Howard County Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint

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.

 

Attorney for Possession of Marijuana Charges in Maryland

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.

Howard County Criminal Lawyer Receives Highest in Lawyer Ratings

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 RateHoward 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

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 offensesdomestic 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.

Howard County Prostitution Sting Nets Prostitution Arrests for Ten Men

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

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, solicitation for prostitution, as well as other criminal defense matters, DUI / DWI, MVA Hearings, traffic offensesdomestic 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.

Attorney Representing Immigrants Charged with Crimes in Maryland

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.

Criminal Lawyer Defending Against Felonies and Misdemeanors in Maryland

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

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 felonies, misdemeanors, as well as other criminal defense matters, DUI / DWI, MVA Hearings, traffic offensesdomestic 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.

Howard County Police Announce Sobriety Check Point

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.

Weapons Charges Legal Defense Attorney in Columbia, Maryland

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Have you been charged with a weapons charge in Maryland? Prosecutors work aggressively to prosecute alleged weapons laws violators. Do not take on prosecutors without experienced legal assistance. Contact attorney Jonathan Scott Smith of the Smith Criminal Defense Firm.

Mr. Smith has handled hundreds of criminal cases in Maryland, both as a criminal defense lawyer and as a prosecutor. Have you been charged with:

  • Aggravated assault?
  • Carrying a firearm without a permit, or carrying a concealed handgun?
  • Felon in possession?
  • Assault with a dangerous weapon?
  • A weapons charge in conjunction with a drug crime, theft or other crime?

Tough Penalties for Weapons Charges

Under Maryland sentencing guidelines, crimes that involve a gun can lead to increased jail time and other legal penalties. More information regarding Maryland gun laws.

Once convicted of a weapons charge, you may face consequences of your weapons charge conviction that may affect the rest of your life. At the Smith Criminal Defense Firm, we understand that your future hinges on the outcome of your criminal case.

Ellicott City and Columbia Weapons Defense Lawyer

We are experienced in handling weapons charge cases and can conduct the in-depth investigation needed to build an effective defense. Attorney Smith has tried hundreds of criminal cases to verdict, including numerous criminal jury trials.

Highly Rated Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Mr. Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of extensive trial experience, including weapons and gun cases. Attorney Smith has handled thousands of criminal cases in the local courts, including Howard County. Mr. Smith fights hard for his clients. That’s why many satisfied clients think so highly of him. Mr. Smith’s results speak for themselves.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in deadly weapon, gun, firearm, and other criminal cases — has earned him the recognition of the legal community, 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 defense attorneys in Howard County.

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in weapons 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.

Contact Us

To schedule an appointment with an experienced weapons lawyer and criminal defense attorney, 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.

The Top 5 Reasons to Retain a Local Criminal Defense Attorney in Maryland

Criminal Defense in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County, MD

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Being charged with a crime is serious. Your reputation, your finances and even your freedom may be at stake. So if you have been charged with a crime in Maryland, your first question may well be: “Which criminal defense lawyer should I retain?”

The first question you need to ask yourself is whether to retain a local criminal defense attorney, or whether you want to bring in a criminal defense attorney from out of town. The reference to “local criminal defense attorney” refers to someone with actual experience in the courtroom where you will be facing trial. Retaining a local criminal defense lawyer has some distinct advantages.

Here are the top five reasons why you should consider retaining the services of a local lawyer:

  • Reason #1: You should hire a local Maryland criminal defense attorney to defend you against criminal charges because each court has their local rules and customs that an out-of-town attorney may not be familiar with and may inadvertently jeopardize your defense.
  • Reason #2: You should hire a local attorney to defend you against criminal charges because a local attorney will likely have an established relationship with the court, and have earned a reputation for trustworthiness and ethical representation, which can help provide you with an excellent defense.
  • Reason #3: You should hire a local attorney to defend you against criminal charges because an attorney who is familiar with the tendencies of a judge and a court will be in a better position to evaluate your defense and properly advise you regarding taking the stand.
  • Reason #4: You should hire a local attorney to defend you against criminal charges because your attorney would be from the same area as the prosecuting attorney, and therefore in a better position to convey your side of the case more effectively and determine whether a favorable plea agreement can be reached.
  • Reason #5: You should hire a local attorney to defend you against criminal charges because if your case goes to trial, a jury of your peers will be selected, and a local lawyer may be in a better position to understand and communicate with those jurors than an attorney from out-of-town.

Of course, these reasons are all premised on having a local attorney who has experience, integrity and the proper attitude and caring to provide you with excellent representation and service.

Howard County, Columbia, and Ellicott City Criminal Lawyer

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated former criminal prosecutor, with over 30 years of courtroom experience in numerous criminal courts throughout the Baltimore area, including Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Prince Georges (Prince George) County, Howard County and Montgomery County. He has handled thousands of criminal defense cases, and chances are excellent he has tried cases in the same courtroom, with the same judge, and knows the prosecuting attorney who will be handling your case. You can see what many satisfied clients have to say about the job he did for them. In addition, you can check the results in real cases he has handled.

Highly Rated Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in domestic violence, domestic assault, and other criminal cases — has earned him the recognition of the legal community, 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 defense attorneys in 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.

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.

What to do When Charged with Possession of Marijuana in Maryland

Possession of Marijuana Charges

Recent arrest were 1,638,846 arrests for drug violations annually in the United States. Many of these involved charges for possession of marijuana.

What is Possession of Marijuana?

Under Maryland law, it is a criminal violation to possess a controlled dangerous substance. The definition of controlled dangerous substance includes marijuana. Possession may either be “actual” or “constructive.” Actual possession means that the drugs on located on your person. Constructive possession means that the drugs may not be directly on your person, but you have knowledge of the drugs’ existence and the ability to exercise control over it. More than one person can be guilty of constructively possessing the same drugs.

What are the Penalties for Possession of Marijuana in Maryland?

A person convicted in Maryland for possession of marijuana may be sentenced to one year in jail, and fined $1,000.00, or both.

If you are charged with possession of marijuana, you should seek an experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyer.

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 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 possession of marijuana, other criminal defense matters, DUI / DWI, MVA Hearings, traffic offensesdomestic 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.

ADDRESS :

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101