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The Difference Between Assault and Battery in Maryland

August 17, 2020 by

Are They Two Separate Crimes?

Contribute-to-Causing-Your-InjuriesBecause the term “assault and battery” is heard so commonly, there can be a perception that it’s a single crime. In fact, assault and battery are separate offenses, and you can potentially be charged with both for a single incident.

The key factor that differentiates assault from battery is physical contact. Any act that reasonably puts another person in imminent fear of harm of injury can lead to an assault charge. Threatening words alone are generally not considered sufficient to constitute assault, but raising a fist or the back of your hand, brandishing any kind of weapon, or approaching a victim in a threatening way can all be considered assault.

For an assault to become battery, there must be some type of uninvited or impermissible physical contact. The contact need not cause physical injury—it must merely be considered offensive by a reasonable person.

Experienced Maryland Assault and Battery Defense Lawyer

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively protected the rights of criminal defendants in and around Baltimore and throughout Maryland for more than 35 years. The American Lawyer magazine has named him a Top-Rated Lawyer, and his peers in the legal community have consistently given him an AV-rating, the highest possible. He has been given AVVO’s prestigious Client’s Choice Award, averaging 5 stars(the highest rating possible) in client reviews. A longtime Maryland SuperLawyer, he’s also earned a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigator from AVVO.

Attorney Smith provides full-service legal counsel to anyone facing criminal prosecution. He tenaciously representing clients throughout the legal process, from investigation or arrest to trial. He’ll carefully review all the evidence, ensuring that law enforcement officers had probable cause to conduct a search or make an arrest.He’ll also carefully investigate the facts and circumstances of your case in order to make the most persuasive arguments before a judge and jury.

Ellicott City Criminal Defense Lawyer

Contact experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney Jonathan Scott Smith by email or call us at 410-740-0101 to set up an appointment.We handle assault and battery prosecutions in Howard County, Baltimore County,
Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Assault Tagged With:

Three Charged with Assault of Baltimore Police Officer

January 31, 2020 by

Sergeant Says “Inadvertent” Bump Led to Altercation

Three Charged with Assault of Baltimore Police OfficerAn accidental bump as an officer was asking bystanders to disperse led to an altercation where three suspects assaulted the officer, according to Baltimore law enforcement officials. The officer says he had asked a number of people standing in front of a store in the 1500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue to “move along,” when he unintentionally made contact with a 23-year-old man, who apparently turned to the officer and said “the word is excuse me.” Police say the man then spit in the officer’s face.

When the officer attempted to arrest the man, another bystander struck the officer, who fell to the ground. While he was down, other bystanders punched him and kicked him in the head. Shortly thereafter, additional officers arrived and contained the altercation. A 20-year-old male and a teenager were taken into custody.

According to police, bystanders took videos of the attack, corroborating police allegations.

Proven Baltimore Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in the Baltimore metro area and throughout the state of Maryland for more than 30 years. He’s a proven trial attorney with the skill, knowledge and resources to protect your rights in any criminal matter, whether you’re under investigation or charged with a crime. He will gather, assess and preserve all evidence and confirm that police and prosecutors did not violate your constitutional rights. And he’ll identify and question all potential witnesses, so he can develop and present the strongest arguments in your defense.

Attorney Smith has received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars(the highest rating possible). He is AV-rated by other attorneys under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System and has been named a Maryland SuperLawyer. He was honored as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.

Ellicott City, MD Criminal Defense Lawyer

Contact attorney Jonathan Scott Smith by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We protect the rights of criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Assault Tagged With:

Baltimore Police Charge Daycare Worker in Death of 8-Month-Old Girl

September 6, 2017 by

Baltimore Police Charge Daycare Worker in Death of 8-Month-Old A Baltimore daycare center has been temporarily shut down after an 8-year-old girl died there. Authorities say they have video footage of a daycare worker violently snatching the child from a crib, slapping at the child and stuffing pillows over the child’s face. Baltimore police were called to the daycare facility in late May when other care workers found the child to be unresponsive. Initially, the woman charged with the child’s care said that she had fed the girl, wrapped her in a blanket and put her down for a nap. After watching footage collected from video cameras at the facility, police arrested the daycare worker, charging her with first and second degree murder, first and second degree assault, second degree child abuse and reckless endangerment.

AV-Rated Ellicott City Criminal Defense Attorney

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively represented criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 30 years. He’ll be your advocate at all stages of a criminal prosecution, from arrest to arraignment to trial. He’ll fully investigate your case, looking at how police and prosecutors gathered evidence against you. He’ll review all police reports and question witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most effective defense at trial. He has the experience to negotiate a plea bargain, if that’s in your best interests. But he’s always ready, willing and able to protect your rights before a judge and jury. He’ll make sure that there was probable cause for any search or seizure and that you were properly advised of your Constitutional rights if taken into custody.

Because of his strong record and reputation for effective advocacy, he has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He also has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO. Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and by Martindale-Hubbell.

