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Tips for Minimizing the Impact of a Speeding Ticket in Maryland

March 26, 2020 by

Ways to Potentially Limit the Consequences of a Citation

Tips for Minimizing the Impact of a Speeding Ticket in MarylandIt happens to many of us at one time or another. You’re behind the wheel and running late, distracted by any number of things. Without even knowing it, you let your speed creep up. Suddenly there are flashing lights in the rearview mirror, and you’re being pulled over for speeding. Unfortunately, such a ticket can put points on our driving record and lead to higher insurance premiums. Here are some things you can do to minimize the impact of a speeding ticket:

  • Ensure that all licenses and insurance documents are up to date—A police officer initially may be willing to give you a warning. However, if your license is expired or has inaccurate information, or your insurance documents are incomplete, the officer may be less accommodating.
  • Treat the officer with courtesy—You don’t want to do anything to put the officer in a bad mood. Be courteous and answer the officer’s questions without being too talkative. To the extent you can, answer questions “yes” or “no.”
  • If you receive a ticket, immediately contact an experienced traffic ticket lawyer.
  • Be willing to enroll in and complete a driving course.

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Baltimore County

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of experience to criminal defendants throughout Baltimore County and the state of Maryland. Attorney Smith is AV-rated by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System and has been named a Maryland Super Lawyer. A recipient of AVVO Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars(the highest rating possible), he also has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) AVVO rating as a litigation attorney and was named a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine.

Attorney Smith will aggressively protect your constitutional rights in any criminal proceeding, from investigation and arrest to arraignment and trial, if necessary. He’ll carefully investigate the details of your traffic stop or citation, so he can make the most compelling arguments in your defense. Smith is a proven trial attorney, with the experience, skill, knowledge, and resources to protect your rights in any criminal matter.

Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Contact criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We handle criminal prosecutions in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: traffic charges Tagged With:

Baltimore Police Set for Cell Phone, Seat Belt Crackdowns

February 10, 2014 by

Baltimore Police Set to Enforce New Laws on Cell Phone and Seat Belt Use

seat_belt
In the wake of the passage of new laws in Maryland limiting the use of cell phones while driving, police have issued a statement indicating that the law will be strictly enforced, reported The Baltimore Sun. The announcement indicated that checkpoints would be set up starting in early October. Police said they will also use the checkpoints to monitor whether motorists are complying with a new law that requires all adult passengers to wear a seat belt. The enforcement is expected to be citywide.

In 2010, Maryland lawmakers passed a bill making it a “secondary” offense to use a handheld device while behind the wheel of a car, meaning that the law could only be enforced if there were other violations of the law. In 2013, the General Assembly upgraded the cell phone offense to a “primary” violation, giving law enforcement officers the authority to stop a motorist who breaks the cell phone law.

Maryland’s seat belt law previously required drivers and front-seat passengers to wear a restraint. The new law, however, makes it a “secondary” offense for an adult to ride in the backseat without a seat belt.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Maryland

Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has aggressively protected the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 30 years. He carries a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and has received the Clients’ Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He is also widely respected by his colleagues in the legal profession, earning an AV rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Ellicott City Criminal Defense Lawyer

For aggressive and experienced criminal defense representation, contact our office by e-mail or call us 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 George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: traffic charges

Driving with Suspended License in Maryland

June 11, 2013 by

Driving with Suspended License is Serious
In Maryland, a driver’s license can be suspended for many reasons. Often it is caused by a mistake, or an oversight, but it can lead to serious consequences. Some of the reasons the Maryland MVA will suspend a driver’s license:

  • Failing to pay a traffic ticket.
  • Failing to pay a fine after appearing in traffic court.
  • Failing to appear in court for a traffic ticket.
  • Moving to a new address and not notifying the MVA, and then not receiving a notice to appear in court for a traffic ticket.
  • Receiving too many points (MVA can suspend a driver’s license for an accumulation of 8  points or more).
  • Being convicted of DWI/DUI, driving under the influence, or driving while impaired.

Many people charged with driving with suspended licence in Maryland are not criminals; they make a mistake, or fail to take care of a traffic ticket through an oversight.

