Baltimore Crime Rate Unaffected by Less Prosecution of Crime

Study Shows No Increase after Decision Not to Prosecute Low-Level Crimes

Baltimore Crime Rate Unaffected by Less Prosecution of CrimeA study conducted by Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, concluded that the 2020 decision by Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby to stop prosecuting most drug possession and prostitution crimes has not led to an increase in the city’s crime rate. According to the report, there has been no meaningful increase in citizen-filed complaints related to drug possession or prostitution, and no evidence of any additional risk to public safety.

Gathering data over a 14-month-period, the study found that only six of those defendants who had prostitution or drug possession charges dropped were subsequently arrested for any type of violent crime.

Results-Oriented Baltimore County Criminal Defense Attorney

Over the last 30+ years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively protected the rights of people in Baltimore and across the state of Maryland who are under investigation for or have been charged with a criminal offense. He’s listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by SuperLawyers and The American Lawyer Magazine tabbed him as a Top Rated Lawyer in 2012. The National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” organization, has also ranked him as one of the top 100 attorneys in Maryland.

Attorney Smith has long held the esteem of his colleagues in the legal profession, who have given him an AV-rating (the highest possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988. He has also been honored with Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, awarded to less than 4% of all attorneys listed there. He has a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a trial lawyer from AVVO and has earned the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Known for his extensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure, and for the skill and experience he brings to the defense of any criminal matter, attorney Smith knows how to quickly determine whether police have violated your constitutional rights during a search, seizure or arrest. He’s also a proven trial lawyer, with a reputation for aggressively advocating before a judge and jury.

Proven Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Greater Baltimore Area

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we fight for the rights of criminal defendants throughout Baltimore County and the surrounding communities. Contact us online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Happy Halloween!

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Maryland Drug Possession Laws

What Constitutes Possession? When Does Possession Involve an Intent to Sell?

What Constitutes Possession? When Does Possession Involve an Intent to Sell?In recent weeks, there has been much controversy in Baltimore, as the city’s State Attorney, Marilyn Mosby, has dismissed approximately half of the narcotics cases brought to her, stating that she will no longer prosecute drug possession cases. The decision is a carryover from 2020, when the city sought to minimize the spread of the coronavirus in jails. Mosby stressed, however, that only cases of simple possession would be dismissed—a person who meets the criteria for possession with intent to distribute will still be prosecuted.

What Is Possession?

Under Maryland law, a person may be charged with possession for either having under his control, administering or attempting to obtain a controlled substance, unless the person has a prescription or order from an authorized provider. Furthermore, a person may still be charged with possession, even with a prescription/order, if there was:

  • Fraud, deception, misrepresentation or subterfuge’
  • Concealment of a material fact
  • Forgery or counterfeiting involving a prescription/written order
  • Use of a false name or identity

When Does Possession Rise to “Intent to Distribute”?

The distinction between possession and possession with intent to distribute is based on the quantity of the controlled substance. The quantity varies based on the specific controlled substance.

AV-Rated Frederick Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of proven experience to criminal defendants across the Baltimore metropolitan area and throughout the state of Maryland. He has been AV-rated (the highest possible) by his fellow attorneys under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988. Attorney Smith has also been the recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, bestowed upon less than 4% of all attorneys listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s directory. He’s been among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland listed by Super Lawyers, and has been honored as a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine.

Attorney Smith brings considerable skill and experience to the defense of a wide range of criminal charges. He knows how to effectively gather, assess and preserve all evidence to support an acquittal. He has a comprehensive understanding of your constitutional rights and ensure that police and prosecutors followed all required procedures when gathering evidence or detaining you. He’ll carefully question all potential witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most compelling arguments in your defense.

Smith has been included among the top 100 attorneys in Maryland by the National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” professional organization. He has also earned a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a litigation attorney from AVVO, as well as AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Ellicott City, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Baltimore on Target to Match 2020 Homicide Toll

Tally Reaches 250 with 11 Murders in One Week

Baltimore on Target to Match 2020 Homicide TollThough it’s been the focus of continued efforts by police and politicians, the Baltimore homicide rate remains basically unchanged from last year, hitting the 250 mark earlier this month. The city reported 335 homicides during 2020, a slight drop from the 348 recorded in 2019. If the murder rate remains constant for the remaining three months of the year, the city will once again top 330.