Proven Montgomery County, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you face criminal charges, you want someone who 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, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

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

Man Arrested in Rosedale Stabbings

February 8, 2016 by

man-arrested-in-rosedale-stabbings

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

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

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

Top-Rated Ellicott City Criminal Defense Attorney

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

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Greater Baltimore Area

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

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

Filed Under: Assault, Criminal Defense

Hit-and-Run in Harwood and Four Arrested

June 20, 2014 by

car_headlight
A regular family feud ensued at a Harwood mobile home park after a woman and her estranged husband and father of her child got into a fight during what was meant to be a routine drop-off of their child. The child’s mother, Jane Doe, father, John Doe, the mother’s boyfriend, Bob, and the father’s brother, Dave Doe, all were arrested after getting into a fight while dropping off the child at the father’s house.*

Evidently, the estranged couple began arguing and the argument escalated into a fight. At that point, the boyfriend, Bob, went after the husband’s brother Dave with a baseball bat. The brother retaliated by hitting him with a two-by-four.

As the couple was pulling out with their car, the brother then smashed the window on the driver’s side. Then the boyfriend drove into the brother and left the scene. Additionally, he struck a female bystander, who suffered thankfully only minor injuries, and two cars that were parked in the mobile home park.

Award-Winning Baltimore Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has a longstanding reputation for building strong cases for the defense. This is a result of his experience, care and respect for his clients, his thorough preparation of his cases and his knowledge of the law. His results speak for themselves.

Mr. Smith’s 30-plus years of results have earned him recognition among both his peers and his clients. Among the recognitions he has received are:

  • Maryland Super Lawyer List
  • Listed in the Top 100 Lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers (2014)
  • 10.0 Superb as a litigation attorney by AVVO, the consumer review website
  • AV-Preeminent,** the highest peer rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, for the past 25 years in a row

The Smith Criminal Defense Law Firm handles cases involving domestic violence, drunk driving, hit-and-runs, drug charges, theft offenses, violent crimes including murder and adult sex offenses. We represent clients throughout Maryland, including Columbia, Clarksville, Sykesville, Fulton, Elkridge, Frederick, Mt. Airy, Ellicott City, Laurel, Westminster and Baltimore, and throughout Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney on Your Side

The Smith Criminal Defense Law Firm is prepared to fight for your rights. With more than 30 years of experience, Mr. Smith understands how to investigate, prepare and build strong cases for the defense. A former Maryland prosecutor before he became a criminal defense attorney, Mr. Smith has a deep understanding of how the prosecutor’s office prepares and presents cases. He uses what he has learned to anticipate the prosecution’s case and build a strong case for the defense.

Contact Our Office

Find out how attorney Jonathan Scott Smith can protect your rights. Contact us by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

*http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/annapolis/bs-md-ar-hit-and-run-20140218,0,7509937.story

**AV® Preeminent™, BV® Distinguished™ and Rated are certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the Bar and the Judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings fall into two categories — legal ability and general ethical standards.

Filed Under: Assault

Woman Pepper Sprays More Than 20 People in Failed Arundel Mills Robbery Attempt

June 10, 2014 by

police_badge
Recently, a woman who was confronted for attempting to steal a pair of boots at the Arundel Mills Mall pepper sprayed 24-plus people trying to escape.*

The woman in question is from Baltimore, and took the boots, sprayed the store and ran. She also pulled a knife when a security guard stopped her outside the store, Off Broadway Shoes, in the middle of the day.

The security guard was able to get the knife despite the fact that the woman also pepper sprayed him while they struggled. He was also able to take the pepper spray from her and spray her. The police then took her into custody.

The security guard and an employee at Off Broadway Shoes were treated at Baltimore Washington Medical Center for exposure to pepper spray. All others on the scene were treated at the store by firefighters from Anne Arundel County.

The woman has been charged with many crimes, including robbery, theft, reckless endangerment and several counts of second-degree assault.

Award-Winning Attorney Fights Hard for Clients

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is an aggressive, experienced former prosecutor who now fights for the defense. With a 30-year track record of results, this is one lawyer you want on your side when you are facing a criminal case against you.

Mr. Smith is known and respected by both peers and clients alike. His recognitions include:

  • Inclusion on the Maryland Super Lawyer List
  • Top Attorneys in Maryland (American Registry 2013)
  • The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers (this organization is by invitation only and limited to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers from each state in the union)
  • Listed in the Top 100 Lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers (2014)
  • 10.0 Superb as a litigation attorney by AVVO, the consumer review website
  • AV-Preeminent,** the highest peer rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, for the past 25 years in a row

The Smith Law Firm handles cases involving drunk driving, hit-and-runs, drug charges, theft offenses, violent crimes including murder and adult sex offenses. We represent clients throughout Maryland, including Columbia, Clarksville, Sykesville, Fulton, Elkridge, Frederick, Mt. Airy, Ellicott City, Laurel, Westminster and Baltimore, and throughout Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney on Your Side

The Smith Law Firm is prepared to fight for your rights. Find out how attorney Jonathan Scott Smith can protect your rights. Contact us by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Filed Under: Assault, Theft Charges

Assault Charge Against Howard County Football Coach Dropped

December 16, 2013 by

Coach Faced Assault of Charge after On-Field Altercation

whistle_clipboard
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

Robbery at Anne Arundel County Hotel

August 21, 2013 by

Anne Arundel County Police Investigating Hotel Robbery

Anne Arundel County police were called to the Garden Inn Hotel, in Laurel, at approximately 1 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, in response to an alleged robbery, reported the Maryland Gazette. Police say that the victim reported that he was talking with a friend on the second floor of the hotel, located in the 3400 block of Route 198, when a black male in his late 20’s approached him, flashed a knife, and asked for money.

