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

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 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

Weapons Charges Legal Defense Attorney in Columbia, Maryland

June 20, 2012 by Jonathan Smith

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.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, deportation, District Court for Howard County, illega possession of firearm, illegal possession of firearm, illegal possession of handgun, possession of firearm, possession of firearm on school property, possession of handgun on school property 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

Domestic Assault Charges Dismissed During Trial

May 9, 2012 by jsmith

Howard County Domestic Assault Trial
A 37-year old program manager for a major defense contractor was arrested by Howard County Police and charged with domestic assault after an argument with his wife. The accused rejected a plea offer and demanded his constitutional right to fight the charges in a trial. The case was tried in the District Court for Howard County.

Prosecutor Dismisses Domestic Assault Charges During Trial

When the case proceeded to trial, the prosecutor called the wife as the prosecution’s first witness. Jonathan Scott Smith, a Howard County domestic assault lawyer representing the husband, cross-examined the complaining witness. Mr. Smith aggressively questioned the wife about her history of filing domestic violence charges in prior relationships. Her testimony about the day of the alleged domestic assault, and the way the altercation supposedly happened, was so confusing and muddled that the prosecutor abruptly dismissed the charges in the middle of cross-examination.

What is Domestic Violence Assault?

Under Maryland law, a second degree assault (which includes what is commonly referred to as “domestic assault” or “domestic violence assault”) occurs when someone places the victim in reasonable fear of an imminent harmful or offensive touching, and the actor has the present apparent ability to carry out the threat. Assault also includes the consummated act of battery, which is an intentional harmful or offensive touching.

Penalties for Domestic Assault

Second degree assault is a misdemeanor. If convicted, the court may impose a sentence up to 10 years imprisonment, a $10,000.00 fine, or both. A conviction can have many other devastating consequences, including loss of employment; loss of a security clearance; inability to possess firearms, including hunting rifles and shotguns; and deportation if one is not a United States citizen.

Ellicott City and Columbia Domestic Assault Lawyer

Mr. Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of extensive trial experience, including domestic violence and domestic assault cases. Attorney Smith has handled thousands of domestic assault and other 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.

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.

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in domestic assault and other criminal defense matters, DUI / DWI, MVA Hearings, traffic offenses, domestic violence and child abusecharges 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 domestic assault 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.

Filed Under: Assault, Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, District Court for Howard County, Domestic Assault, Domestic Violence, domestic violence attorney, domestic violence lawyer, Uncategorized Tagged With: assault lawyer, District Court for Howard County, domestic assault, domestic assault lawyer, domestic violence, domestic violence assault, Domestic Violence charges, jonathan scott smith, lawyer assault, penalties for assault, penalties for domestic assault, what is domestic assault

Drinking and Walking Is Not a Crime, But Can Still Lead to Trouble in Maryland

March 5, 2012 by Jonathan Smith

DWI and DUI Defense in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County, MD

While Driving While Impaired (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) are crimes in Baltimore, and throughout Maryland, drinking and walking is not. However, recent events demonstrate that you must always be careful if you go out drinking, and it is best to have a designated driver or cab fare.

In December of 2011, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Route 924. The pedestrian was only 23 years old and his death marked the 23rd highway fatality in Harford County in 2011. The pedestrian who was killed was suspected of being drunk and walking in the driving lane of the highway.

One common mistake many pedestrians make is they think because they can see cars and other motor vehicles clearly, that the oncoming vehicles can see them just as clearly. For those who drive, we know that is not the case. If you are walking or bicycling along a road or highway, you should wear bright clothing, reflective clothing if possible, so drivers can see you more easily.

If you go out drinking, be careful and appoint a designated driver, or at least think ahead and make taxi arrangements. If you do drive, remember, DUI and DWI charges are serious in Maryland.

If you are charged with drunk driving, it is important to retain a skilled criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible after being charged with a DUI or DWI, or other alcohol or drug related charge, in Maryland.

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated former criminal prosecutor, with over 30 years of courtroom experience. He has handled thousands of drunk driving cases. 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.

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, and traffic offenses 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, Drunk Driving, DUI, DWI Tagged With: administrative license revocation, alcohol, alcoholic beverage, alcoholism, attorney, breath tests, breathalyzer, drives, driving, driving under the influence, Drunk Driving, drunk driving defense lawyer, drunk driving law, drunk driving laws, drunk driving lawyer, dui defense lawyer, howard county, impaired driving, jonathan scott smith, law, maryland, maryland drunk driving, maryland laws, md, road transport, sobriety checkpoint, traffic collision

Driver Accused of Road Rage Assault Found Not Guilty

October 5, 2011 by jsmith

Road Rage Incidents Between Cars and Bicycles

Drivers often have disagreements on the road, and sometimes this results in accusations of road rage assault. Drivers and bicyclists can have difficulty sharing the road. Under Maryland law bicyclists are subject to the same responsibilities and “rules of the road” as drivers of motor vehicles. Sometimes drivers are falsely accused of road rage offenses, including use of a motor vehicle to commit an assault or reckless driving. That’s when it’s important to know that every person accused of any criminal or traffic violation has the right to be represented by an experienced lawyer, and the right to a trial.

Driver Found Not Guilty of Assaulting Bicyclist

In a recent case, a car driver was charged with Second Degree Assault and Reckless Driving in the District Court for Howard County, based on a claim of road rage assault. A bicyclist accused the driver of exchanging words from a traffic dispute, and then abrupty swerving onto the shoulder and slamming on his brakes in front of the bicycle, causing it to collide with the back of the car. The bicyclist was thrown from his bike, and sustained injuries.

