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Baltimore Police Officers Charged with Racketeering

March 10, 2017 by

A federal grand jury has indicted seven Baltimore police officers, all members of an elite task force, charging them with theft, extortion, fraud and filing false police reports. One of the officers has also been charged with trafficking drugs. Prosecutors say the seven men often made illegal traffic stops or engaged in illegal search and seizure, taking drugs and cash for personal use or to sell. The indictment alleged that many of the victims had not committed any crime, but were simply victims of wrongdoing by the officers. The indictment also alleges that the policemen submitted bogus overtime, often claiming to be working while they were on vacation. Between them, the seven officers allegedly took home around $400,000 in fraudulent overtime in just one year.

Many local criminal defense attorneys say the arrests jeopardize a number of convictions over the last few years. They say that any case these officers were involved in may be suspect, as the officers’ testimony will likely be considered unreliable.

Top-Rated Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

For more than three decades, 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 preserving 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, earning 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 Baltimore County 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, defense attorney Tagged With: , , , ,

Man Stabbed to Death in Southeast Baltimore

February 17, 2017 by

Stabbed-Death

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.

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

Anne Arundel Police Arrest Suspects in Glen Burnie Slaying

February 7, 2017 by

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: ,

Suspect in New Year’s Eve Murder Dies after Self-Inflicted Wound

January 27, 2017 by

boy-in-depression

A 15-year-old Howard County boy, the suspect in a New Year’s Eve killing in Ellicott City, has died of self-inflicted wounds. The youth apparently shot himself in the head after firing shots at a 16-year-old neighbor and her mother.

According to police, the girl’s mother had picked her up from a New Year’s Eve party some time after midnight and returned home. Moments later, she heard noises in her daughter’s bedroom and went in to see what was happening. She discovered her daughter struggling with the young man, who was wearing a mask. When the mother confronted the intruder, he shot her and her daughter, then shot himself.

Police say they have no evidence to suggest any relationship or connection between the suspect and the girl, but are investigating whether the boy may have been involved in a string of burglaries in the neighborhood in recent weeks. They say that the gun used was stolen from another residence on Marybeth Way.

Ellicott City, MD Criminal Defense Attorney

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of criminal defendants for more than 30 years. Because of his record and reputation, 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). He 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 Maryland

We offer aggressive defense to anyone charged with or under investigation for a 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.

Filed Under: criminal lawyer Tagged With: , ,

Baltimore Police Investigate First Homicides of 2017

January 20, 2017 by

police-investigate

Just hours into 2017, Baltimore police are investigating two unrelated homicides.

Just after 3 pm, officers heard shots in the 1800 block of West Fayette Street. When they arrived at the scene, they found a 20-year-old male with fatal wounds to his upper torso.

Just two hours later, in the 1000 block of North Mount Street, another officer hear gunfire and saw a suspect running with a gun. He found an adult male with gunshot wound in a car nearby. The man was taken to a hospital, but died from his injuries.

The number of homicides in Baltimore decreased in 2016 from the year before. Officials reported 319 intentional killings in the city in 2016, compared with a record 344 the year before. In 2014, the city reported just 211 killings, the second lowest number in nearly half a century.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbia, MD

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than three decades. 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.

Baltimore County, Maryland, Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged or are under investigation for any type of 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.

Filed Under: criminal lawyer Tagged With: ,

Police Arrest Registered Sex Offender on Rape Charges

December 12, 2016 by

Police-Arrest

An Aberdeen man, listed as a Tier III registered sex offender, has been charged with a number of sex crimes, including rape, based on a complaint made to police in early December. Law enforcement officers say that a woman told them she was assaulted by the defendant in a parked vehicle in the 600 block of McHenry Drive on November 30, 2016. She told officers that the man used physical force to remove her clothing and to engage in sexual intercourse with her. The defendant was charged with:

  • First degree rape
  • Second degree rape
  • First degree sex offense
  • Second degree sex offense
  • Third degree sex offense
  • Fourth degree sex offense

According to court records, the defendant was convicted in 2015 of second degree rape and sentenced to a 10-year prison term, but the sentence was suspended in lieu of four years of probation.

AV-Rated Ellicott City Criminal Defense Attorney

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively protected the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 30 years. 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.

Top-Tier Columbia, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

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

Filed Under: criminal lawyer Tagged With: ,

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

December 4, 2016 by

criminal

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: , ,

Police say Edgewater man was making methamphetamine in his basement

May 19, 2014 by

Valentine’s Day was not full of love for
meth
one young Edgewater man. In fact, the 22-year-old was busted on this special day for making methamphetamine in his uncle’s basement according to The Baltimore Sun. Evidently, he chose the wrong basement.

