Charges Dropped in Gun Possession Prosecution Involving Indicted Officer

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.

Baltimore Police Officers Charged with Racketeering

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.

Theft of Mail Investigated by Howard County Police

Theft of Mail Subject of Howard County Police Investigation
Theft from mailboxes in Howard County dating back to October, 2012 caused Howard County law enforcement officers to issue an advisory to residents, reported The Baltimore Sun. The advisory asked residents to be alert for any irregularities with their mail or any missing items, and to take certain precautions to protect themselves. Thus far, the incidents have been limited to the Laurel and Clarksville areas in Howard County.

Theft of Outgoing Mail in Residents’ Mail Boxes

According to police, it appears that the perpetrators look for mailboxes with outgoing mail, as noted by mailboxes with red flags up. They steal checks from outgoing mail, change payee information on those checks, and then attempt to cash those checks at the victim’s bank. To prevent mail theft, police have recommended that residents refrain from placing mail containing checks in their mailboxes for pickup, instead dropping such items in a neighborhood collection box or bringing them to the nearest post office.

Theft of Mail Can be Avoided if Precautions are Taken

Postal authorities have also issued specific recommendations, including:

  • The prompt removal of all mail from your mailbox
  • Notification of all parties, including the sender and postal authorities, if you do not receive an anticipated check
  • Putting a hold on your mail while out of town
  • Immediately reporting if anyone other than a postal employee or homeowner is seen lurking near mailboxes

Top Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer in Columbia and Ellicott City, MD

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than three decades. He has a well-earned reputation with clients and colleagues. Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in theft and other criminal cases — 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.

Criminal Defense Attorney, Howard County, Maryland

If you are under investigation or have been arrested and charged with theft or another 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 theft and other crimes in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County,Maryland.

 

Extortion Charges Filed Against Prince George’s County Employee

Extortion Charges Placed Against Building Inspector

In January, the Prince George’s County Police Department announced the arrest of  John Cleveland Brown, a building inspector with the Department of Environmental Resources, charging him with extortion. Detectives were contacted by a restaurant owner in Clinton, who told them that Brown had threatened to take away his permit unless he paid Brown $1,000 a week to have Brown’s band play at his restaurant.

The officers set up a sting in which one detective posed as the restaurant’s entertainment manager. Brown was arrested when he came to the restaurant and demanded payment from the undercover officer.

What is Extortion under Maryland Law? Definition of Extortion

Extortion is a crime under Maryland law. The law prohibiting extortion states: A person may not obtain, attempt to obtain, or conspire to obtain money, property, labor, services, or anything of value from another person with the person’s consent, if the consent is induced by wrongful use of actual or threatened: (1) force or violence; (2) economic injury; or (3) destruction, concealment, removal, confiscation, or possession of any immigration or government identification document with intent to harm the immigration status of another person.

Extortion Penalties under Maryland Law

The penalty for extortion in Maryland depends upon the value of the property, labor, or services that are the object of the extortion.

If the value of the property, labor, or services is $500 or more, a person is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both. If the value of the property, labor, or services is less than $500, a person is guilty of the misdemeanor of extortion and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.

Top-Ranked Criminal Defense Lawyer Prince George’s County, MD

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith offers more than 30 years of courtroom experience to criminal defendants in Maryland.

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 Jonathan Scott Smith has an unparalleled reputation with clients and within the legal community. He handles all types of criminal charges, including extortion.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County, Maryland,

If you face extortion or other criminal charges, or are under investigation for illegal activity, 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 charged with a crime in Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

 

 

Maryland Medical Marijuana Defense

Arrested for Medical Marijuana Use or Possession in Maryland?

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If you have been arrested for possession of marijuana, but you are using it out of medical necessity, Maryland law allows an affirmative medical marijuana defense. This means that medical marijuana use has reduced the potential penalty depending on the amount of marijuana in possession.

The general penalty for possession of marijuana is a sentence up to 1 year or a fine up to $500, or both. There is no jail penalty, and only a maximum of a $100 fine, if the accused possessed one ounce or less of marijuana for medical purposes and can demonstrate a legitimate medical need for the cannabis.

How do I Establish a Medical Marijuana Defense?

To establish a medical necessity defense, you must prove the following:

  • You have a “debilitating medical condition” that has been diagnosed by a physician with whom you have a “bona fide physician-patient relationship;”
  • The debilitating medical condition is severe and resistant to conventional medicine; and
  • Marijuana is likely to provide you with therapeutic or palliative relief from the debilitating medical condition.

The defense may not be used if you were using marijuana in a public place, or in possession of more than 1 ounce of marijuana.