Columbia criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith aggressively defended the car driver. The prosecutor asked the driver to plead guilty to Second Degree Assault and serve 30 days in jail for road rage assault. Mr. Smith strongly urged the client to reject the plea offer and fight the case at trial. When the plea offer was rejected, the prosecutor retaliated and stated she would request 6 months in jail if the driver was convicted.

The case went to trial in the District Court for Howard County, located in Ellicott City, Maryland. Mr. Smith vigorously cross examined the bicyclist, who reluctantly admitted that he had yelled at the car driver and gave the driver the “middle finger.” Mr. Smith also played a 911 recording, confirming that the accused had called 911 to obtain assistance for the bicyclist, who was heard in the background engaging in a tirade of obscenities toward the driver. Mr. Smith used photographs of the road and forced the bicyclist to admit that he in fact was violating the traffic laws.

The car driver was found not guilty of Second Degree Assault and Reckless Driving.

Howard County, Columbia and Ellicott City Criminal Lawyer

Dealing with criminal charges, including accusations of road rage assault, can be daunting and emotionally stressful. And regardless of the circumstances of your case, you have a right to legal counsel and representation. Further, an arrest or accusation does not mean you will be found guilty.

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

You need an experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney who understands the legal process and can mount an effective defense. Contact us online or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.

Filed Under: Assault, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, District Court for Howard County, reckless driving, traffic charges, Uncategorized Tagged With: assault, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, District Court for Howard County, reckless driving, traffic charges

Man Cleared of Repeat DUI Offender Charges

July 7, 2011 by jsmith

Man Faced Repeat DUI Offender Charges

A 28 year old owner and manager of an entertainment business was stopped for speeding on Route 29 in Howard County. The police officer smelled a moderate odor of alcohol and asked the driver to perform Standard Field Sobriety Tests. The driver knew he wasn’t drunk and refused to perform the field tests. The police officer arrested him and then asked the man to submit to a breathalyzer, which he also refused because he didn’t think there was adequate probable cause for the arrest.

Being arrested and charged with DUI is frightening enough, but being charged with a repeat drunk driving offense means you may not only lose your driver’s license, but go to jail. That’s why it’s so important to be represented by an experienced DUI lawyer. You need to know how to select an experienced and qualified DUI lawyer.

Repeat DUI Offender Charges Dismissed

The driver had been represented successfully in the past by Jonathan Scott Smith, an experienced DUI attorney in Columbia, Maryland, who has more than 30 years of successful experience. Knowing the stakes, he retained Mr. Smith to defend him again on the repeat DUI offender charges. Mr. Smith advised the client to refuse all plea bargain offers and present an aggressive defense. The case was heard in the District Court for Howard County, located in Ellicott City. Ultimately, the prosecutor realized that there was insufficient evidence of drunk driving and dismissed the repeat DUI offender charges.

Ellicott City and Columbia DUI Defense Lawyer

Mr. Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of extensive trial experience, including DUI/DWI and drunk driving cases. Attorney Smith has handled thousands of DUI/DWI, drunk driving, and other 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.

Highly Rated Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in DUI/DWI, drunk driving, 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 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 DUI 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.

Filed Under: criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, District Court for Howard County, Drunk Driving, DUI, DWI

Security Specialist Cleared of Driving While Suspended

May 26, 2011 by jsmith

Driver Charged with Driving While Suspended

A 45-year old security specialist was charged with driving while license is suspended. The client, who had a high level security clearance, received a speeding ticket and failed to pay the ticket or appear in court on the scheduled trial date. He was later stopped and arrested for Driving While Suspended, after a Howard County police officer ran a routine check of his car’s registration plate.

What are the Penalties for Driving While Suspended in Maryland?

Most violations of Maryland’s traffic laws for driving while license suspended carry penalties of a fine up to $1,000.00 and imprisonment up to 1 year, or both. However, if the reason that the license was suspended was the driver’s failure to pay a citation or court fine, the penalties can be a fine up to $500.00 and imprisonment up to 2 months, or both.

Driver’s License Suspended for Failure to Pay Citation or Appear in Court

In many cases, drivers receive traffic citations and forget to pay them promptly, or appear in court when the ticket is scheduled for trial. When this happens, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration mails a notice of suspension, notifying the driver that his driver’s license will be suspended if the ticket isn’t paid within 15 days.

Sometimes drivers don’t receive the suspension notice from the MVA and they don’t know their license is suspended. Later, they are stopped for an unrelated reason, the police officer runs their name through the MVA computer, and they are arrested and charged with driving while suspended when the MVA record shows a suspended driver’s license. However, a driver cannot be convicted if the driver did not know that the driver’s license was suspended.

Driving While License Suspended Charges Dismissed

In this case, the security specialist had a history of misdeliveries by the post office and he didn’t know that his license was suspended. The client possessed a high level security clearance, and any conviction would have had a devastating impact on his employment. The client retained Jonathan Scott Smith, of the Smith Criminal Defense Firm, to defend against the charges. The case was heard in the District Court for Howard County. All charges were dismissed, and the client was relieved to know that this obstacle to his career was removed.

Top Rated Howard County, Columbia, and Ellicott City Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Mr. Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years ofextensive trial experience. Attorney Smith has handled thousands of criminal cases in the local courts, including cases involving driving while suspended and driving while license is suspended. 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 driving while suspended and driving while license is suspended cases, 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

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, District Court for Howard County, driving with suspended license, traffic charges

Jonathan Scott Smith Criminal Defense Firm