Residents in a house nearby called Anne Arundel County Police complaining of a man who was acting in an unusual manner. After police arrived, they noticed an unusual chemical smell, and the man himself admitted he’d been making meth. Too much “Breaking Bad,” the show about a chemistry teacher who turns to meth-making for all the wrong or right reasons, depending on how you look at it, gives young men bad ideas, perhaps.

Police and fire fighters evacuated the area, as there were many combustible, dangerous chemicals in the basement. Residents were also treated for potential toxic exposure to dangerous materials. Meth making is a dangerous process, and in this case, the quality of the air was even checked to see if it was safe. It was safe.

The 22-year-old man is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine and illegally manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance.

Skilled Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former Maryland prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney. He understands criminal law from both sides. This thorough understanding of criminal law, coupled with his extensive experience, helps him build strong, cases for his clients’ defense.

We Fight for Your Rights

In addition to defending those accused of drug offenses, defense attorney smith also represents adults and minors accused of everything from robbery, theft, sex offenses, drunk driving, and other crimes. We represent clients throughout Maryland, including Columbia, Clarksville, Sykesville, Fulton, Elkridge, Frederick, Mt. Airy, Ellicott City, Laurel, Westminster, and Baltimore and throughout Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Contact The Smith Criminal Defense Law Firm

In addition to our criminal defense practice, lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith also represents clients involved in personal injury, medical malpractice, and drunk driving cases throughout Maryland.

To discuss your situation with an attorney who can help, please contact us by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

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.
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers (2014)
  • “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)
  • Top Attorneys in Maryland (American Registry)(2013)
  • Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell (2013)
  • The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers (by invitation only and limited to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers from each state).
  • “AV-Preeminent™*” Highest Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (25 consecutive years).

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

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal lawyer

Animal Abuse Investigation Launched after Cat Shot with Arrow

September 20, 2013 by

Animal Abuse Investigation Pending in Anne Arundel

In a bizarre incident, the Anne Arundel County Animal Control office reported that a cat in the Davidsonville area was apparently shot with a bow and arrow on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, according to The Baltimore Sun. The cat, Xena, survived and continues to make progress at a local animal rescue facility.

According to animal control officers, a resident in the 3000 block of Riva Road, discovered that the cat had been shot through the left shoulder with a two-foot long arrow. The citizen unsuccessfully attempted to catch Xena, and called the Animal Control office. Animal Control officers were finally able to trap the cat two days later. After time in the Belair Veterinary Hospital, Xena was moved to the Rude Ranch Animal Rescue facility, where she continues to recuperate.

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.

Top-Rated Howard County, MD, Criminal Defense Attorney

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

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.
  • The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers (by invitation only and limited to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers from each state).
  • “AV-Preeminent™*” Highest Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (25 consecutive years).

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

Ellicott City, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you face criminal charges of any kind, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will fight hard to protect your constitutional rights. Contact our firm online or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

 

 

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, District Court for Howard County

Howard County DUI Sobriety Checkpoint Nabs Twelve

September 4, 2013 by

On Friday, June 14, 2013, Howard County police set up a sobriety checkpoint on westbound Route 40 and Governors Run Way in Ellicott City. The sobriety checkpoint, which started late in the evening, extended into early Saturday morning, resulted in 12 arrests, reported The Baltimore Sun.

Police say 998 drivers came through the sobriety checkpoint, and that six were arrested for DUI, or driving under the influence of alcohol. Three more drivers were taken into custody for drug offenses, and three motorists were detained for driving with suspended license.

DUI Check Points Funded by Grants

The DUI sobriety checkpoint, manned by Howard County police and Maryland State troopers, is part of the Checkpoint Strikeforce Campaign, a program funded in part by a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. DUI Sobriety check points, though not legal in some states, have been upheld in Maryland as consistent with the state constitution and the U.S. Constitution, provided they comply with detailed constitutional requirements.

Top-Rated Drunk Driving Lawyer in Howard County, MD

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

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

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

Columbia, Maryland Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

When you need top-rated criminal defense lawyer to fight a DUI charge, including one resulting from a DUI sobriety checkpoint, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively fight hard to protect your constitutional rights. Contact our firm online or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County, Maryland.

 

 

 

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

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