Criminal Defense

Man Stabbed to Death in Southeast Baltimore

February 17, 2017 by Jonathan Smith

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Baltimore police say a 24-year-old man was stabbed to death at a Royal Farms store on Fleet Street near South Washington in late January. Witnesses say the man was having an argument with an unknown person when the fight escalated and the suspect pulled a knife, stabbing the victim multiple times. The man was taken to the hospital, but died shortly after arrival.

AV-RatedBaltimoreCriminal Defense Attorney

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively protected the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 30 years. He’ll be at your side throughout a criminal prosecution, from arrest to arraignment to trial, if necessary. He’ll conduct a thorough investigation of your case, including how police and prosecutors gathered evidence against you. He’ll review all police reports and question witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most compelling defense at trial. He’s skilled at negotiating plea bargains, but is also ready, willing and able to protect your rights before a judge and jury. Attorney Smith will ensure that there was probable cause for any search or seizure and that you were properly advised of your Constitutional rights if taken into custody.

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

Proven MarylandCriminal Defense Lawyer

When you face criminal charges, you want someone who will aggressively protect your constitutional rights. Contact our office by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Anne Arundel Police Arrest Suspects in Glen Burnie Slaying

February 7, 2017 by Jonathan Smith

Anne Arundel Police Arrest Suspects in Glen Burnie Slaying

Anne Arundel County police arrested a 23-year-old Annapolis man on Thursday, February 1, charging him with first and second degree murder, as well as a number of firearms offenses. A second suspect, a 22-year-old man, was currently being held in the Jessup Correctional Institute on unrelated charges.

According to statements gathered by homicide investigators, the two suspects went to Cedar Furnace Circle and Lacrosse Lane last October 1 to meet with the decedent, supposedly to buy a gun from him. When police arrived around 11:40 that night, they found the victim’s body with multiple bullet wounds to the chest and upper body.

Top-Rated Violent Criminal DefenseLawyer in Maryland

For more than 30 years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has successfully fought for the rights ofpeople facing criminal prosecution in Maryland. He takes a comprehensive approach to criminal defense, carefully gathering andpreserving all evidence in your case. He’ll review police reports to ensure that police followed proper procedures and that your constitutional rights were not violated.

Attorney Smith is well-respected among clients and colleagues, earningrecognition as a Maryland Super Lawyer, as well as an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System (the top rating possible). Honored as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine, he has alsoreceived the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He also holds a 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.

Experienced Glen Burnie MD, Criminal Defense Attorney

Let us help protect your rights in a criminal matter. Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 to set up an appointment. We defend people throughout Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

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

Maryland Man Acquitted of Attempted Murder Due to “Involuntary Intoxication”

December 4, 2016 by Jonathan Smith

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A Carroll County man has been found “not criminally responsible” for the attempted murder of his wife after his attorneys argued that he’d been taking Chantix, a prescription medication to help him stop smoking. The man’s attorneys told the court that the pharmaceutical product had caused the defendant to have “a chemical imbalance.” Prosecutors did not challenge that assertion and instead allowed the man to plead guilty to a reduced charge.

One of the requirements to be convicted of a crime is that you must have had “mens rea,” or a guilty mind. If you are incapable of understanding that your actions are criminal, for any reason, you are considered to lack the capacity to commit a crime. With the Carroll County man, the court essentially ruled that he did not know what he was doing at the time and could not be held criminally responsible.

Top-Rated Violent Crimes Defense Attorney in Maryland

For more than 30 years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has successfully protected the rights of people facing criminal prosecution in Maryland. He takes a comprehensive approach to criminal defense, carefully gathering and evaluating the facts of your case. He’ll confirm that police followed proper procedures, so that your constitutional rights were protected.

Attorney Smith has earned a solid reputation with clients and colleagues, including recognition as a Maryland Super Lawyer, as well as an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System (the top rating possible). Honored as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine, he has also received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He also holds a 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.

