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Suspects Arrested on Prince George’s Burglary Charges

May 24, 2013 by

Burglary Charges Related to 50+ Home Burglaries

Prince George’s County Police arrested three suspects related to a string of burglaries that occurred since December 2012, the department announced. The burglary charges involved numerous homes in Oxon Hill and Fort Washington.

According to police, the suspects took weapons, computers, jewelry, televisions and other personal belongings.  In one case, the suspects stole a safe with valuables worth nearly $70,000.

Highly Rated Criminal Defense Attorney Howard County, MD

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than three decades of trial experience to criminal defendants in cases involving burglary charges and other criminal cases.

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.
  • “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 Burglary Charges

If you are under investigation for burglary, or have been arrested and charged with burglary charges, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will fight for you and aggressively protect your constitutional rights.

Contact Us

Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent people accused of burglary and other crimes throughout Maryland, including Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County.

Filed Under: Burglary Charges, Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, Probation violation, Theft Charges

Theft of Mail Investigated by Howard County Police

May 6, 2013 by

Theft of Mail Subject of Howard County Police Investigation
Theft from mailboxes in Howard County dating back to October, 2012 caused Howard County law enforcement officers to issue an advisory to residents, reported The Baltimore Sun. The advisory asked residents to be alert for any irregularities with their mail or any missing items, and to take certain precautions to protect themselves. Thus far, the incidents have been limited to the Laurel and Clarksville areas in Howard County.

Theft of Outgoing Mail in Residents’ Mail Boxes

According to police, it appears that the perpetrators look for mailboxes with outgoing mail, as noted by mailboxes with red flags up. They steal checks from outgoing mail, change payee information on those checks, and then attempt to cash those checks at the victim’s bank. To prevent mail theft, police have recommended that residents refrain from placing mail containing checks in their mailboxes for pickup, instead dropping such items in a neighborhood collection box or bringing them to the nearest post office.

Theft of Mail Can be Avoided if Precautions are Taken

Postal authorities have also issued specific recommendations, including:

  • The prompt removal of all mail from your mailbox
  • Notification of all parties, including the sender and postal authorities, if you do not receive an anticipated check
  • Putting a hold on your mail while out of town
  • Immediately reporting if anyone other than a postal employee or homeowner is seen lurking near mailboxes

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

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than three decades. He has a well-earned reputation with clients and colleagues. Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in theft and other criminal 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 (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.

Criminal Defense Attorney, Howard County, Maryland

If you are under investigation or have been arrested and charged with theft or another crime, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively protect your constitutional rights. Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent people accused of theft and other crimes in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County,Maryland.

 

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

Underage Drinking Warnings Released by Howard County Police

April 22, 2013 by

Underage Drinking at Prom and Graduation Parties
Underage drinking, a frequent occurrence at prom and graduation parties, was the focus of recent warnings by Howard County Police. With prom and graduations starting this coming weekend, county police sought to warn teens and their parents of the legal consequences of underage drinking.

Underage Drinking Can Result in Possession of Alcohol Charges

Various criminal charges can be filed if someone is caught in underage drinking. These include criminal charges for alcohol possession and possession of a fake ID. If a driver engages in underage drinking, they may be charged with violation of alcohol restriction, driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI). Adults who provide alcohol to minors can be criminally charged with obtaining or furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Criminal Lawyer for Underage Drinking Charges

Mr. Smith is a top rated criminal defense 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 cases involved underage drinking.

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: Possession of Alcohol by Minor

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 (25 consecutive years).
  • “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
  • 2013 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

Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent people accused of underage drinking and other crimes throughout Maryland, including Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, District Court for Howard County, Drunk Driving, DUI, DWI

First Degree Assault Charges Filed for Odenton Bar Shooting

April 22, 2013 by

Man Arrested and Charged with First Degree Assault for Odenton Bar Shooting

On February 1, Anne Arundel County police arrested Raynard Leo Boston, charging him with first degree assault and related charges in connection with a shooting at My Place Bar and Lounge on January 19, 2013 in Odenton, reported The Baltimore Sun. Officers were called to the bar in the 1600 block of Annapolis Road around 1:30 a.m. after reports of gunfire.

Police learned from witnesses that Boston had become involved in a verbal dispute with a bouncer at the bar and allegedly pulled a gun, firing at the employee several times. The bouncer sustained injuries to his lower body. A 34-year-old bystander also sustained a hand injury. Boston fled the scene immediately after the shooting and remained at large for nearly two weeks. The victims were taken to a nearby hospital, but their injuries were not life threatening.

Boston was taken into custody in Brooklyn Park. He has been charged with first degree assault, attempted second-degree murder, reckless endangerment and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Howard County, MD

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of courtroom experience to criminal defendants in Maryland. He has built an outstanding reputation with clients and colleagues.

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 (25 consecutive years).
  • “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
  • 2013 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.

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, 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 Tagged With: , ,

Extortion Charges Filed Against Prince George’s County Employee

April 8, 2013 by

Extortion Charges Placed Against Building Inspector

In January, the Prince George’s County Police Department announced the arrest of  John Cleveland Brown, a building inspector with the Department of Environmental Resources, charging him with extortion. Detectives were contacted by a restaurant owner in Clinton, who told them that Brown had threatened to take away his permit unless he paid Brown $1,000 a week to have Brown’s band play at his restaurant.

The officers set up a sting in which one detective posed as the restaurant’s entertainment manager. Brown was arrested when he came to the restaurant and demanded payment from the undercover officer.

