Six Drivers Arrested in Howard Count DUI Sobriety Checkpoint

Sobriety Checkpoint Results in DUI Charges

Howard County Police conducted a DUI sobriety checkpoint on Saturday, December 8, 2012 into the early morning hours of Sunday, December 9, 2012, according to The Baltimore Sun. The sobriety checkpoint was established on westbound US Route 40 and Governors Run Way in Ellicott City.

Five drivers were arrested and charged with DUI charges. One driver was arrested for driving on a suspended license. Approximately 649 vehicles passed through the Checkpoint, which was staffed by Howard County Police.

Sobriety Checkpoints Key Tool for DUI Charges

Howard County Police periodically conduct sobriety checkpoints as part of the Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign that are funded in part by a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. Maryland Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) also assisted with the DUI check point.

Maryland DUI  Lawyer

An experienced sobriety check point DUI lawyer can explain your rights and fight for you in court. 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 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, 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.

DUI Attorney Howard County MD

DUI charges are very serious. You need an experienced drunk driving lawyer to fight for you. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. To schedule an appointment with an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer, contact us online or call us at 410-740-0101.

Authorities Target DUI Drivers on Holidays

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

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

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

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

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

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

To schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal defense lawyer at the Smith Criminal Defense Firm in Columbia, Maryland, contact us online or call us at 410-740-0101. Put the skill and experience of a former prosecutor to fight for you. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

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.

 

Criminal Lawyer Defending Against Felonies and Misdemeanors in Maryland

Making the Law and Your Rights Clear

scales-of-justice
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.

Glen Burnie Man and Lexington Park Woman Indicted by a Howard County Jury for the Non-Fatal Shooting of a Columbia Man during a Drug Deal that Went Bad

Drug Charge Defense in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County, MD

drugs
Drug dealing is not only a crime, it is a dangerous business. According to the Baltimore Sun, a man and a woman were indicted by a Howard County jury for shooting a man after an alleged drug deal went bad. Although the motivation for the shooting is not yet known, police have indicated that drugs, specifically large quantities of marijuana, were involved.

Eric Brandon Miller and Zehra Senel Oztas were allegedly involved in a drug deal with a Columbia man named Lee. Police believe Lee was wounded during a drug deal where he was trying to sell a substantial quantity of marijuana to Miller and Oztas. The man and woman accused of the shooting are facing charges of armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, first-degree assault and use of a handgun for a felony or violent crime, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Drug dealing is not only a crime, but dangerous. If you are charged with dealing drugs in Maryland, including:

  • Marijuana
  • Crack Cocaine
  • Heroin
  • Methamphetamines (Meth)
  • Club drugs (e.g., X, ecstasy)
  • Prescription narcotics
  • Other drug related charges

You should seek counsel from an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney.

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

DUI and DWI Penalties in Maryland

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

dui
While DUI and DWI are synonymous in most states, that is not the case in Maryland, which does draw a distinction between Driving While Impaired (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI). You will be charged with a DWI if your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is .07 percent; and you will be charged with a DUI if your BAC is .08 percent or higher. Although both Maryland DWI and Maryland DUI carry stiff penalties for a conviction, the conviction of a DUI carries more harsh penalties.

The following are the parameters of the penalties if you are convicted of a DWI in Maryland:

DWI First Arrest Conviction

  • Up to 2 months in jail (6 months if transporting a minor)
  • Up to $500 fine ($1000 if transporting a minor)
  • Minimum 6 months suspended drivers license

DWI Second Arrest Conviction

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Up to $500 fine ($2000 if transporting a minor)
  • Minimum 1 year suspended drivers license

The following are the parameters of the penalties if you are convicted of a DUI in Maryland:

DUI First Arrest Conviction

  • Up to 1 year in jail (2 years if transporting a minor)
  • Up to $1000 fine ($2000 if transporting a minor)
  • Minimum 6 months suspended drivers license

DUI Second Arrest Conviction

  • Up to 2 year in jail (3 years if transporting a minor)
  • Up to $2000 fine ($3000 if transporting a minor)
  • Minimum 1 year suspended drivers license (if within 5 years of previous DUI conviction)

DUI Third (and Subsequent) Arrest Conviction(s)

  • Up to 3 year in jail (4 years if transporting a minor)
  • Up to $3000 fine ($4000 if transporting a minor)
  • Minimum 18 months suspended drivers license

DUI and DWI charges are serious in Maryland. If 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, 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.

Drivers Charged with DUI and Driving While Suspended in St. Patrick’s Day Sobriety Checkpoint

On St. Patrick’s Day, Howard County Police conducted a sobriety checkpoint. Two drivers were charged with drunk driving, and another was charged with driving while license suspended. The checkpoint was located on eastbound Maryland Route 175 at Columbia Gateway Drive. A total of 858 vehicles passed through, according to information provided by the Howard County Police. These are just a few of the many drivers charged with driving drunk, DUI, DWI, and driving while suspended in Howard County each year.

Howard County DUI Lawyer

Mr. 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 knows the penalties for driving drunk are severe, and he aggressively fights for his clients charged with DUI drunk driving charges.

Drunk Driving Defense

We have protected the rights of thousands of people in court, and have a proven track record of success. Because of our reputation for thorough preparation and the highest level of personal service, many of our new cases come to us as referrals from other attorneys or from satisfied clients. 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 — 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 defense and DUI drunk driving attorneys in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County.

For a private consultation, contact our office by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101.

Learn more about Maryland DUI lawDUI Penalties and Selecting a DUI Lawyer.

Howard County Drunk Driving (DUI / DWI) Defense Practice

We handle all matters related to drunk driving charges, from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) hearing to determine the status of your driving privileges, to the criminal proceeding to establish guilt or innocence and punishment. We represent people charged with their first DUI, as well as repeat offenders.

When you hire us to defend you against a charge of drinking and driving, we will conduct a thorough examination of the facts and circumstances of your arrest, starting with a determination of whether there was probable cause to make the traffic stop. We will review police reports and verify that field sobriety and blood alcohol or breath tests were done legally and properly. If legal errors were made, or your constitutional rights were violated, we will fight to prevent the prosecution from using the evidence and/or seek dismissal of charges.

We aggressively represent people charged with:

  • DUI, or driving under the influence of alcohol
  • DUI Per Se, or driving under the influence of alcohol per se
  • DWI, or driving while impaired by alcohol
  • Operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs
  • Driving while under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS)

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 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.

Beware: Saint Patrick’s Day Police Sobriety Checkpoints!

Howard County Sobriety Checkpoints
sobriety-checkpoint-howard-county1
The Howard County Police Department has announced that it will conduct a sobriety checkpoint at an undisclosed location this weekend to promote awareness and reduce the number of alcohol-impaired 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 driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to use seat belts and failure to use child safety seats.

Sobriety Checkpoints and Constitutional Protections

A sobriety checkpoint allows police officers to observe drivers and their cars for evidence of drunk driving. Ordinarily 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. That’s why many states outlaw the sobriety checkpoints. An innocent driver’s constitutional rights may be violated by sobriety checkpoints.

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.

Howard County and Ellicott City DUI DWI Defense 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 — 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.

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

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.

ADDRESS :

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101