What are the Penalties for Driving With Suspended License?

The penalties for driving with suspended license in Maryland are serious. They range from 2 months in jail, a $500.00 fine, or both, to one year in jail, a $1,000.00 fine, or both — depending upon the reason the license was suspended. Also, a conviction can range from 3 points to 12 points — enough to revoke your driver’s license.

Top Rated Traffic Ticket Lawyer Howard County MD

Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated traffic ticket lawyer and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of criminal law experience. He has represented many clients in Howard County, including Ellicott City and Columbia, Maryland, who have been charged with driving with suspended licence. Mr. Smith is a former prosecutor and experienced traffic ticket attorney who has handled many driving with suspended license  cases.

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.
  • “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.

Howard County Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney

We handle defense of driving with suspended license charges, and traffic tickets for individuals throughout the Baltimore and Washington metro areas. We will fully investigate the facts and evidence related to your citation, and fight hard for you.

Contact Our Office

If you need a lawyer for traffic tickets, including driving with suspended license, contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101. Put an experienced Maryland traffic violations defense lawyer to work for you. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

 

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

Drivers Face DUI Charges in Prince George’s County Sobriety Checkpoint

December 10, 2012 by

Sobriety Checkpoint In Prince George’s County Nets Drivers

On December 7 and 8, 2012, Prince George’s County police officers conducted sobriety check points and focused their enforcement along the University Boulevard corridor and the Pennsylvania Avenue and Marlboro Pike corridor. On those nights, police officers made seven arrests on DUI charges over the course of 100 traffic stops, according to the police department.

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s sobriety checkpoint is part of its participation in a statewide drunk driving enforcement operation called Project SOLO—Saving Our Loved Ones.

Prince George’s County DUI Lawyer

An experienced DUI lawyer can be very helpful dealing with arrests resulting from sobriety checkpoints. 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.

Top Rated Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

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.

DUI Lawyer Prince George’s County MD

To schedule an appointment with an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer, 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.

 

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, driving with suspended license, Drunk Driving, DUI, DWI, traffic charges

Howard County Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint

August 16, 2012 by

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.

 

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, District Court for Howard County, Drunk Driving, DUI, DWI, MVA Hearing, traffic charges

Texting, Cell Phone Use and Driving Traffic Charges Lawyer in Maryland

June 12, 2012 by

Helping You Understand Maryland’s Laws and Your Legal Rights

texting-while-driving

Texting While Driving Prohibited

In October of 2011, Maryland lawmakers tightened legal restrictions for texting while driving. Previously, drivers were banned from talking on a cell phone or typing out texts while driving. As of October 1, 2011, drivers are prohibited from writing, sending, or reading a text message (or other electronic message) while operating a motor vehicle in the travel portion of the roadway. The only permitted exceptions are (1) use of a global positioning system, and (2) contacting a 911 system.

Additionally, police officers were at one time unable to charge drivers for texting unless the driver was pulled over for another offense such as speeding. Drivers can now be pulled over solely for the charge of cell phone use or texting.

What are the Penalties for Texting While Driving in Maryland?

Legal penalties in the form of fines are relatively light, but they increase if the accused contests the charge and loses in court. If a driver receives a citation for texting while driving, and chooses not to contest the charge, the penalties are 1 point and a $70.00 fine, and 3 points and a $110.00 fine if the violation contributed to an accident. If a driver contests the citation in court, and is found guilty, the penalties are 1 point and up to a $500.00 fine, and 3 points and up to a $500.00 fine if the violation contributed to an accident.

Learn More about Distracted Driving Laws

For more information regarding national trends and developments regarding texting and cell phone use while driving, browse the Governors Highway Safety Association website.

Howard County Traffic Ticket Lawyer

If you have been charged with texting while driving, or using a cell phone while driving, and wish to contest the charge or simply learn more about your rights, contact Jonathan Scott Smith of the Smith Criminal Defense Firm.

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor and Howard County traffic ticket lawyer with more than 30 years of experience representing drivers in traffic violation cases. Many of our new cases are referred to us by former clients or by other attorneys. He 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 traffic ticket attorneys in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County.

