Authorities Target DUI Drivers on Holidays

September 10, 2012 by Jonathan Smith

Maryland has targeted Thanksgiving with mobile and stationary patrols. Additionally, the Maryland State Police’s operation “Centerpoint Strikeforce” regularly sets up checkpoints throughout the state.

The Centerpoint Strikeforce operation recently checked 130 cars near the Md. 85 and Executive Way in just a four-hour weekend-period, but no one was arrested on drunk driving charges. This particular Maryland location was chosen because of the area’s relative frequency of DUI arrests and crashes involving alcohol.

Interestingly, the American Beverage Institute notes a University of Maryland study (2009) that indicates sobriety checkpoints do not in fact affect drivers’ actions. Rather, research seems to indicate that roving police cars tend to make more DUI arrests.

Throughout the United States authorities have been cracking down on DUI drivers just before and during holidays. For those interested, it is possible to find the location of these DUI police checkpoints online, through websites devoted specifically to tracking DUI checkpoints. Also, police departments often announce their plans to conduct sobriety checkpoints (but not the locations).

Holidays such as Labor Day typically have more drunk-driving related crashes. For instance, during Labor Day weekend in 2010, 147 people died as a result of car crashes that involved a drunk driver.

Accused of DUI or DWI in MD? Contact an Experience Criminal Defense Attorney

To schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal defense lawyer at the Smith Criminal Defense Firm in Columbia, Maryland, 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, Drunk Driving, DUI, DWI, MVA Hearing Tagged With: alcohol, blood alcohol content, columbia, defense lawyer, drinks, driving under the influence, Drunk Driving, drunk driving defense, dui dwi, dwi court, dwi defense, dwi defense lawyer, ellicott city, howard county, jonathan scott smith, law, md, repeat offenders, transport law

Columbia Woman Cleared of 69 Animal Abuse and Neglect Charges

September 8, 2012 by jsmith

Howard County Animal Abuse and Neglect Charges Filed

Elizabeth M. Lindenau of Columbia, Maryland was charged in Howard County with 69 counts of animal abuse and neglect, and animal cruelty charges. The accusations arose out of 20 birds, rabbits and cats found deceased in a townhouse leased to Ms. Lindenau and her husband.

Prosecutors presented a plea offer insisting that the accused plead guilty to numerous felony and misdemeanor animal abuse, animal neglect, and animal cruelty charges, and serve time in jail. Howard County criminal lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith represented Ms. Lindenau, rejected the plea offer, and demanded her day in court.

What is Animal Abuse and Neglect?

Under Maryland law, a person may not: (1) overdrive or overload an animal; (2) deprive an animal of necessary sustenance; (3) inflict unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal; (4) cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1), (2), or (3); or (5) if the person has charge or custody of an animal, as owner or otherwise, unnecessarily fail to provide the animal with nutritious food in sufficient quantity, necessary veterinary care, proper drink, air, space, shelter, or protection from the weather.

The crime is a misdemeanor, and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

What is Animal Cruelty?

Under Maryland law, a person may not: (1) intentionally mutilate, torture, cruelly beat, or cruelly kill an animal; (2) cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1); or (3) except in the case of self-defense, intentionally inflict bodily harm, permanent disability, or death on an animal owned or used by a law enforcement unit.

Animal cruelty is a felony, and on conviction a person is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

Judge Acquits Woman Accused of Animal Cruelty Charges

On August 22, 2012, the trial began in the Circuit Court for Howard County before Judge Louis A. Becker and a jury. The judge acquitted Ms. Lindenau of all animal cruelty charges, finding that there was no evidence that she was aware that the animals were suffering. Additional animal abuse and neglect charges were thrown out for lack of evidence.

Jury Returns Not Guilty Verdicts on All Animal Neglect Charges

Ms. Lindenau presented substantial evidence that she had moved from the townhouse where the animals died months before. After 11 days of testimony, the jury found her not guilty of the 18 remaining charges of animal neglect. After the verdict, Ms. Lindenau stated: “I am relieved that the jury was willing to listen to the facts, and see past the emotional nature of this tragedy… I loved all of the animals, and it broke my heart that they died.”