Experienced Ellicott City, MD, Criminal Defense Attorney

To learn how we can help protect your rights in a criminal matter, contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We defend people throughout Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer Tagged With: criminal law, criminal lawyer, criminal lawyer maryland

Mother Who Abandoned Baby on Road Pleads Guilty

February 23, 2016 by Jonathan Smith

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Anne Arundel County prosecutors have accepted a guilty plea from a 26-year-old woman who left her two-month-old daughter in a child carrier on the road in the 900 block of Druid Hill Avenue in Pasadena. As a part of the plea agreement, the woman was sentenced to five years in prison, with all but five months suspended as time served. She will be on probation for the five-year-period and must complete drug and alcohol treatment, as well as a parenting class. She is also prohibited from having any unlawful contact with her children.

Police say the defendant had a physical altercation with the father of the child on the 4th of July. She apparently set the child by the side of the road during the confrontation. The infant was left alone on the roadside for more than an hour before passers-by rescued her.

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

Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 30 years. Because of his record and reputation for effective representation, he has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and has also built an outstanding reputation with his colleagues in the legal profession, earning an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also recognized as a 2013 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Baltimore County, Maryland

At the law office of Jonathan Scott Smith, we aggressively defend people charged with any crime. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/mother-who-abandoned-baby-on-road-pleads-guilty/36720732

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, domestic violence lawyer

Man Arrested in Rosedale Stabbings

February 8, 2016 by Jonathan Smith

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

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

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

Top-Rated Ellicott City Criminal Defense Attorney

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

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Greater Baltimore Area

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

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

Filed Under: Assault, Criminal Defense

West River Man Faces Charges of Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

October 8, 2015 by Jonathan Smith

west-river-man-faces-charges-of-possession-and-distribution-of-child-pornography

Anne Arundel County police have arrested a West River man after a cybertip, charging him with possessing and distributing child pornography. The Department’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Unit received the information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Based on the lead, detectives obtained a warrant to search a home in the 200 block of Owensville Road in West River. The search revealed images of child pornography on computers in the home and indicated that the pictures had been distributed or shared on the Internet.

Pursuant to the search and seizure of evidence, authorities arrested a 22 year old man and charged him with numerous counts of possession of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.

AV-Rated Ellicott City and Columbia, MD, Criminal Defense Attorney

Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 30 years. Because of his record and reputation for effective representation, he has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and has also built an outstanding reputation with his colleagues in the legal profession, earning an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Baltimore County, Maryland

At the law office of Jonathan Scott Smith, we provide aggressive defense in all criminal matters. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Source – http://www.wbaltv.com/news/west-river-man-faces-child-porn-charges/32946148

Filed Under: Criminal Defense

Maryland Politician Seeks to Change Law about Child Sex Abuse

September 2, 2015 by Jonathan Smith

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Legislator Says Victims Should Have More Time

Charles County Delegate C.T. Wilson is leading the fight in the Maryland legislature to amend the state’s law governing how much time a victim of child sexual abuse has to sue their abusers. Under current law, victims must file a lawsuit by the time they are 25. Wilson is asking fellow legislators to raise that age to 38.

According to Wilson, denial is the biggest challenge that many victims face. “It takes so many years to even acknowledge that it happened,” he told reporters after he testified before fellow lawmakers in Annapolis. Child welfare advocates have been lobbying the Maryland legislature to change the law for more than 10 years, but have encountered repeated resistance, most notably from the Catholic Church. A representative of the Maryland Catholic Conference expressed concern that allowing victims to come forward “thirty years later” would be extremely difficult, as evidence could be scarce, alleged abusers may be dead, and organizations like the Catholic Church would be unfairly forced to defend themselves.

Top-Rated Ellicott City Criminal Defense Attorney

Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has more than 30 years of experience successfully protecting the rights of criminal defendants. He was a recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). Smith has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and is also respected by his colleagues in the legal profession, who have given him an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Greater Baltimore Area

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

Source – http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2015/05/11/md-politician-sexually-abused-as-child-wants-to-change-the-law/

Filed Under: Criminal Defense

Police Shoot and Kill Man Who Rammed Patrol Car

August 6, 2015 by Jonathan Smith

Landover Man Killed by Officers after Domestic Dispute

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A Landover man is dead after ramming two police vehicles during a high speed chase. He died on the scene of the shooting.