Feds Not on Board with Medical Marijuana Use

Despite state lawmakers legalizing medical marijuana, federal law enforcement officials are not on board. For example federal prosecutors recently sent nearly 60 letters to medical marijuana clinics in Orange County, Florida, where it is legal to dispense medical marijuana, threatening criminal charges if they continued to sell medical marijuana.

What Amount Is Legal?

Those who cultivate marijuana or who have larger amounts can still raise that affirmative defense, and can have their sentence mitigated. However, this is far more difficult. Sometimes, a person who uses marijuana for medical purposes will grow many marijuana plants, so that they can have a continuous, inexpensive supply. The police may not see it that way, however.

Top Rated Howard County Drug Possession 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 possession of marijuana and drug possession 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.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in possession of marijuana and drug possession charges, and other criminal cases— has earned him the recognition of his peers, with an AV® Preeminent™* Peer Review Rating in the Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating process, and a 10.0 Superb AVVO rating. These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, 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 Us

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

Attorney Representing Immigrants Charged with Crimes in Maryland

Legal Information and Legal Assistance from Smith Criminal Defense Firm

Criminal charges are always serious. For immigrants, though, a criminal conviction can bring even more problems. For instance:

  • If you are an immigrant, a conviction can lead to deportation
  • If you have a green card, a conviction can lead to the loss of your permanent residency status
  • A conviction can lead to the loss of your chance for American citizenship

Your right to remain in the U.S. isn’t threatened only by a felony conviction. Even a seemingly minor and “private” domestic violence dispute can lead to deportation, as can a one-time conviction for petty theft.
If you are an immigrant facing criminal charges in Maryland, have questions regarding the rights of a family member facing criminal charges, contact the Columbia law firm of Smith Criminal Defense Firm. Firm founder and attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who has assisted numerous immigrants fight and beat criminal charges.

In addition, attorney Smith is a former prosecutor who is highly experienced in handling criminal cases involving immigration issues on both sides of the law. He is committed to providing the aggressive legal representation needed to keep you out of jail and in the U.S. This means that, if a conviction occurs, we can use appeals, motions to vacate and other legal options available in an attempt to eliminate or reduce your charges and achieve a cancellation of removal.

To discuss your legal concerns with an attorney who has worked with numerous immigrants charged with crimes in Maryland, please contact Smith Criminal Defense Firm by calling 410-740-0101.

Weapons Charges Legal Defense Attorney in Columbia, Maryland

weapons
Have you been charged with a weapons charge in Maryland? Prosecutors work aggressively to prosecute alleged weapons laws violators. Do not take on prosecutors without experienced legal assistance. Contact attorney Jonathan Scott Smith of the Smith Criminal Defense Firm.

Mr. Smith has handled hundreds of criminal cases in Maryland, both as a criminal defense lawyer and as a prosecutor. Have you been charged with:

  • Aggravated assault?
  • Carrying a firearm without a permit, or carrying a concealed handgun?
  • Felon in possession?
  • Assault with a dangerous weapon?
  • A weapons charge in conjunction with a drug crime, theft or other crime?

Tough Penalties for Weapons Charges

Under Maryland sentencing guidelines, crimes that involve a gun can lead to increased jail time and other legal penalties. More information regarding Maryland gun laws.

Once convicted of a weapons charge, you may face consequences of your weapons charge conviction that may affect the rest of your life. At the Smith Criminal Defense Firm, we understand that your future hinges on the outcome of your criminal case.

Ellicott City and Columbia Weapons Defense Lawyer

We are experienced in handling weapons charge cases and can conduct the in-depth investigation needed to build an effective defense. Attorney Smith has tried hundreds of criminal cases to verdict, including numerous criminal jury trials.

Highly Rated Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Mr. Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of extensive trial experience, including weapons and gun cases. Attorney Smith has handled thousands of criminal cases in the local courts, including Howard County. 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 in deadly weapon, gun, firearm, 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.

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in weapons and other 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.

Contact Us

To schedule an appointment with an experienced weapons lawyer and criminal defense attorney, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated former criminal prosecutor, with over 30 years of courtroom experience. He has handled thousands of criminal cases, including drug and drunk driving cases. You can see what many satisfied clients have to say about the job he did for them. In addition, you can check the results in real cases he has handled.

Contact Our Office

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

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in criminal defense matters, DUI / DWI, MVA Hearings, traffic offenses, domestic violence and child abuse charges throughout Maryland, including the cities of Columbia, Clarksville, Sykesville, Fulton, Elkridge, Frederick, Mt. Airy, Ellicott City, Laurel, Westminster, and Baltimore. Lawyer Smith also provides experienced legal representation for clients in Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Prince Georges (Prince George) County, Howard County and Montgomery County, MD.

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.

 

Woman Cleared in Hit and Run Accident

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.

ADDRESS :

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101