Maryland Criminal Defense and Animal Abuse and Neglect Lawyer

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

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

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, 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 Georges (Prince George) County, Howard County and Montgomery County, MD.

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

Expungement of Criminal Records in Maryland

August 17, 2012 by Jonathan Smith

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Were you that information regarding the criminal charge and/or court proceeding is accessible to the public, employers and others? Would you like to know more about clearing your criminal record? In many instances, individuals can have their criminal records in Maryland cleared or “expunged.” Expungement is the destruction of the records, or removal of records from public inspection.

In Maryland, many records and files may be expunged from public viewing, including:

Motor Vehicle Administration driving records
Police files
Court files
Probation files

Howard County Expungement Lawyer

Expungement of records is a complicated process that is most easily done with the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith of the Smith Criminal Defense Firm has successfully expunged records for many clients. At our office we can:

Prepare your Petition for Expungement and related papers
File your documents and required copies
Appear in court to petition your Expungement
Follow-up and ensure all agencies expunge the records

When Your Record is Expunged, Potential Employers Won’t See Your Record

A criminal record can cause many problems in your life. The most serious and immediate problem will likely be employment issues.

Attorney Smith has practiced criminal law for over three decades and has successfully helped many people by expunging their records and eliminating barriers to employment. He also has a well-earned reputation for providing the personal service and thorough preparation needed to complete the expungement of records. Contact us online or call 410-740-0101. Let us help you with expungement today.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, Expungement Tagged With: xpungement of Criminal Records

Howard County Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint

August 16, 2012 by jsmith

Sobriety Checkpoint Scheduled by Howard County Police

The Howard County Police Department announced that it will conduct a DUI checkpoint this coming weekend. The department conducts several dui checkpoints each year. The checkpoint will be clearly marked with signs, lights and uniformed officers. Officers will utilize both marked and unmarked vehicles, and will be checking for violations including driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired, and other DUI/DWI violations.

Howard County DUI/DWI’s

In 2011, Howard County Police arrested 1,391 individuals for driving under the influence. In 2011, 25 percent of Howard County’s fatal collisions were alcohol related. Drinking and driving carries harsh penalties.

DUI Checkpoints and Constitutional Protections

A DUI checkpoint allows police officers to observe drivers and their cars for evidence of drunk driving. Under the law, police cannot stop a vehicle unless there is a “reasonable and articulable suspicion” that the driver or the vehicle is violating the law. Sobriety checkpoints involve the stopping of vehicles without this showing.

Many states outlaw the sobriety checkpoints. DUI checkpoints may violate an innocent driver’s constitutional rights.

Ellicott City, Columbia, and Howard County Drunk Driving Lawyer

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated drunk driving lawyer 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 — 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.

Contact Our Office for Aggressive DUI Defense

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

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

Attorney for Possession of Marijuana Charges in Maryland

August 3, 2012 by Jonathan Smith

Penalties, Enhancements and Other Elements that Could Affect Your Case and Your Rights

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Any marijuana criminal charge in Maryland is serious. Possession and distribution charges, however, can become significantly more serious depending on such factors as the number of convictions, the quantity of marijuana in question, and the location of the incident (for instance, proximity to a school can result in increased penalties).

For instance, incarceration durations can more than double in sale and distribution charges when quantities exceed 45 kilograms. Also, for any second or subsequent conviction, the sentence may double from that for a first-time offense.

Clearly, then, it is important to establish numerous facts when contesting a marijuana possession charge or other charge. How many times as the charged individual been convicted? What is the exact weight of the marijuana in question? And who is the true owner the marijuana?

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith of Smith Criminal Defense Firm can handle the numerous confusing issues that arise in any drug charge, provide knowledgeable counsel and advice and aggressively investigate and defend your charges and your rights.

Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Marijuana charges in Maryland often carry mandatory minimum sentences including five years in jail for drug sale or cultivation charges of 50 or more pounds of marijuana. In many instances it is important to pursue a reduction or dismissal of charges and/or full acquittal.

Attorney Smith’s track record includes the full dismissal of all charges in numerous cases involving marijuana possession and sale, including cases in which a conviction seemed at first to be inevitable. After a recent successful outcome, a client said to attorney Smith that he is “worth every penny.” To contact our firm to discuss your criminal charges, call 410-740-0101.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney Tagged With: drug charges, possession of marijuana

Howard County Criminal Lawyer Receives Highest in Lawyer Ratings

July 23, 2012 by jsmith

Columbia Criminal Defense Attorney Rated Highest in Lawyer Ratings
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Columbia attorney Jonathan Scott Smith just received the highest rating a lawyer can receive from Martindale-Hubbell, the country’s oldest and most prestigious source of lawyer ratings and reviews. Mr. Smith was rated “AV Preeminent” by his peers. This means he was considered to have preeminent legal ability, and the highest ethical standards. Judges and lawyers who know Mr. Smith rated him 5.0 out of 5.0.

Oldest and Most Prestigious Rating Service Recognizes Howard County Lawyer.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings were created in 1887 as an objective tool that attests to a lawyer’s ability and professional ethics, based on the confidential opinions of other lawyers and judges who have worked with the lawyers they are evaluating.

Only lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability receive a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating. Mr. Smith has received the highest rating consistently from the time he was first rated decades ago. Only a small and distinguished group of attorneys receive the highest peer rating.

Top Rated Howard County Criminal Defense Attorney
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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, 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

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

Howard County Prostitution Sting Nets Prostitution Arrests for Ten Men

July 18, 2012 by jsmith

Howard County Prostitution Arrests from Police Reverse Prostitution Sting

On Friday, July 13, 2012, Howard County police detectives and female officers made prostitution arrests of 10 suspects for soliciting prostitution in Laurel along the U.S. 1 corridor, according to a police department press release. Female officers in plain clothes worked undercover in areas targeted by citizen complaints to determine whether they would be approached and offered money for sex. Suspects who approached the female officers and made such offers were arrested.

Howard County Prostitution Arrests and Prostitution Arrest Photos

When Howard County police conduct prostitution sting operations, they release the names of those arrested. This is embarrassing to those arrested, and probably the purpose behind the policy. Fortunately, thus far, county police don’t release prostitution arrest photos.

It is illegal to solicit for prostitution under Maryland law. The crime is a misdemeanor. The court can impose imprisonment not exceeding 1 year, or a fine not exceeding $500.00, or both, if you are convicted.

Columbia and Ellicott City Criminal Lawyer

Mr. Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 yearsof extensive trial experience. Attorney Smith has handled thousands of criminal cases in the local courts, including cases involving 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 Howard County Prostitution Defense Attorney

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in prostitution, 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

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in prostitution, 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

Attorney Representing Immigrants Charged with Crimes in Maryland

July 17, 2012 by Jonathan Smith

Legal Information and Legal Assistance from Smith Criminal Defense Firm

Criminal charges are always serious. For immigrants, though, a criminal conviction can bring even more problems. For instance:

If you are an immigrant, a conviction can lead to deportation
If you have a green card, a conviction can lead to the loss of your permanent residency status
A conviction can lead to the loss of your chance for American citizenship

Your right to remain in the U.S. isn’t threatened only by a felony conviction. Even a seemingly minor and “private” domestic violence dispute can lead to deportation, as can a one-time conviction for petty theft.
If you are an immigrant facing criminal charges in Maryland, have questions regarding the rights of a family member facing criminal charges, contact the Columbia law firm of Smith Criminal Defense Firm. Firm founder and attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who has assisted numerous immigrants fight and beat criminal charges.

