdemeanor charge, and how this classification will affect your rights.

Maryland crimes are classified as either being a “misdemeanor” or a “felony”,  and the distinction can be important. And in Maryland felony-type crimes are usually regarded as more serious than misdemeanor-type crimes.

Felony charges in Maryland include violent and serious offenses, such as:

  • Murder
  • Certain types of assault
  • Weapons charges
  • Robbery
  • Drug sales

Misdemeanor charges in Maryland include:

  • A DUI (drunk driving) offense
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Possession of marijuana
  • Shoplifting

For more information regarding Maryland law, browse the statutory law codes compiled by the University of Maryland.

Though all criminal charges are serious, felony charges are especially so. A felony conviction can result in prison time, the loss of a professional license and the loss of the right to own a gun. In addition to these direct legal penalties, consequences will likely include a high degree of difficulty in obtaining many forms of employment. That’s why a criminal lawyer defending against felonies and misdemeanors is essential to fight for you.

Criminal Lawyer Defending against Felonies and Misdemeanors in Maryland

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is an experienced criminal lawyer defending against felonies and misdemeanors in Maryland. He  is experienced in investigating criminal charges and is highly knowledgeable regarding other factors that courts may consider, including an individual’s family history, community connections and involvement and statements by victims and alleged victims. His diligence and experience has resulted in numerous successful outcomes following felony and misdemeanor charges. To contact Jonathan Scott Smith of Smith Criminal Defense Firm, please call 410-740-0101.

Mr. Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 yearsof extensive trial experience. Attorney Smith has handled thousands of criminal cases in the local courts, including felonies and misdemeanors. 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.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in felony and misdemeanor 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, 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.

Contact Our Office

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

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in felonies, misdemeanors, as well as other criminal defense matters, DUI / DWI, MVA Hearings, traffic offensesdomestic violence and child abuse charges throughout Maryland, including the cities of Columbia, Clarksville, Sykesville, Fulton, Elkridge, Frederick, Mt. Airy, Ellicott City, Laurel, Westminster, and Baltimore. Lawyer Smith also provides experienced legal representation for clients in Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Prince Georges (Prince George) County, Howard County and Montgomery County, MD.

ADDRESS :

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101