Contact Our Office

For an appointment, contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101. Put an experienced Maryland traffic violations defense lawyer 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.

Filed Under: reckless driving, texting and driving, traffic charges Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

May 22, 2012 by

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

scales-of-justice
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.

Filed Under: Assault, Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, illegal possession of handgun, possession of firearm, reckless driving, Restraining Order, traffic charges Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Woman Cleared in Hit and Run Accident

April 1, 2012 by

A 54-year old woman with a high security clearance was charged with a hit and run accident after allegedly striking a pedestrian in a grocery store parking lot. The complainant claimed that she was struck and knocked down by the driver’s car, which then fled the scene.

What is Hit and Run

What is a hit and run accident? Hit and run in Maryland occurs when a driver is involved in a bodily injury accident, and then fails to remain at, or return to, the scene to render aid, and provide identifying and insurance information.

Hit and Run Penalties

Hit and run penalties are very severe. If convicted, the court can impose up to one year in jail, and a $1,000.00 fine. In addition, the driver could receive 12 points — basis for revocation of a driver’s license.

In this case, the prosecution sought jail time based on the seriousness of the alleged hit and run accident. Columbia criminal lawyer and hit and run attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represented the accused hit and run driver, rejected all plea bargain offers, and took the case to trial.

The evidence showed that the pedestrian denied any injury to paramedics who arrived at the hit and run scene. Also, an examination failed to reveal any injury whatsoever. Maryland law not only requires proof of bodily injury, but that the alleged hit and run driver knew there was an injury. The accused was found not guilty of all charges after a hotly contested trial in the District Court for Howard County.

Howard County Hit and Run Attorney

Mr. Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of criminal law experience. He has represented people charged in and around Howard County, including Ellicott City and Columbia, Maryland, who have been charged with a hit and run accident.

Top Rated Ellicott City Criminal Lawyer

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 criminal cases, including hit and run accidents— 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 hit and run attorneys in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County.

To schedule a meeting, contact our office by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101.

Contact Our Office

For an appointment, contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101. Put an experienced Maryland hit and run defense attorney to work for you. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in hit and run accidents, 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’s and Prince George) County, Howard County and Montgomery County, MD.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, traffic charges, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Howard County Teen Drivers and Traffic Charges

March 26, 2012 by

Howard County teenage drivers, like teen drivers everywhere, are more likely to take risks than other motorists when driving; more likely to text while driving; and more likely to speed than other drivers. Most teen deaths occur in car crashes between 3 p.m. and midnight. That’s why the Howard County Police offer various educational programs like collision avoidance training, and classes to prevent teenage drivers from drinking and driving.

Unfortunately, many teen drivers in Howard County still receive traffic charges for speeding, reckless driving, violation of alcohol restriction, and drunk driving, including DUI and DWI. A conviction of any traffic charge might result in loss of a provisional driver’s license. Even though a teenager is charged with a traffic violation in Howard County, they still need an experienced traffic ticket lawyer to defend them. In many cases, it is the parents who end up bearing the brunt when their teenager loses a driver’s license and a parent must drive their child back and forth to school or to a job.

Howard County Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Jonathan Scott Smith is a Howard County traffic ticket lawyer with many years of experience representing teenage drivers in traffic violation cases. Many of our new cases are referred to us by former clients or by other attorneys. He 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 traffic ticket attorneys in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County.

To schedule a meeting, contact our office by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101.

Defense of Traffic Violations

We handle all traffic tickets for individuals throughout the Baltimore metro area. We defend teen drivers charged with any type of traffic offense, including:

  • DUI / DWI or drunk driving
  • Speeding
  • Negligent driving
  • Reckless driving
  • Violation of license restriction, including violation of alcohol restriction

Contact Our Office

For an appointment, contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101. Put an experienced Maryland traffic violations defense lawyer 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.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, driving with suspended license, DUI, DWI, reckless driving, traffic charges, Uncategorized Tagged With:

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

March 21, 2012 by

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 law, DUI 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 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, driving with suspended license, Drunk Driving, DUI, DWI, traffic charges Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Contact Us

ADDRESS :

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101

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