What is Extortion under Maryland Law? Definition of Extortion

Extortion is a crime under Maryland law. The law prohibiting extortion states: A person may not obtain, attempt to obtain, or conspire to obtain money, property, labor, services, or anything of value from another person with the person’s consent, if the consent is induced by wrongful use of actual or threatened: (1) force or violence; (2) economic injury; or (3) destruction, concealment, removal, confiscation, or possession of any immigration or government identification document with intent to harm the immigration status of another person.

Extortion Penalties under Maryland Law

The penalty for extortion in Maryland depends upon the value of the property, labor, or services that are the object of the extortion.

If the value of the property, labor, or services is $500 or more, a person is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both. If the value of the property, labor, or services is less than $500, a person is guilty of the misdemeanor of extortion and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.

Top-Ranked Criminal Defense Lawyer Prince George’s County, MD

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith offers more than 30 years of courtroom experience to criminal defendants in Maryland.

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 (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.

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has an unparalleled reputation with clients and within the legal community. He handles all types of criminal charges, including extortion.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County, Maryland,

If you face extortion or other criminal charges, or are under investigation for illegal activity, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively protect 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 Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

 

 

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

Police Assault Case Causes Police Response to Editorial

March 18, 2013 by

Assault on Students at University of Maryland after Basketball

Police assault on students generated a post on the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) blog, in which the police chief characterized a Washington Post editorial as “exaggerated and misleading.”

On March 3, 2010, Prince George’s County police officers were videotaped beating Maryland student John McKenna with batons as McKenna and others celebrated a University of Maryland basketball victory over Duke University. PGPD conducted an investigation and two officers were indicted on first- and second-degree assault charges, as well as misconduct in office offenses. One officer was convicted and served a 30-day home detention sentence. The other officer was acquitted.

Editorial Criticizes Police Handling of Student Assault Case

In its response to the Washington Post editorial, which asserted that police “got away with” beating McKenna, Chief of Police Mark A. Magaw stated on the blog that:

  • What happened to McKenna was wrong.
  • The involved officers were identified, indicted and prosecuted.
  • The PGPD has taken “unprecedented steps” to improve discipline and training oversight.
  • The PGPD has completely overhauled the strategy and training to handle civil disturbances.
  • The PGPD is working in conjunction with the University of Maryland to ensure that “the mistakes of the past” are not repeated.

What is the Definition of Assault?

Maryland separates assault in two degrees: first degree assault, which is a felony; and second degree assault, which is a misdemeanor. Assault in the second degree happens when one person physically injures another. The injuries can be minor or cause physical injury, but not serious or permanent injury.

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

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

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney Howard County, MD

A Maryland Super Lawyer, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of trial experience to criminal defendants in Maryland. He has built an outstanding reputation with clients and colleagues.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience in assault and other criminal cases — 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 (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.

Ellicott City, Maryland, Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you need top-ranked criminal defense counsel for assault charges, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively fight to protect your constitutional rights. Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

 

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

Arson Suspect Arrested in New Carrollton Fire

March 12, 2013 by

Arson Charges filed in Deadly New Carrollton Fire

Prince George’s County Police have identified a suspect in an apartment fire in New Carrollton in January, 2013, that left two people dead. Officers have arrested 44-year-old Anthony Andre Allain and charged him with two counts of felony murder, as well as first-degree arson. According to a witness, the defendant barricaded himself and two others in an apartment at 7600 Fountainbleau around 7:30 pm on January 13, and started a fire. Allain escaped with burns that were not life threatening, but the other two adults perished, one inside the apartment and the other after leaping from a balcony.

Under Maryland law, if you commit a felony and someone dies as a result of that act, you can be charged with felony murder. Because Allain is charged with the felony of arson, he has also been charged with felony murder. The penalty for conviction for felony murder can include life in prison.

What is Arson under Maryland Law?

Arson in Maryland is divided into degrees: first degree arson and second degree arson. What is first degree arson in Maryland? First degree arson is when a person willfully and maliciously sets fire to or burns (1) a dwelling, or (2) a structure in which or on which an individual who is not a participant is present. First degree arson is a felony. What is the penalty for first degree arson? A person who is guilty of first degree arson in Maryland is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 years, or a fine not exceeding $50,000.00, or both.

What is second degree arson in Maryland? Second degree arson is when a person willfully and maliciously sets fire to or burns a structure that belongs to the person or another. Second degree arson is a felony. What is the penalty for second degree arson? A person who is guilty of second degree arson in Maryland is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years, or a fine not exceeding $30,000.00, or both.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney Howard County, MD

A Maryland Super Lawyer, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of trial experience to criminal defendants in Maryland. He has built an outstanding reputation with clients and colleagues.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience in criminal cases — 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 (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.

Ellicott City, Maryland, Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you need top-ranked criminal defense counsel for arson charges, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively fight to protect your constitutional rights. Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

 

 

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

Man Arrested for Indecent Exposure at Columbia Mall

February 15, 2013 by

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

Simple Assault Defense in Columbia, Maryland

January 10, 2013 by

What is Assault?

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

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

Assault Convictions Can Mean 10 Years Jail Time

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

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

Second Degree Assault Defined

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

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

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

Highly Rated Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor with over 30 years of courtroom experience. Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

  • Maryland Super Lawyer.
  • “10.0 Superb” as a litigation attorney by AVVO.
  • “AV-Preeminent™*” Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.
  • “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
  • 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

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

Defense Against Simple Assault Charges in Columbia, MD

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

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

Shoplifting Charges in Howard County, MD

December 18, 2012 by

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

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

Penalties for Thefts Under $1,000 — Misdemeanor

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

Felony Charges – Shoplift More Than $1,000

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

23 Million People Accused of Shoplifting in the US

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

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

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

Criminal Lawyer Howard County MD

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

Top Rated Columbia and Ellicott City MD Shoplifting Defense Attorney

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

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

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

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

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