When the robbery victim told the assailant that he had no money, the suspect searched him and took his wallet, fleeing on foot. Police officers brought in a K-9 unit and searched the area, but could not locate the robbery suspect. Police report that the perpetrator was approximately 6’0” tall, clean shaven with a stocky build, and was wearing a black t-shirt, black pants and a black stocking cap.

Highly Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbia, Maryland

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of trial experience to people facing robbery and other criminal charges in Maryland. He takes a comprehensive approach to criminal defense, carefully examining the facts and circumstances of your case, confirming that police followed proper procedures, and that your constitutional rights were not violated.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results, including robbery cases — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

  • Maryland Super Lawyer.
  • “10.0 Superb” as a litigation attorney by AVVO.
  • “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
  • Client Distinction Award (Client Review Rating of 4.5 or higher on 5.0 scale – less than 4% of 900,000+ attorneys listed by Martindale-Hubbell)
  • 2013 Top Attorneys in Maryland (American Registry)
  • 2013 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.
  • The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers (by invitation only and limited to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers from each state).
  • “AV-Preeminent™*” Highest Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (25 consecutive years).

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

Howard County, MD, Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are under investigation or have been arrested and charged with robbery or another crime, we can help. We defend people in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Contact us online or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment.

Filed Under: Assault, Burglary Charges, Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, District Court for Howard County, Theft Charges

Assault Charges filed Against Howard County Police Officer

August 2, 2013 by

Charges for Assault Filed Against Police Officer
Second degree assault charges were filed against a Howard County Police Officer after a county grand jury returned an indictment this past week, reported The Baltimore Sun. The assault charges arise out of an incident on March 18 when the officer was off duty. Further details regarding the incident were not given.

Assault Charges: Definition of Assault

Assault charges can be filed where someone threatens or harms another person.

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.

Top Rated Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor and highly rated Howard County criminal lawyer with extensive experience in cases involving assault charges. Mr. Smith’s 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.
  • “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
  • Client Distinction Award (Client Review Rating of 4.5 or higher on 5.0 scale – less than 4% of 900,000+ attorneys listed by Martindale-Hubbell)
  • 2013 Top Attorneys in Maryland (American Registry)
  • 2013 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.
  • “AV-Preeminent™*” Highest Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (25 consecutive years).

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

Criminal Defense Lawyer Columbia, MD and Ellicott City, MD

Attorney Smith has built his strong reputation on a commitment to personal service and attention, taking the time to listen carefully to your concerns and to tailor his efforts to fight for the outcome you want. He handles all types of criminal matters, including first degree assault, second degree assault, other assault charges, and homicide charges.

Contact Us Now

When you face criminal charges, including assault charges, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively fight for you.

We represent people charged with a crime in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, Maryland. Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment.

 

Filed Under: Assault, Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, District Court for Howard County, Domestic Assault, Domestic Violence, domestic violence attorney, domestic violence lawyer

Man Wanted in Assault Case

June 11, 2013 by

Assault Arises from Traffic Dispute
Baltimore County Police asked for the public’s help in apprehending a suspect wanted for first degree assault. The 39-year-old victim and his father were pulling into their driveway when a vehicle blocked their path. The victim got out of his car and confronted the other driver.

The victim and the suspect got into an argument, and the suspect tried to pull the victim into the vehicle. The suspect hit the victim in the chest multiple times, and then drove away. The victim then realized he had been stabbed. He was treated at Shock Trauma for his injuries.

Top Rated Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor and highly rated Howard County criminal lawyer with extensive experience in assault cases. Mr. Smith’s 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.
  • “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
  • Client Distinction Award (Client Review Rating of 4.5 or higher on 5.0 scale – less than 4% of 900,000+ attorneys listed by Martindale-Hubbell)
  • 2013 Top Attorneys in Maryland (American Registry)
  • 2013 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.
  • “AV-Preeminent™*” Highest Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (25 consecutive years).

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

Criminal Defense Lawyer Columbia, MD and Ellicott City, MD

Attorney Smith has built his strong reputation on a commitment to personal service and attention, taking the time to listen carefully to your concerns and to tailor his efforts to fight for the outcome you want. He handles all types of criminal matters, including first degree assault, second degree assault, other assault, firearms violations and assault/homicide charges.

Contact Us Now

When you face criminal charges, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively fight for your constitutional rights. Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment.

We represent people charged with a crime in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County, Maryland.

 

Filed Under: Assault, Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, Domestic Assault, Domestic Violence, domestic violence attorney, domestic violence lawyer

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