Three Charged with Assault of Baltimore Police Officer

Sergeant Says “Inadvertent” Bump Led to Altercation

Three Charged with Assault of Baltimore Police OfficerAn accidental bump as an officer was asking bystanders to disperse led to an altercation where three suspects assaulted the officer, according to Baltimore law enforcement officials. The officer says he had asked a number of people standing in front of a store in the 1500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue to “move along,” when he unintentionally made contact with a 23-year-old man, who apparently turned to the officer and said “the word is excuse me.” Police say the man then spit in the officer’s face.

When the officer attempted to arrest the man, another bystander struck the officer, who fell to the ground. While he was down, other bystanders punched him and kicked him in the head. Shortly thereafter, additional officers arrived and contained the altercation. A 20-year-old male and a teenager were taken into custody.

According to police, bystanders took videos of the attack, corroborating police allegations.

Proven Baltimore Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in the Baltimore metro area and throughout the state of Maryland for more than 30 years. He’s a proven trial attorney with the skill, knowledge and resources to protect your rights in any criminal matter, whether you’re under investigation or charged with a crime. He will gather, assess and preserve all evidence and confirm that police and prosecutors did not violate your constitutional rights. And he’ll identify and question all potential witnesses, so he can develop and present the strongest arguments in your defense.

Attorney Smith has received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars(the highest rating possible). He is AV-rated by other attorneys under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System and has been named a Maryland SuperLawyer. He was honored as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.

Ellicott City, MD Criminal Defense Lawyer

Contact attorney Jonathan Scott Smith by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We protect the rights of criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Baltimore Police Charge Daycare Worker in Death of 8-Month-Old Girl

Baltimore Police Charge Daycare Worker in Death of 8-Month-Old A Baltimore daycare center has been temporarily shut down after an 8-year-old girl died there. Authorities say they have video footage of a daycare worker violently snatching the child from a crib, slapping at the child and stuffing pillows over the child’s face. Baltimore police were called to the daycare facility in late May when other care workers found the child to be unresponsive. Initially, the woman charged with the child’s care said that she had fed the girl, wrapped her in a blanket and put her down for a nap. After watching footage collected from video cameras at the facility, police arrested the daycare worker, charging her with first and second degree murder, first and second degree assault, second degree child abuse and reckless endangerment.

AV-Rated Ellicott City Criminal Defense Attorney

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively represented criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 30 years. He’ll be your advocate at all stages of a criminal prosecution, from arrest to arraignment to trial. He’ll fully investigate your case, looking at how police and prosecutors gathered evidence against you. He’ll review all police reports and question witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most effective defense at trial. He has the experience to negotiate a plea bargain, if that’s in your best interests. But he’s always ready, willing and able to protect your rights before a judge and jury. He’ll make sure that there was probable cause for any search or seizure and that you were properly advised of your Constitutional rights if taken into custody.

Because of his strong record and reputation for effective advocacy, he has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He also has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO. Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and by Martindale-Hubbell.

Proven Montgomery County, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you face criminal charges, you want someone who will aggressively protect your constitutional rights. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Police Assault Case Causes Police Response to Editorial

Assault on Students at University of Maryland after Basketball

Police assault on students generated a post on the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) blog, in which the police chief characterized a Washington Post editorial as “exaggerated and misleading.”

On March 3, 2010, Prince George’s County police officers were videotaped beating Maryland student John McKenna with batons as McKenna and others celebrated a University of Maryland basketball victory over Duke University. PGPD conducted an investigation and two officers were indicted on first- and second-degree assault charges, as well as misconduct in office offenses. One officer was convicted and served a 30-day home detention sentence. The other officer was acquitted.

Editorial Criticizes Police Handling of Student Assault Case

In its response to the Washington Post editorial, which asserted that police “got away with” beating McKenna, Chief of Police Mark A. Magaw stated on the blog that:

  • What happened to McKenna was wrong.
  • The involved officers were identified, indicted and prosecuted.
  • The PGPD has taken “unprecedented steps” to improve discipline and training oversight.
  • The PGPD has completely overhauled the strategy and training to handle civil disturbances.
  • The PGPD is working in conjunction with the University of Maryland to ensure that “the mistakes of the past” are not repeated.

