DUI Sobriety Checkpoints Announced in Howard County

February 27, 2013 by jsmith

Howard County Police to Conduct DUI Sobriety Checkpoints

DUI sobriety checkpoints will be conducted this coming weekend at an unidentified location, announced the Howard County Police Department. This is one more in a series of DUI sobriety check points that the department conducts periodically.

The sobriety checkpoints are marked with signs, lights and uniformed officers. Officers utilize both marked and unmarked vehicles. They check for violations including DUI/driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, failure to use seat belts, and failure to use child safety seats.

DUI Charges Filed Against Drivers Stopped in DUI Sobriety Checkpoints

In the past, the DUI sobriety check points have resulted in drivers being arrested on DUI charges, as well as other traffic related charges, such as driving with a suspended license.

In 2012, Howard County police arrested 1,174 individuals for driving under the influence. Thirty-percent of Howard County’s fatal collisions in 2012 were alcohol-related.

Howard County and Ellicott City DUI DWI Defense Lawyer

Arrests resulting from sobriety checkpoints are complicated and require an experienced sobriety check point lawyer. Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience in criminal law and drunk driving cases. Before going into private practice, attorney Smith worked as a Maryland prosecutor and learned how the state prepares criminal matters. He has handled 1,000’s of drunk driving cases.

Top Rated Howard County Drunk Driving Lawyer

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 (highest rating for 25 consecutive years).
“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.

Sobriety Checkpoints Lawyer Howard County MD

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Man Arrested for Indecent Exposure at Columbia Mall

February 15, 2013 by jsmith

Burtonsville Man Arrested for Indecent Exposure

On Wednesday, February 12, 2013, Steven Michael Lerer, 49, of Burtonsville, was arrested after a member of the Mall in Columbia’s staff observed him fondling his exposed genitals, The Baltimore Sun reported.

The Sun quoted Howard County Police as stating that Lerer was spotted about 9:30 p.m. near the food court with a jacket covering his genital area. As he turned, the mall staff member noticed he was touching himself. Police said the staff member alerted security, who detained Lerer until police arrived.

Indecent Exposure Laws and Indecent Exposure Definition

What is indecent exposure? Indecent exposure is defined as the deliberate exposure in public or in view of the general public by a person of a portion or portions of his or her body. It includes exposure of the genitalia, breasts, and buttocks.

Indecent Exposure Penalty in Maryland

In Maryland, indecent exposure is a misdemeanor. The indecent exposure penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

Arrested for Indecent Exposure?

The public mistakenly believes that people who may have committed indecent exposure are violent criminals, or rapists. Often, this is mistaken. Many people who are guilty of indecent exposure have no prior criminal record, may be married with children, and are not violent or dangerous. There may be life stresses that overwhelm them, and they simply are crying for help. They may need help, not punishment.

Indecent Exposure Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one is arrested for indecent exposure, you need an experienced criminal lawyer to fight for you.

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor and criminal lawyer with extensive trial experience — and his track record of successful results, including indecent exposure cases, 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.

Contact Us Now for Help

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.

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

Police Officer Faces Animal Cruelty Charges

January 19, 2013 by jsmith

Animal Cruelty Charges Filed Against Dog Owners

On December 22, 2012, at approximately 3:54 p.m., Anne Arundel County Animal Control received a call regarding an at large dog, according to the Anne Arundel County Police Department. An Animal Control Officer responded and recovered a stray dog named “Nicholas,” a Shepherd mix. On December 28, 2012, the owners of the animal, Stephen Harr and his wife Cheri Harr, contacted Animal Control. Animal Control confirmed that they were the owners of the dog.

Investigation Alleges Basis for Animal Cruelty Charges

Police reported that further investigation revealed that the extent of the dog’s medical issues was believed to be the result of neglect and the failure to provide the animal with the proper medical care. Therefore, they applied for animal cruelty charges against the owners. Mr. Harr, an 11 year veteran of the Anne Arundel County Police, was placed on administrative duty with his police powers suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

Case in Point: Unfounded Animal Cruelty Charges

Just because animal cruelty charges are filed does not mean that a pet owner is guilty. Loving pet owners can be falsely accused of animal abuse and/or neglect. Every person is presumed innocent and entitled to their day in court.

In one case, a woman was accused of 69 charges of animal abuse and neglect. She was defended by criminal lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith. Mr. Smith rejected the prosecution’s plea offer insisting that the accused plead guilty to numerous felony and misdemeanor animal abuse, animal neglect, and animal cruelty charges, and serve time in jail.

Some of the charges were dismissed before trial; others were thrown out by the judge during trial; and after 11 days of testimony, the jury found her not guilty of the 18 remaining charges. In short, the woman was cleared of all 69 felony and misdemeanor charges.