In addition, attorney Smith is a former prosecutor who is highly experienced in handling criminal cases involving immigration issues on both sides of the law. He is committed to providing the aggressive legal representation needed to keep you out of jail and in the U.S. This means that, if a conviction occurs, we can use appeals, motions to vacate and other legal options available in an attempt to eliminate or reduce your charges and achieve a cancellation of removal.

To discuss your legal concerns with an attorney who has worked with numerous immigrants charged with crimes in Maryland, please contact Smith Criminal Defense Firm by calling 410-740-0101.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, deportation Tagged With: baltimore, columbia, crime, Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal law, criminal record, domestic violence, driving under the influence, Drunk Driving, drunk driving defense attorney, ellicott city, ethics, howard county, law, maryland, misdemeanor, murder, probation, sexual abuse, smith, social issues, traffic violation

Criminal Lawyer Defending Against Felonies and Misdemeanors in Maryland

July 3, 2012 by Jonathan Smith

Making the Law and Your Rights Clear

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Have you been charged with a crime? Criminal law in Maryland can be difficult to understand. A good starting point is determining the difference between a felony and misdemeanor charge, and how this classification will affect your rights.

Maryland crimes are classified as either being a “misdemeanor” or a “felony”, and the distinction can be important. And in Maryland felony-type crimes are usually regarded as more serious than misdemeanor-type crimes.

Felony charges in Maryland include violent and serious offenses, such as:

Murder
Certain types of assault
Weapons charges
Robbery
Drug sales

Misdemeanor charges in Maryland include:

A DUI (drunk driving) offense
Disorderly conduct
Possession of marijuana
Shoplifting

For more information regarding Maryland law, browse the statutory law codes compiled by the University of Maryland.

Though all criminal charges are serious, felony charges are especially so. A felony conviction can result in prison time, the loss of a professional license and the loss of the right to own a gun. In addition to these direct legal penalties, consequences will likely include a high degree of difficulty in obtaining many forms of employment. That’s why a criminal lawyer defending against felonies and misdemeanors is essential to fight for you.

Criminal Lawyer Defending against Felonies and Misdemeanors in Maryland

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is an experienced criminal lawyer defending against felonies and misdemeanors in Maryland. He is experienced in investigating criminal charges and is highly knowledgeable regarding other factors that courts may consider, including an individual’s family history, community connections and involvement and statements by victims and alleged victims. His diligence and experience has resulted in numerous successful outcomes following felony and misdemeanor charges. To contact Jonathan Scott Smith of Smith Criminal Defense Firm, please call 410-740-0101.

Mr. Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 yearsof extensive trial experience. Attorney Smith has handled thousands of criminal cases in the local courts, including felonies and misdemeanors. 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 felony and misdemeanor 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

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in felonies, misdemeanors, 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: Assault, Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, Domestic Assault, Domestic Violence, domestic violence lawyer, driving with suspended license, Drunk Driving Tagged With: felonies, misdemeanors

Howard County Police Announce Sobriety Check Point

July 3, 2012 by jsmith

DUI Check Point Scheduled in Howard County

Howard Police announced that they will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint at an undisclosed location to promote awareness and reduce the number of drunk drivers on the roads.

The checkpoint will be clearly marked with signs, lights and uniformed officers. Officers will utilize both marked and unmarked vehicles and will be checking for violations including DUI, DWI, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired, failure to use seat belts and failure to use child safety seats.

Howard County DUI Arrests from Sobriety Checkpoint

In 2011, Howard County Police arrested 1,391 individuals for driving under the influence. Some of these arrests resulted from sobriety check point DUI/DWI arrests. Twenty-five percent of Howard County’s fatal collisions in 2011 were alcohol-related.

Howard County and Ellicott City DUI DWI Defense Lawyer

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

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. Attorney Smith is considered to be one of the best criminal defense and DUI drunk driving attorneys in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County.

Contact Our Office

To schedule an appointment, 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, Drunk Driving, DUI, DWI, Uncategorized

Jonathan Scott Smith Criminal Defense Firm