What is the Definition of Assault?

Maryland separates assault in two degrees: first degree assault, which is a felony; and second degree assault, which is a misdemeanor. Assault in the second degree happens when one person physically injures another. The injuries can be minor or cause physical injury, but not serious or permanent injury.

Second-degree assault also includes causing a reasonable person to fear imminent physical harm. This means that even if you did not physically touch another person but you caused them to have a reasonable fear of being hurt by you, you could potentially be charged with assault.

Battery, which is also considered an assault crime, means unlawfully, offensively touching another person without his or her agreement. In most situations, however, assault does refer to a fight or disagreement that has turned physically violent.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney Howard County, MD

A Maryland Super Lawyer, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of trial experience to criminal defendants in Maryland. He has built an outstanding reputation with clients and colleagues.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience in assault and other criminal cases — 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 (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.

Ellicott City, Maryland, Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you need top-ranked criminal defense counsel for assault charges, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively fight to protect your constitutional rights. Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

 

Man Charged with High School Assault 2

Student Allegedly Assaulted

Howard County Police charged a Baltimore man with coming onto Long Reach High School in Columbia and assaulting a student. He was charged with second degree assault and disorderly conduct. An onlooker videotaped the incident and posted the video online.

What is Assault?

Under Maryland law, a second degree assault (also known as assault 2) 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. Domestic assault and domestic violence assault are two examples of assault.

Penalties for 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.

Ellicott City and Columbia Assault Lawyer

Mr. Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of extensive trial experience, including assault cases. Attorney Smith has handled thousands of assault and other criminal cases in the local courts. 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 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 defense attorneys in Howard County.

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in assault and 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.

Contact Us

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.

 

Driver Accused of Road Rage Assault Found Not Guilty

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.

Woman Not Guilty of Domestic Violence

Woman Charged with Domestic Violence
domestic-violence-wheel
A 30-year old Columbia mother was charged with Second Degree Assault (domestic violence) arising out of allegations by her separated husband that she repeatedly pushed, shoved, and struck him after he arrived to drop off their minor daughter. The husband claimed the mother was intoxicated, and that is why he refused to leave the child for scheduled time with her mother. Every person charged with a crime, including domestic assault or domestic violence abuse, is presumed to be innocent.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, has been defined as a pattern of abusive behavior against another person in an intimate relationship. It includes physical acts such as assault, as well as threats of physical violence; sexual and emotional abuse; and controlling behavior.

Domestic Violence Charges not Proven at Trial

Jonathan Scott Smith of the Smith Criminal Defense Firm in Columbia, Maryland strongly urged the mother accused of domestic violence to refuse all plea bargain offers and fight the case at trial. She plead not guilty, and proceeded to trial in Howard County District Court. The judge concluded that the prosecution had failed to prove her guilty and found the accused mother not guilty.

Howard County Domestic Violence Attorney

Mr. Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of extensive trial experience. Attorney Smith has handled thousands of criminal cases in the local courts, including numerous domestic violence, domestic assault, and domestic violence abuse charges. With a solid and longstanding reputation for personal service and thorough preparation, we get many of our new cases as referrals from existing or former clients, or from other attorneys. Mr. Smith fights hard for his clients. That’s why many satisfied clients think so highly of him.

Top Rated Columbia and Ellicott City Criminal Lawyer

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in domestic violence, domestic assault, and domestic abuse, 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 domestic violence attorney and 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 domestic violence, domestic assault, other criminal defense matters, DUI / DWI, MVA Hearings, traffic offenses,  and child abuse charges throughout Maryland, including the cities of Columbia, Clarksville, Sykesville, Fulton, Elkridge, Frederick, Mt. Airy, Ellicott City, Laurel, Westminster, and Baltimore. Lawyer Smith also provides experienced legal representation for clients in Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Prince Georges (Prince George) County, Howard County and Montgomery County, MD.

ADDRESS :

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101