Animal Abuse and Neglect 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 animal abuse and neglect, and animal cruelty 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.

Top Rated Criminal Lawyer – Defense of Animal Cruelty Charges

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.

Contact Our Office

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Criminal Lawyer Rated as Super Lawyer in Attorney Reviews

December 16, 2012 by jsmith

Attorney Reviews Result in Super Lawyer Rating for Columbia MD Criminal Lawyer

Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith, a criminal lawyer in Columbia, Howard County, MD, was awarded the “Super Lawyer” designation for 2013 in recently completed attorney reviews.

Super Lawyers is an attorney reviews and rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The multi-phased selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

Attorney Reviews Involve Rigorous Selection Process

Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a rigorous, multiphase rating process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with third party research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorney selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis.

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith Recognized as Super Lawyer

Attorney Smith is a Columbia, Maryland, criminal attorney with more than 30 years of courtroom experience. He defends the rights and interests of people in criminal courts of Maryland. His clients have included judges and their family members, lawyers, law students, police officers and courthouse employees.

Top Rated Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith is a highly rated and experienced former prosecutor. Attorney Smith has received numerous top ratings in attorney reviews and lawyers ratings:

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.

Contact a Criminal Attorney Howard County MD

If you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer, contact us online, or call 410-740-0101 now.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Drivers Face DUI Charges in Prince George’s County Sobriety Checkpoint

December 10, 2012 by jsmith

Sobriety Checkpoint In Prince George’s County Nets Drivers

On December 7 and 8, 2012, Prince George’s County police officers conducted sobriety check points and focused their enforcement along the University Boulevard corridor and the Pennsylvania Avenue and Marlboro Pike corridor. On those nights, police officers made seven arrests on DUI charges over the course of 100 traffic stops, according to the police department.

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s sobriety checkpoint is part of its participation in a statewide drunk driving enforcement operation called Project SOLO—Saving Our Loved Ones.

Prince George’s County DUI Lawyer

An experienced DUI lawyer can be very helpful dealing with arrests resulting from sobriety checkpoints. Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience in criminal law and drunk driving cases. Before going into private practice, attorney Smith worked as a Maryland prosecutor and learned how the state prepares criminal matters. He has handled 1,000’s of drunk driving cases.

Top Rated Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

DUI Lawyer Prince George’s County MD

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

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, driving with suspended license, Drunk Driving, DUI, DWI, traffic charges

Six Drivers Arrested in Howard Count DUI Sobriety Checkpoint

December 10, 2012 by jsmith

Sobriety Checkpoint Results in DUI Charges

Howard County Police conducted a DUI sobriety checkpoint on Saturday, December 8, 2012 into the early morning hours of Sunday, December 9, 2012, according to The Baltimore Sun. The sobriety checkpoint was established on westbound US Route 40 and Governors Run Way in Ellicott City.

Five drivers were arrested and charged with DUI charges. One driver was arrested for driving on a suspended license. Approximately 649 vehicles passed through the Checkpoint, which was staffed by Howard County Police.

Sobriety Checkpoints Key Tool for DUI Charges

Howard County Police periodically conduct sobriety checkpoints as part of the Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign that are funded in part by a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. Maryland Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) also assisted with the DUI check point.

Maryland DUI Lawyer

An experienced sobriety check point DUI lawyer can explain your rights and fight for you in court. Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience in criminal law and drunk driving cases. Before going into private practice, attorney Smith worked as a Maryland prosecutor and learned how the state prepares criminal matters. He has handled 1,000’s of drunk driving cases.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in DUI 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 defense and DUI drunk driving attorneys in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County.

DUI Attorney Howard County MD

DUI charges are very serious. You need an experienced drunk driving lawyer to fight for you. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. To schedule an appointment with an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer, contact us online or call us at 410-740-0101.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, driving with suspended license, Drunk Driving, DUI, DWI

Prince George’s County Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoints

December 6, 2012 by jsmith

Sobriety Checkpoints are a Tool to Make DUI/DWI Arrests

The Prince George’s County Police Department announced that its officers will be out again this weekend searching for drunk drivers. The enforcement is a part of Project SOLO—Saving Our Loved Ones. In November, the police began participation with Project SOLO, a statewide drunk driving enforcement operation.

Locations of Sobriety Check Points in Prince George’s County

On Friday, December 7, 2012, the Prince George’s County Police will focus enforcement along the University Boulevard corridor.

On Saturday, December 8, 2012, police officers will saturate the area of Pennsylvania Avenue and Marlboro Pike in Forestville. The enforcement hours run from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am.

Sobriety Checkpoints Result in Drunk Driving Arrests

On November 21, 23 and 24, 2012, Prince George’s County police officers made 200 traffic stops, and issued more than 200 traffic citations. In addition, they made 12 DUI arrests.