Michael Harrison, Baltimore’s Police Commissioner, supports the city’s “Group Violence Reduction Strategy,” an approach that attempts to shift some of the responsibility for the alleviation of violence to community-based organizations, lightening the load for beleaguered police officers. The city attempted to implement the strategy in 2019, but leaders say it was ineffective because there was a lack of commitment across the board. They say it has a better chance of working now, as the mayor, prosecutors and law enforcement officers are all behind it.

Proven Baltimore County Criminal Defense Lawyer

For more than three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of people in Baltimore and across the state of Maryland who are under investigation for or have been charged with a crime. Super Lawyers puts him among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland and The American Lawyer Magazine named him a Top Rated Lawyer in 2012. The National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” organization, has also identified him as one of the top 100 attorneys in Maryland.

His colleagues in the legal profession have given him an AV-rating (the highest possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988. He has also received Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, awarded to less than 4% of all attorneys listed there.

The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has listed attorney Smith as one of the “10 Best Attorneys in the State of Maryland in Client Satisfaction.” He has a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a trial lawyer from AVVO and has earned the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Attorney Smith has long been known and respected for his knowledge, skill and extensive experience when handling criminal matters. He can quickly determine whether police have violated your constitutional rights in a search, seizure or arrest. He knows how to effectively gather and preserve evidence, and has considerable experience successfully defending clients at trial.

Proven Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Greater Baltimore Area

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we fight for the rights of criminal defendants throughout Baltimore County and the surrounding communities. Contact us online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

What Happens at the DMV Administrative Hearing After a Maryland DUI/DWI Charge?

What Are the Potential Outcomes of the Hearing?

What Are Controlled Dangerous Substances in Maryland?When you are pulled over and charged with driving while impaired (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) in Maryland, you can expect not one, but two legal proceedings—the criminal proceeding in court to determine guilt or innocence and assess penalties, and the administrative hearing at the Department of Motor Vehicles. The focus of the DMV hearing is your driving privileges.

When you are formally charged with drinking and driving in Maryland, the arresting officer will take your license. You will then be issued a temporary license, good for only 45 days. You must then request the administrative hearing within 10 days—if you don’t, your license will automatically be suspended.

At the hearing, an administrative judge will hear evidence to determine the extent to which you need continued driving privileges—for work or other daily needs—and will take those needs into consideration when ruling. Typically, for a first-time offense, your license will be suspended for a minimum of 45 days, but suspension may be modified to allow you to drive to work. With a second conviction, the work modification is usually unavailable. In many instances, the administrative law judge allows continued operation of a vehicle with the installation of an ignition interlock, which requires that you successfully exhale into a blood alcohol tester attached to the ignition of your car before you can drive.

AV-Rated Maryland DUI/DWI Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than three decades of experience to people across the greater Baltimore area and throughout the state of Maryland who are charged with DWI/DUI. He has been AV-rated (the highest rating possible) by his fellow attorneys in Maryland under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988. Attorney Smith has also received Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, awarded to less than 4% of all attorneys listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s directory. He’s been listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by SuperLawyers and honored as a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine.

Attorney Smith has the skill, knowledge, experience, and resources to fully protect your rights in a DUI/DWI prosecution. He’ll carefully gather all evidence that supports your acquittal and ensure that your constitutional rights have not been violated. He’ll question all potential witnesses so that he can present the most convincing arguments in your defense.

Attorney Smith has been named one of the top 100 attorneys in Maryland by the National Trial Lawyers Association, a by-invitation- only professional organization. He has earned a 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO and received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO with an average client review of 5 stars.

Howard County, Maryland, Criminal Defense Attorney

Contact our office by email or call 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland.

What Are Controlled Dangerous Substances in Maryland?

What Are the Penalties for Possession of a CDS?

What Are Controlled Dangerous Substances in Maryland?Though recreational marijuana has been legalized in 18 states, every state still criminalizes the possession of certain “hard” or dangerous drugs. In Maryland, those drugs are referred to as “controlled dangerous substances” (CDSs). While possession of marijuana for personal use is a misdemeanor, with a fine not exceeding $100 for first-time offenders, possession of a CDS can carry far more substantial penalties.

Maryland classifies CDSs into five categories, with Schedule I drugs considered the most serious and Schedule V drugs being the least. The criteria for determining what schedule a drug falls in include the:

  • Probability of abuse
  • Inherent danger associated with the drug
  • Perceived medical uses of the drug

Those drugs in Schedule I are deemed to have the greatest likelihood of abuse and the greatest danger, with nominal or minimal medicinal value.

