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

December 10, 2012 by

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

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.

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

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

Probation Violation Cases in Howard County, MD

November 30, 2012 by

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

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

Probation Terms

Terms of probation may include:

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

Probation Violation Can Result in Jail Time

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

Come Prepared to a Probation Violation Hearing

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

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

Probation Violation Lawyer Howard County MD

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

Top Rated Columbia and Ellicott City Criminal Defense Attorney

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

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

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

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

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

Defense Against Marijuana Cultivation Charge – Maryland

November 21, 2012 by

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

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

Mandatory Minimum Sentence on Conviction

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

Questions in Any Marijuana Cultivation Charge Case

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

Top Rated Howard County Drug Possession Attorney

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

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

Defend Against Marijuana Cultivation Charges – MD Criminal Defense Attorney

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

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

Mandatory Minimum Statutes in Maryland

October 29, 2012 by

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

Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws Inflict Extreme Harm

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

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

Victimless Crimes Can Be Subject to Mandatory Minimums

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

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

Crimes Requiring Mandatory Minimum Sentences

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

Third Offense for Certain Drug Crimes – 25 Years No Parole

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

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

Columbia, and Ellicott City Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

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

Top Rated Criminal Lawyer Howard County, MD

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

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

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

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

Criminal Lawyer Receives Client Choice Award in Lawyers Ratings

October 26, 2012 by

Outstanding Reviews Result in Award from Clients’ Lawyers Ratings
avvo-badge-clients-choice
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

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

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in 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

Maryland Medical Marijuana Defense

October 12, 2012 by

Arrested for Medical Marijuana Use or Possession in Maryland?

medical-marijuana-2
If you have been arrested for possession of marijuana, but you are using it out of medical necessity, Maryland law allows an affirmative medical marijuana defense. This means that medical marijuana use has reduced the potential penalty depending on the amount of marijuana in possession.

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

How do I Establish a Medical Marijuana Defense?

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

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

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

Feds Not on Board with Medical Marijuana Use

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

What Amount Is Legal?

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

Top Rated Howard County Drug Possession Attorney

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

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

Contact Us

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

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

23 Men Netted in Laurel Prostitution Arrests

October 2, 2012 by

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

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

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in 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

Embezzlement Crimes in Howard County, MD

September 24, 2012 by

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

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

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

Fraud Enforcement Task Force Aggressively Pursues Embezzlement Crimes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Howard County

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

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

Police Investigate Howard County Burglary

September 15, 2012 by

Burglary of Columbia Business Focus of Police Investigation

On Thursday, September 14, 2012, an Allstate Insurance office was the subject of a burglary, reported The Baltimore Sun. Property was taken from the West Columbia business, including two phones, six computer towers and documents. Howard County police are investigating.

Burglary Statistics

FBI statistics reveal that there are approximately 2.1 million burglaries in the United States annually. About 75% of those are residential burglaries. Burglaries account for one quarter of all property crimes. There were 1,393 burglaries in Howard County in 2010, according to the Howard County Police Department.

What is Burglary in the First Degree in Maryland?

Under Maryland law,  a person may not break and enter the dwelling of another with the intent to commit theft or a crime of violence. This is the definition of first degree burglary. The penalty for first degree burglary is imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.

What is Second Degree Burglary in Maryland?

There are two different violations that constitute second degree burglary. First, a person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to commit theft, a crime of violence, or arson in the second degree. If he does, he is guilty of a felony and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 15 years. Second,  a person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to steal, take, or carry away a firearm. This also is a felony, and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.

Howard County Criminal Attorney and Burglary 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 first degree burglary and second degree burglary cases. With a solid and longstanding reputation for personal service and thorough preparation, we get many of our new cases as referrals from existing or former clients, or from other attorneys. Mr. Smith fights hard for his clients. That’s why many satisfied clients think so highly of him.

Top Rated Howard County, Columbia, and Ellicott City Criminal Lawyer

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

Contact Our Office

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

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in first degree burglary, second degree burglary, and 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

Contact Us

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101

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