Prince George’s County DUI DWI Defense Lawyer

An experienced sobriety check point lawyer can be very helpful dealing with arrests resulting from sobriety checkpoints. Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience in criminal law and drunk driving cases. Before going into private practice, attorney Smith worked as a Maryland prosecutor and learned how the state prepares criminal matters. He has handled 1,000’s of drunk driving cases.

Top Rated Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Sobriety Checkpoints Lawyer Prince George’s County MD

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Howard County Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoints

December 6, 2012 by jsmith

Sobriety Checkpoints Used to Make DUI Arrests

The Howard County Police Department announced that it will conduct a sobriety checkpoint at an undisclosed location this weekend to promote awareness and reduce the number of drunk drivers on the roads. The checkpoint is part of the agency’s traffic safety initiative to keep Howard County roads safe.

The sobriety checkpoint will be clearly marked with signs, lights and uniformed officers. Howard County Police Officers will use both marked and unmarked vehicles.

DUI/DWI Arrests Made at Prior Sobriety Check Points

Howard County Police have routinely used sobriety checkpoints as a method of making DUI/DWI arrests. Sobriety check points were utilized earlier this year.

Howard County and Ellicott City DUI DWI Defense Lawyer

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in DUI/DWI and driving under the influence 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.

Sobriety Checkpoints Lawyer Howard County MD

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Criminal Lawyer Receives Client Choice Award in Lawyers Ratings

October 26, 2012 by jsmith

Outstanding Reviews Result in Award from Clients’ Lawyers Ratings

AVVO, one of the leading lawyers ratings firm, awarded Howard County attorney Jonathan Scott Smith its “Clients Choice Award for 2012.” This award resulted from client reviews with an average of 5 stars — the highest client rating possible.

One recent client letter stated: “[O]ur family confronted a most stressful situation resulting from unsubstantiated criminal charges against my daughter. Our most immediate thought was to locate the most competent legal assistance possible — and we found it!! In my former life as Director of a Federal police force for the National Capitol Region, legal issues and police matters were a daily occurrence. …[Y]our reputation as the most worthy criminal attorney in Howard County is not only deserved but proven! You left “no stone unturned” and masterfully guided the lengthy and verbose proceedings to a brilliant conclusion: “not guilty” on all charges.” W. Lindenau, Commanding General, Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States.

In response to receiving the Clients Choice Award, Mr. Smith stated, “We fight hard for our clients, and we are grateful that they think so highly of our work. People facing criminal charges often are under a great deal of stress, and we do everything possible to solve their problems and lift their burdens.”

Howard County Criminal Lawyer Rated “10.0 Superb” in Lawyers Ratings

Mr. Smith already achieved the highest lawyer rating “10.0 Superb” by AVVO. AVVO considers a wide variety of information in developing a lawyer’s rating, including a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition. Ratings range from a low of 1.0 to 10.0, the highest rating. Very few lawyers achieve the highest rating, and it is recognition of Mr. Smith’s extensive litigation experience, successful results, and the opinion of his peers.

Criminal 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. 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 Defense Attorney Columbia MD and Ellicott City 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 in a lawyers review and ratings process, and a 10.0 Superb AVVO lawyer rating. These are the highest lawyer 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.

Contact Our Office

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in criminal defense matters, DUI / DWI, MVA Hearings, traffic offenses, domestic 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 George’s (Prince Georges) County, Howard County and Montgomery County, MD.

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

23 Men Netted in Laurel Prostitution Arrests

October 2, 2012 by jsmith

Task Force Results in Laurel Prostitution Arrests

On Thursday, September 20, 2012, law enforcement officers from the Howard County Police Department, Anne Arundel Police Department, Laurel Police Department, Maryland State Police, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations carried out a “reverse prostitution sting” operation, The Baltimore Sun reported.

As a result, 23 men were arrested; of these, 14 of the prostitution arrests were made by Howard County Police. Two of the men were Howard County residents.

Police Don’t Release Prostitution Arrest Photos from Prostitution Arrests

As is typical of Howard County prostitution arrests, police did not release prostitution arrest photos of the men arrested. In the past, Howard County Police have released the names of those subjected to prostitution arrests, but not in this case. The men who were arrested probably were relieved that neither their photos, nor their names, were released publicly.

Howard County Criminal 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 cases involving prostitution arrests for solicitation for prostitution and prostitution. 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 Prostitution Defense Attorney

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in prostitution arrests, 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 most experienced criminal lawyers in Howard County.

Contact Our Office

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in prostitution arrests, solicitation for prostitution, as well as other criminal defense matters, DUI / DWI, MVA Hearings, traffic offenses, domestic 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.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, District Court for Howard County, Uncategorized

Jonathan Scott Smith Criminal Defense Firm