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Baltimore Murder Tally Hits 300 for Fifth Consecutive Year

December 19, 2019 by

Homicides Up Dramatically Over 2018

Baltimore Murder Tally Hits 300In 2018, Baltimore registered more than 300 murders for the fourth consecutive year, but the 300th did not occur until December 20. The city is well ahead of that pace this year, with police recording the 300th homicide on November 14.The number of non-fatal shootings in the city is also up, with more than 700 reported as of mid-November. The city has seen as many as 342 homicides—in both 2015 and 2017.

Baltimore is currently among the top 25 cities in the world for number of homicides per capita, with 51 for every 100,000 residents. It’s not the worst city in the country, though; that would be St. Louis, where 187 annual homicides equates to 61 murders per 100,000.

AV-Rated Baltimore County Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of experience to criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland. He’ll carefully interview all potential witnesses so he can prepare and present the strongest arguments in your defense. He’s a highly-experienced trial lawyer, with the skill, knowledge, and resources to protect your rights in any criminal prosecution. He’ll aggressively protect your constitutional rights throughout the criminal process, from investigation and arrest to arraignment and trial. He’ll also gather, evaluate, and preserve all evidence in your defense and will confirm that police and prosecutors followed constitutional requirements.

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

Columbia, MD Criminal Defense Lawyer

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

Filed Under: Criminal Defense Tagged With: ,

Child Abuse Case Changed to Murder after Child Dies

October 17, 2019 by

Infant Dies Seven Years after Initial Prosecution

Child Abuse Case Changed to Murder after Child DiesA Baltimore woman has been charged with murder in the death of her 7-year-old son, after the boy died earlier this year. The child was just 11 months old when his parents brought him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2012. Doctors at Johns Hopkins diagnosed the infant as suffering from severe and prolonged malnutrition, bone deformity caused by a lack of calcium, brain injury due to lack of nutrition, and other associated medical conditions. At the time, his mother was charged with child abuse and sentenced to five years probation, while the boy’s father was given a three-year prison term and five years probation.

In May, 2019, when the boy died, the medical examiner concluded that his death was a consequence of the abuse he suffered as an infant. When Baltimore police were notified of the death, the abuse charge against both parents was upgraded to murder.

Experienced Baltimore County Criminal Defense Lawyer

For over 30 years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought to protect the constitutional rights of people charged with crimes in Baltimore and across the stateof Maryland. He has a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure, andwill carefully investigate your case, gathering and protecting all relevant evidence. He’ll look at the actions of law enforcement officers, to ensure they did not violate your constitutional rights.

Attorney Smith has been listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers, and was named a Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine in 2012. He has maintained an AV rating (the highest rating possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988 and has alsobeen the recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, an honor given to less than 4% of all attorneys listed there. The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has called him one of the “10 Best Attorneys in the State of Maryland in Client Satisfaction.” He’s in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an honor given to less than 1% of all American lawyers who have obtained million dollar judgments, awards or settlements. The National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” professional organization, puts him among the top 100 attorneys in Maryland. He also has a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a litigation attorney from AVVO and has received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Effective Criminal Defense Lawyer throughout the Greater BaltimoreArea

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we aggressively advocate for criminal defendants. Contact our office online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense Tagged With: ,

Charges Dropped in Gun Possession Prosecution Involving Indicted Officer

March 30, 2017 by

Charges Dropped in Gun Possession Prosecution Involving Indicted Officer

The first repercussions of the indictment of seven Baltimore police officers on federal racketeering charges have been felt. Authorities say a number of pending criminal prosecutions were abandoned, as the credibility of the officers was perceived to be suspect. In addition, a man serving a three month sentence for gun possession charges was released from jail and all charges were dismissed.

Quinton McNeil, 22, was released from jail midway through a 90 day sentence, after prosecutors determined that the charges against him were based solely on the testimony of two of the indicted officers.

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.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer Tagged With: , , , ,

Baltimore Police Officers Charged with Racketeering

March 10, 2017 by

A federal grand jury has indicted seven Baltimore police officers, all members of an elite task force, charging them with theft, extortion, fraud and filing false police reports. One of the officers has also been charged with trafficking drugs. Prosecutors say the seven men often made illegal traffic stops or engaged in illegal search and seizure, taking drugs and cash for personal use or to sell. The indictment alleged that many of the victims had not committed any crime, but were simply victims of wrongdoing by the officers. The indictment also alleges that the policemen submitted bogus overtime, often claiming to be working while they were on vacation. Between them, the seven officers allegedly took home around $400,000 in fraudulent overtime in just one year.

Many local criminal defense attorneys say the arrests jeopardize a number of convictions over the last few years. They say that any case these officers were involved in may be suspect, as the officers’ testimony will likely be considered unreliable.

Top-Rated Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

For more than three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has successfully protected the rights of people facing criminal prosecution in Maryland. He takes a comprehensive approach to criminal defense, carefully gathering and preserving all evidence in your case. He’ll review police reports to ensure that police followed proper procedures and that your constitutional rights were not violated.