Penalties for Possession of a CDS

Possession of a CDS in Maryland carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and $5,000 for the first conviction. Second and third convictions can lead to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. All subsequent convictions are punishable by up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Experienced Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Attorney

For more than three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of people across the state of Maryland who are charged with drug crimes. He has been honored among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by SuperLawyers and was named a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine in 2012. He has been AV-rated (the highest rating possible) by other attorneys in Maryland under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988. He has also been awarded Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, given to less than 4% of all attorneys listed there.

The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys listed attorney Smith as one of the 10 Best Attorneys in the State of Maryland in Client Satisfaction. He has a 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO and has received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars. The National Trial Lawyers Association, a by-invitation-only professional organization, lists him among the top 100 attorneys in Maryland.

Attorney Smith has long been known for his thorough knowledge and understanding of criminal law and procedure. He carefully investigates every criminal matter, gathering and protecting key evidence. He knows that police officers often cut corners when it comes to your constitutional rights and will verify that they met all requirements of the Constitution.

Proven Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Greater Baltimore Area

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we fight for the rights of criminal defendants throughout Baltimore County and the surrounding communities. Contact us online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Pleading No Contest to a Criminal Charge in Maryland

What Does It Mean? What Is the Effect of Such a Plea?

Pleading No Contest to a Criminal Charge in MarylandWhen you’re arrested and charged with a criminal offense in Maryland, there are a number of ways to respond:

  • You can challenge the charges by pleading “not guilty.”
  • You can admit your culpability by pleading “guilty.”
  • You can argue that you lacked the legal capacity to commit a crime, i.e., that you are not responsible because of insanity or mental deficiency.
  • You can file a “nolo contendere,” or “no contest,” plea.

What Is a Nolo Contendere/No Contest Plea?

Pleading no contest is neither an admission of guilt nor an allegation that you did not commit the crime; it essentially tells the court you will not challenge or contest the prosecution. Before you can plead no contest in Maryland, you must obtain approval from the court. If the court grants your request, the judge will typically conduct an examination in order to determine the sentencing.

What Is the Impact of a No Contest Plea?

With a no contest plea, there is no admission of guilt and no determination of guilt by a jury. Accordingly, with certain types of infractions, such as traffic violations, nothing will go on your permanent record, and there won’t be any impact on your insurance rating. However, if you commit the same violation again, the no contest plea can be brought to the court’s attention at the time of sentencing.

AV-Rated Baltimore Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of hands-on experience to criminal defendants across the greater Baltimore area and throughout the state of Maryland. He has been AV-rated (the highest rating possible) by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988. Attorney Smith has also been the recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, given to less than 4% of all attorneys listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s directory. He’s been listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers and honored as a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine.

Attorney Smith has extensive experience, skill, and knowledge in handling criminal defense matters. He’ll gather, assess, and preserve all evidence to support your acquittal and ensure that the police and prosecutors followed all constitutional requirements when gathering evidence or detaining you. He’ll interrogate all potential witnesses in order to prepare and present the most convincing arguments in your defense.

Smith has been named as one of the top 100 attorneys in Maryland by the National Trial Lawyers Association, a by-invitation-only professional organization. He has earned a 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO and received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Howard County, Maryland, Criminal Defense Attorney

Contact our office by email or call 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Out-of-State Orders of Protection in Maryland

Are They Enforceable? If So, How Are They Enforced?

Out-of-State Orders of Protection in MarylandIn Maryland, as in other states, a victim of domestic violence or abuse can get a protective order that prohibits the person who engaged in the violence or abuse from contacting the victim. What if the protective order is from another state, though? What if the victim comes to Maryland to escape domestic violence or abuse, only to have the perpetrator follow?

The good news is that you can ask the state of Maryland to fully enforce a protective order from another state. However, to do so, you must either file the protective order with the local courts or provide law enforcement officials with a copy of a protective order that appears valid. A caveat, though—Maryland officials will only enforce those provisions of an out-of-state protective order that are permitted under Maryland law.

Experienced Carroll County Criminal Defense Attorney

For over 30 years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively protected the rights of people in Baltimore and across the state of Maryland who are involved in domestic violence disputes. He has been listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by SuperLawyers, and he was honored as a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine in 2012. He has received an AV-rating from his colleagues in the legal profession (the highest rating possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988. He has also been the recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, earned by less than 4% of all attorneys listed there.

