A Columbia, Maryland, man who appears to have participated in an armed robbery of a taxi driver last spring was sentenced to five years in prison.*

The man in question is just 20 years old. He was the last of four Columbia young men, each of them teenagers at the time of the incident, who participated in the crime to be sentenced. All of them have pleaded guilty.

Judge Richard S. Bernhardt of the Howard County Circuit Court sentenced the man after the accused submitted a guilty plea for armed robbery and conspiracy charges relating to the actual event. It appears that the man in question got into the cab on March 1st at Sweet Fern, heading to Sewells Orchard. As they drove, one teen began to choke the driver. The passenger in the front seat then said, “I’m going to kill you.”

The driver accelerated and rammed a tree. The airbags deployed and the driver ran away during the distraction.
Police arrived and found a yellow karate belt and a black BB gun. They used cell phone data to link the teens to the crime.

The other teens’ sentences ranged from 18 months in jail to a suspended sentence with five years’ probation. Additionally, the young men must repay the cab driver $4,187.02 in restitution.

Award-Winning Attorney Fights Hard for Clients

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has a longstanding reputation for building strong cases for the defense due to his care and respect for his clients, his thorough preparation and his knowledge of the law. His results speak for themselves.

Mr. Smith’s 30-plus years of results have earned him recognition among both his peers and his clients. Among the recognitions he has received are:

• Maryland Super Lawyer List
• Listed in the Top 100 Lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers (2014)
• 10.0 Superb as a litigation attorney by AVVO, the consumer review website
• AV-Preeminent,** the highest peer rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, for the past 25 years in a row

The Smith Law Firm handles cases involving drug charges, theft offenses, violent crimes including murder defense and adult sex offenses. We represent clients throughout Maryland, including Columbia, Clarksville, Sykesville, Fulton, Elkridge, Frederick, Mt. Airy, Ellicott City, Laurel, Westminster and Baltimore, and throughout Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Former Maryland Prosecutor Fights for the Defense

Mr. Smith brings more than 30 years of experience to each individual case. Before he turned to criminal defense, he served in the Maryland prosecutor’s office, learning how the state prepares and presents criminal defense cases. He anticipates the state’s moves and uses his experience to build a strong case in your defense.

Contact Our Office

Find out how attorney Jonathan Scott Smith can help you. Contact us by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

*http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/columbia/ph-ho-cf-taxi-attempted-murder-20140210,0,1876139.story#ixzz2th0QI5gq

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

North Laurel Man Found Guilty of Two Counts of Attempted Murder

A jury returned a guilty verdict against a North Laurel man who was charged with two counts of attempted murder in an altercation that took place at a beauty salon in Ellicott City, reported The Baltimore Sun. The 36-year-old man was convicted of first- and second-degree attempted murder for shooting his estranged girlfriend and another person at a nail care and hair salon on July 14, 2012. Both victims survived, though initially in critical condition. The suspect evaded capture for eight months before turning himself in.

In addition to the attempted homicide charges, the defendant was also convicted of violating a protective order, reckless endangerment and two counts of using a firearm in a crime of violence. Authorities confirm that the other injured party was the sister of the man the defendant’s ex-girlfriend was dating.

Ellicott City, MD, Criminal Defense Lawyer

With more than three decades in practice, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has a long track record of obtaining positive results for people facing criminal charges throughout Maryland. He takes a thorough approach to criminal defense, carefully examining the facts and circumstances of your case and confirming that police followed proper procedures and that your constitutional rights were not violated.

Attorney Smith has built a strong reputation with clients and colleagues, earning honors as a Maryland Super Lawyer and an AV rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell, he has also received the Clients’ Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He also holds a 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.

Maryland Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer

To learn how we can help protect your rights in a criminal matter, contact our office online or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We defend people throughout Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Prostitution Arrests Net 18 in North Laurel
A prostitution sting operation by Howard County Police resulted in prostitution arrests of 18 men, reported The Baltimore Sun. Detectives and undercover female police officers conducted the operation on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, along Washington Boulevard in North Laurel.

Howard County Prostitution Arrests

The prostitution arrests are the second sting operation conducted by Howard County Police this year. In April, 11 men were arrested in a similar police procedure.

Top Rated  Prostitution Defense Attorney Howard County MD

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

Contact Criminal Lawyer Howard County Prostitution Charges

If you or a loved one was caught in prostitution arrests by police, you need 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.

Shoplifting Charges are Serious

Under Maryland law, a person accused of shoplifting will be charged with theft. Theft is considered a “crime of moral turpitude,” or one reflecting dishonesty or lack of trustworthiness. Here are some of the consequences of a theft conviction:

• Employment. Many employers, particularly large companies, financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and government contractors, conduct background checks on applicants. A theft conviction for shoplifting charges can disqualify for employment, or be cause for dismissal.
• Security Clearances. The federal government’s Questionnaire for National Security Positions (Standard Form 86) requests detailed information about a criminal or police record. A conviction for shoplifting charges would have to be disclosed.
• College Admission. Many applications for colleges and universities contain questions regarding any criminal record, including the Common Application for Undergraduate College Admissions.
• Military Service. A conviction in a civilian court for theft, including shoplifting charges, may be cause for separation from military service.