Attorney Smith is well-respected among clients and colleagues, earning recognition as a Maryland Super Lawyer, as well as an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System (the top rating possible). Honored as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine, he has also received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with 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.

Experienced Baltimore County Criminal Defense Attorney

Let us help protect your rights in a criminal matter. Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 to set up an appointment. We defend people throughout Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

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

Burglary Charges Filed Against Two Suspects

August 9, 2013 by

Burglary of Howard County Home Alleged
Burglary charges were filed against two men on Thursday, March 14, 2013, alleging that they committed a burglary of an Ellicott City home located in the 3700 block of Ligon Drive, reported The Baltimore Sun.

Christopher Michael Kelly of Columbia, and Luther Danny Davidson of West Friendship, were arrested by Howard County Police and charged with burglary, after the car they occupied was seen in the driveway of an Ellicott City home. A police search discovered evidence of the burglary, including stolen items, burglary tools, and a handgun.

What is Burglary in the First Degree in Maryland?

Under Maryland law,  a person may not break and enter the dwelling of another with the intent to commit theft or a crime of violence. This is the definition of first degree burglary. The penalty for first degree burglary is imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.

What is Second Degree Burglary in Maryland?

There are two different violations that constitute second degree burglary. First, a person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to commit theft, a crime of violence, or arson in the second degree. If he does, he is guilty of a felony and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 15 years. Second,  a person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to steal, take, or carry away a firearm. This also is a felony, and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.

Highly Rated Criminal Defense Attorney Howard County, MD

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than three decades of trial experience to criminal defendants in and around Howard County, Maryland. He has built an outstanding reputation with clients and colleagues. 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.
  • Selected for “Top Attorneys in Maryland.”
  • “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.
  • 2013 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.

Attorney Smith handles a wide range of criminal matters including theft offenses, burglary, robbery and possession of stolen property.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Burglary Charges

If you are under investigation for burglary, or have been arrested and charged with burglary charges, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will fight for you and aggressively protect your constitutional rights.

Contact Us

Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent people accused of burglary and other crimes throughout Maryland, including Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, District Court for Howard County, Theft Charges Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Burglary Charges filed Against Man in Ellicott City Burglaries

May 24, 2013 by

Burglary Cases in Ellicott City Cause Police to Detain Suspect
Burglary charges were filed against 23-year-old Cornelius Antonio McRae, a Baltimore resident, in January, reported The Baltimore Sun. Howard County police arrested and charged McRae with multiple counts of burglary, assault and theft. Police identified him as a burglary suspect through records obtained from pawn shops in the area.

Howard County Police believe that most of the thefts occurred while the victims were sleeping and that McRae entered the homes through unlocked doors. The items stolen in the various burglaries, mostly occurring in December, 2012, were similar — credit cards, money, wallets, purses and electronic devices, including laptops.

Burglary Charges Filed Against Baltimore Man

Once police considered McRae a burglary suspect, they learned through the course of their investigation that he had been seen driving a stolen 2013 Honda. On-duty officers observed the unoccupied Honda in Columbia on January 6, near the location of a burglary that had just occurred. As they watched the vehicle, McRae walked up to it with a stolen purse in hand. Police approached McRae and he fled. Officers located him in a nearby dumpster with stolen items in his possession.

McRae has been charged with four counts of first-degree burglary, third-degree burglary and fourth-degree burglary, as well as theft and second-degree assault (he resisted arrest and injured a police officer in the process). He is currently being held on $300,000 bond in Howard County.

Burglary Statistics

FBI statistics reveal that there are approximately 2.1 million burglaries in the United States annually. About 75% of those are residential burglaries. Burglaries account for one quarter of all property crimes. There were 1,393 burglaries in Howard County in 2010, according to the Howard County Police Department.

What is Burglary in the First Degree in Maryland?

Under Maryland law,  a person may not break and enter the dwelling of another with the intent to commit theft or a crime of violence. This is the definition of first degree burglary. The penalty for first degree burglary is imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.

What is Second Degree Burglary in Maryland?

There are two different violations that constitute second degree burglary. First, a person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to commit theft, a crime of violence, or arson in the second degree. If he does, he is guilty of a felony and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 15 years. Second,  a person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to steal, take, or carry away a firearm. This also is a felony, and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.

Highly Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Maryland

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than three decades of trial experience to criminal defendants in and around Howard County, Maryland. He has built an outstanding reputation with clients and colleagues. 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 (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.

Attorney Smith handles a wide range of criminal matters including theft offenses, such as burglary, robbery and possession of stolen property.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County, MD

If you are under investigation or have been arrested and charged with a crime, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively protect your constitutional rights. Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent people accused of burglary and other crimes throughout Maryland, including Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Burglary Charges, Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Police Assault Case Causes Police Response to Editorial

March 18, 2013 by

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.

 

Filed Under: Assault, Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney 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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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