The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has called attorney Smith one of the “10 Best Attorneys in the State of Maryland in Client Satisfaction.” He has a 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO and has received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars. The National Trial Lawyers Association, a by-invitation-only professional organization, has identified him as one of the top 100 attorneys in Maryland.

Attorney Smith has long been known and respected for his comprehensive knowledge and understanding of criminal law and procedure. He carefully investigates every criminal matter, gathering and protecting key evidence. He’ll also ensure that the actions of law enforcement officers do not violate your constitutional rights.

Proven Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Greater Baltimore Area

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we fight for the rights of criminal defendants throughout Baltimore County and the surrounding communities. Contact us online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Baltimore Expecting 300+ Homicides for 7th Straight Year

City Officials Project More Than 1,000 Shootings in 2021

Baltimore Expecting 300+ Homicides for 7th Straight YearAs Baltimore moves into the second half of the year, city officials say little has changed with respect to the city’s murder rate—projections indicate homicides in the city will top 300 for the seventh consecutive year. As of the end of June, the city had confirmed 166 intentional killings.

City officials expressed optimism two years ago when a multi-tier plan was approved, emphasizing:

  • The reduction of illegal guns on Baltimore streets
  • A concerted effort to arrest and prosecute the city’s most violent offenders
  • Greater enforcement of domestic violence laws

Police officials say that, although crime numbers have remained the same, the number of arrests has declined dramatically—from nearly 7,500 a year ago to just under 5,700—due to a shortage of law enforcement officers.

Proven Frederick County Criminal Defense Lawyer

For more than three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought to protect the rights of criminal defendants in Baltimore and across the state of Maryland. Attorney Smith has been listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by SuperLawyers and was named a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine in 2012. He has been AV-rated by his colleagues in the legal profession (the highest rating possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988. He has also been honored with Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, given to less than 4% of all attorneys listed.

The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has called Smith one of the 10 Best Attorneys in the State of Maryland in Client Satisfaction. The National Trial Lawyers Association, a by-invitation-only professional organization, lists him as one of the top 100 attorneys in Maryland. He also has a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a litigation attorney from AVVO and has received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Attorney Smith brings a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of criminal law and procedure to every case he takes. He will fully investigate your case, gathering and protecting all relevant evidence. He’ll also look at the actions of law enforcement officers, evaluating whether they violated your constitutional rights.

Proven Criminal Defense Attorney in the Baltimore Metro Area

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we fight for the rights of criminal defendants throughout Baltimore County and the surrounding communities. Contact us online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland.

The Treatment of Marijuana Under Maryland Law

How Maryland Regulates Possession and Use of Marijuana

The Treatment of Marijuana Under Maryland LawLike all states, Maryland has laws governing the possession of certain controlled substances. However, Maryland has implemented changes over the past few years with respect to the criminalization of marijuana.

Possession of Small Quantities of Marijuana

Under Maryland drug statutes, possession of less than 10 grams is not a criminal offense but is considered a civil wrong, much like a moving violation or traffic ticket. Possession of more than 10 grams (but less than 50 pounds) is charged as a crime, with a maximum penalty of one year of incarceration and a $1,000 fine. Possession of more than 50 pounds of marijuana is considered an intent to distribute and may lead to up to 5 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines.

Medical Marijuana

Maryland has legalized the use of marijuana for certain medical purposes but requires individuals with a valid prescription to register with the state.

Possession of Marijuana-Related Drug Paraphernalia

A conviction of possession of smoking accessories, such as pipes, papers, and bongs, can result in a year in jail and a $500 fine if prosecutors can show an intent to use with marijuana.

Experienced Maryland Drug Crimes Lawyer

Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland SuperLawyer, has protected the rights of criminal defendants in Baltimore and the surrounding communities for more than three decades. Attorney Scott Smith is AV-rated under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System and has been honored as a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine. He’s earned AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award, with the highest rating possible (5 stars) and holds a 10.0 (Superb) rating from AVVO as a trial attorney.

A proven trial lawyer, Jonathan understands the impact a drug conviction can have on many areas of your life. He’ll use his extensive experience, knowledge, and skill to ensure that your constitutional rights were protected. He will carefully review how evidence was obtained in your case, making certain that any search or seizure complied with constitutional guidelines.

Effective Traffic Ticket Attorney in Prince George’s County

To schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your options after being charged with a drug offense, contact attorney Jonathan Scott Smith online or call 410-740-0101 to set up an appointment. Attorney Smith handles drug claims throughout the Baltimore and the surrounding area, including Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County.

ADDRESS :

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101