According to police reports, two officers were dispatched to a Central Avenue address to respond to a domestic dispute. The officers were advised in advance that the perpetrator had flashed a knife. When they came upon the scene, they saw Young in his car and tried to detain him, but he fled. Officers chased him to the 900 block of Nalley Road, when he intentionally rammed two police vehicles. The officers opened fire, killing Young.

According to unconfirmed reports, the Landover man had full custody of a 12-year-old daughter and was also the father of an 8-year-old boy.

Highly Respected Criminal Defense Attorney in the Baltimore Area

Jonathan Scott Smith has protected the rights of criminal defendants throughout Maryland for more than 30 years. Because of his record and reputation for effective representation, he has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). A Maryland Super Lawyer, Smith has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and has also built an outstanding reputation with his colleagues in the legal profession, earning an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Ellicott City Criminal Defense Lawyer

For aggressive defense in a criminal matter, contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Source – http://www.wusa9.com/story/news/local/maryland/2015/05/11/police-shoot-man-who-rammed-deputys-car-landover/27116123/

Filed Under: Criminal Defense

Mass Shooting Deaths Still on the Rise

February 26, 2015 by Jonathan Smith

Study Shows Three-Fold Increase since 2000

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The killing of two high school students in Washington this week is the continuation of a trend the FBI has seen over the last 14 years—a three-fold rise in the number of mass shootings in the United States. The report found 160 mass shootings between 2000 and 2013, but more than 70% of the mass shootings occurred during the last half of the study. FBI officials found that more than two-thirds of the attacks took place in a school or in the workplace, and that, in almost half of the mass killings, at least three people died.

According to behavioral experts, the perpetrators generally fall into two categories: individuals who felt picked on, belittled or mistreated; and those who sought attention. Most psychologists believe that such persons can be identified before they engage in deadly action, often by students, teachers, co-workers or others. FBI officials say that they are contacted on a regular basis by local authorities seeking assistance with the evaluation of potential threats.

Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively defended individuals in Maryland for more than 30 years. Long known and respected by his peers for effective representation, he has earned an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Attorney Smith has received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO stars (the highest rating possible), based on an average client review of 5.0. He has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO. The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell both listed him as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer in Howard County

If you are under investigation for or have been charged with a crime, we can help. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-nn-na-mass-shootings-fbi-20140924-story.html

Filed Under: Criminal Defense

Police Departments Train Officers to Handle Mentally Ill Suspects

February 12, 2015 by Jonathan Smith

Law Enforcement Agencies Recognize Need for Special Training to Deal with Mentally Challenged Suspects

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Acknowledging the increasing likelihood that police officers will have to question and perhaps detain persons with mental challenges, police departments across the country are sending officers to specialized training to help them defuse potentially volatile situations. Experts point to decreased funding for state mental health programs, noting that many individuals who would have been institutionalized in state mental hospitals are now on the streets. When ordinary citizens encounter difficulties with mentally unstable people, their inclination is to call law enforcement officers, forcing officers to handle situations for which they have little training.

Many departments have instituted what is known as “crisis intervention training,” or CIT. The CIT program came into being in Memphis, Tennessee, in response to a public outcry when police shot a mentally ill man who was threatening suicide. Reports indicate that up to 3,000 police departments nationwide now employ some form of CIT program.

The focus of the CIT programs is on alternatives to the use of force. Officers learn how to calm down suspects, and how to identify ways to resolve tensions without threats or use of violence.

Top-Rated Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 30 years. Because of his record and reputation for effective representation, he has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and has also built an outstanding reputation with his colleagues in the legal profession, earning an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Ellicott City and Columbia, MD

We will help you protect your constitutional rights. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

http://www.npr.org/2014/09/23/349098691/as-run-ins-rise-police-take-crash-courses-on-handling-mentally-ill?sc=tw

Filed Under: Criminal Defense