Punishment for Shoplifting Charges in Maryland

The penalty for shoplifting charges in Maryland depends upon the value of the item(s) that were stolen:

• If the value of the property stolen is less than $1,000.00, it is a misdemeanor, and the maximum penalty is 18 months imprisonment and/or a $500.00 fine. In addition, the offender must restore the item or its value.
• If the value is less than $100.00, it is a misdemeanor, and the maximum penalty is 90 days imprisonment, and/or a $500.00 fine. In addition, the offender must restore the item or its value.
• If the value is at least $1,000.00, but less than $10,000.00, it is a felony, and the maximum penalty is 10 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000.00 fine.

Lawyer for Shoplifting Charges Columbia Howard County MD

If you or a loved one is arrested for shoplifting charges, you need an experienced criminal lawyer to fight for you. Jonathan Scott Smith is an experienced former prosecutor who has handled successfully many cases involving shoplifting charges.

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.

Contact Shoplifting Defense Attorney

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.

Prostitution Arrests in Reverse Sting Operation

Eleven men were arrested and charged with solicitation of prostitution after Howard County Police conducted a sting operation on Wednesday, April 25, 2013, along the Washington Boulevard corridor in Laurel.

Female Howard County Police officers in plainclothes worked under cover in areas where citizens had complained of prostitution. Suspects who approached the officers and offered money for sex were the subject of prostitution arrests. This totaled eleven men, and police released their names.

Howard County Police Prostitution Arrest Photos

Although Howard County Police release the names of men arrested on prostitution solicitation charges, they typically do not release prostitution arrest photos. If police did release prostitution arrest photos, the men would suffer even more public embarrassment and humiliation.

Howard County Criminal Attorney Prostitution Charges

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 cases involving prostitution arrests for 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  Prostitution Defense Attorney

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.

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.

Arrested for Shoplifting Charges in Maryland?

Shoplifting charges in Maryland are very serious. A conviction can result in a criminal record, and even jail. An impulsive act, often involving shoplifting of items of small value, can cause consequences that cost much more. It’s simply not worth it.

What is Shoplifting in Maryland?

Shoplifting is considered “theft” in Maryland. If someone leaves a store without paying for an item, that obviously is shoplifting, or theft. But many people don’t realize that if someone conceals an item, for example by placing it in a shopping bag, even though they don’t leave the store, it is still considered theft and they will face shoplifting charges.

Punishment for Shoplifting Charges in Maryland

The penalty for shoplifting in Maryland depends upon the value of the item(s) that were stolen. If the value of the property stolen is less than $1,000.00, it is a misdemeanor, and the maximum penalty is 18 months imprisonment and/or a $500.00 fine. In addition, the offender must restore the item or its value. If the value is less than $100.00, it is a misdemeanor, and the maximum penalty is 90 days imprisonment, and/or a $500.00 fine. In addition, the offender must restore the item or its value. If the value is at least $1,000.00, but less than $10,000.00, it is a felony, and the maximum penalty is 10 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000.00 fine.

Lawyer for Shoplifting Charges

If you or a loved one is arrested for shoplifting charges, you need an experienced criminal lawyer to fight for you.

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor and criminal lawyer with extensive trial experience — and his track record of successful  results, including shoplifting charges, has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

• Maryland Super Lawyer.
• “10.0 Superb” as a litigation attorney by AVVO.
• “AV-Preeminent™*” Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.
• “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
• 2013 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.
• 2013 Top Attorney in Maryland (American Registry)

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

Contact Us Now for Help

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.

Howard County Police to Conduct DUI Sobriety Checkpoints

DUI sobriety checkpoints will be conducted this coming weekend at an unidentified location, announced the Howard County Police Department. This is one more in a series of DUI sobriety check points that the department conducts periodically.

The sobriety checkpoints are marked with signs, lights and uniformed officers. Officers utilize both marked and unmarked vehicles. They check for violations including DUI/driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, failure to use seat belts, and failure to use child safety seats.

DUI Charges Filed Against Drivers Stopped in DUI Sobriety Checkpoints

In the past, the DUI sobriety check points have resulted in drivers being arrested on DUI charges, as well as other traffic related charges, such as driving with a suspended license.

In 2012, Howard County police arrested 1,174 individuals for driving under the influence. Thirty-percent of Howard County’s fatal collisions in 2012 were alcohol-related.

Howard County and Ellicott City DUI DWI Defense Lawyer

Arrests resulting from sobriety checkpoints are complicated and require 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.

Top Rated Howard County Drunk Driving Lawyer

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.
• “AV-Preeminent™*” Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (highest rating for 25 consecutive years).
• “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
• 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

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

Sobriety Checkpoints Lawyer Howard County MD

Put the skill and experience of a former prosecutor to work for you. To schedule an appointment with an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer, contact us online or call 410-740-0101. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.