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Attorney Representing Immigrants Charged with Crimes in Maryland

July 17, 2012 by

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.

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

Weapons Charges Legal Defense Attorney in Columbia, Maryland

June 20, 2012 by

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.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, deportation, District Court for Howard County, illega possession of firearm, illegal possession of firearm, illegal possession of handgun, possession of firearm, possession of firearm on school property, possession of handgun on school property Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Domestic Assault Charges Dismissed During Trial

May 9, 2012 by

Howard County Domestic Assault Trial
A 37-year old program manager for a major defense contractor was arrested by Howard County Police and charged with domestic assault after an argument with his wife. The accused rejected a plea offer and demanded his constitutional right to fight the charges in a trial. The case was tried in the District Court for Howard County.

Prosecutor Dismisses Domestic Assault Charges During Trial

When the case proceeded to trial, the prosecutor called the wife as the prosecution’s first witness. Jonathan Scott Smith, a Howard County domestic assault lawyer representing the husband, cross-examined the complaining witness. Mr. Smith aggressively questioned the wife about her history of filing domestic violence charges in prior relationships. Her testimony about the day of the alleged domestic assault, and the way the altercation supposedly happened, was so confusing and muddled that the prosecutor abruptly dismissed the charges in the middle of cross-examination.

What is Domestic Violence Assault?

Under Maryland law, a second degree assault (which includes what is commonly referred to as “domestic assault” or “domestic violence assault”) 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.

Penalties for Domestic 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. A conviction can have many other devastating consequences, including loss of employment; loss of a security clearance; inability to possess firearms, including hunting rifles and shotguns; and deportation if one is not a United States citizen.

Ellicott City and Columbia Domestic Assault Lawyer

Mr. Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of extensive trial experience, including domestic violence and domestic assault cases. Attorney Smith has handled thousands of domestic assault and other 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.

Highly Rated Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in domestic violence, domestic assault, and other criminal cases — has earned him the recognition of the legal community, with an AV® Preeminent™* Peer Review Rating in the Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating process, and a 10.0 Superb AVVO rating. These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition. Attorney Smith is considered to be one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Howard County.

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in domestic assault and other criminal defense matters, DUI / DWI, MVA Hearings, traffic offenses, domestic violence and child abusecharges 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 domestic assault 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.

Filed Under: Assault, Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, District Court for Howard County, Domestic Assault, Domestic Violence, domestic violence attorney, domestic violence lawyer, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Defending Against False Allegations of Domestic Violence

December 30, 2011 by

domestic-violence-2

Accusations of domestic violence can have both criminal and civil consequences. Civilly you could be subjected to the restrictions of a domestic restraining order, also known as a protective order. And criminally you may face assault and/or battery charges.

If you are convicted of domestic abuse you can be fined and put in jail. Even if you aren’t convicted on a criminal charge you could be subject to a protection order that requires you to move out of your home and have no contact with your spouse or minor children. Civil domestic violence matters can also affect divorce and custody matters, and can result in serious consequences including:

  • Denial of custody of minor children
  • Protective orders against you
  • Mandatory participation in anger management or other treatment
  • Civil liberties restrictions
  • Surrender of firearms

If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence, you need to:

  • Understand the gravity of the situation and never assume that, because the charges are false, you will not be convicted.
  • Prepare for the expense of your defense. Your Maryland domestic violence defense attorney needs to build a strong defense, which may include costs to obtain records, serve subpoenas, and retain private investigators.
  • Document everything by writing down every detail you remember, possible witnesses, receipts and anything else related to the charges. The more information you can give your attorney, the more effective the defense he will be able to mount for you.
  • Know your rights. If you are not arrested, you are free to leave. If you have been arrested, you have a right to an attorney and to remain silent. Law enforcement is not on your side, and a simple explanation can end up causing more problems.

Talk to a Howard County criminal defense attorney today

Allegations of domestic violence, even if false, are very serious and you need to take such charges seriously. Contact Jonathan Scott Smith online or call 410-740-0101 to discuss your case.

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

What Is Domestic Violence in Maryland?

October 31, 2011 by

domestic-violence-4

Domestic violence laws apply to a wide range of behaviors committed by one intimate partner against another. But at its core, domestic violence is the use of force or duress by one person to control another. Following are the forms of domestic abuse with Maryland’s domestic violence law:

  • Physical abuse. This is defined as (1) an act that causes serious bodily harm, or (2) an act that places a person in fear of imminent serious bodily harm. This can include hitting, kicking, choking, grabbing, pinching, shoving, punching and using weapons against the victim.
  • Sexual abuse. This is forcing another to engage in sexual acts against their will and without their consent. It includes attempted or completed rape or sexual offenses.
  • Verbal threats. This includes threats of bodily harm.
  • False Imprisonment. This is the confinement or detention of a person against that person’s will, accomplished by force or threat of force, or deception.
  • Stalking. This is a malicious course of conduct that includes approaching or pursuing another where the person intends to place, or knows or reasonably should have known, the conduct would place another person in reasonable fear:
    • Of serious bodily injury; an assault; actual or attempted rape or sexual offense; false imprisonment; or death, or
    • That a third person likely will suffer any of the acts listed in the preceding paragraph.

A common misconception is that women are believed to be the majority of victims of domestic abuse. However, many men have also been victims of domestic abuse. Abuse can be frequent or infrequent, although typically it escalates over time and constitutes a pattern of behavior.

Contact a Columbia domestic violence defense attorney

If you have been charged with or are under investigation for domestic abuse, it is vital you retain an experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney immediately. A domestic abuse charge can result in your having to move out of your home and being denied contact with your children. Such a charge can also ruin your reputation and endanger your job. To talk to a lawyer who understands what is at stake, contact Jonathan Scott Smith online or call 410-740-0101 today to schedule a consultation.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, Domestic Assault, Domestic Violence Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Woman Cleared of Violation of Protective Order

May 23, 2011 by

Criminal Charges Brought for Violation of Protective Order

A 31-year old mother was charged with Violation of Protective Order and Telephone Misuse after her estranged husband claimed she repeatedly called and texted him in violation of an existing order of protection sought by the husband. In many domestic violence and protective order cases, the party who sought the protection order prohibiting all contact later initiates emails, texts, or phone calls. Then, when the person subject to the protective order responds to the contacts, the “victim” seeks criminal charges for violation of protective order. This is an abuse of the legal process and subjects many innocent people to arrest, criminal prosecution, having to post bail, and legal fees for a criminal defense lawyer.

What are the Penalties for Violation of Protective Order in Maryland?

Judges treat violations of protective orders very seriously. A conviction is a misdemeanor. For a first offense, the court can impose a fine up to $1,000.00 and imprisonment up to 90 days, or both.  For a second or subsequent offense, the court can impose a fine up to $2,500.00 and imprisonment up to 1 year, or both.
Charges for Violation of Protective Order Dismissed

In this case, as in many others, telephone records revealed that it was the husband who repeatedly initiated telephone contact with wife, and then engaged in back and forth communications. The case was heard in the District Court for Howard County.  The wife was represented by Columbia criminal defense lawyer and domestic violence attorney Jonathan Scott Smith of the Smith Criminal Defense Firm. Mr. Smith, a former prosecutor, has extensive experience in criminal law. He believes in aggressively defending domestic violence cases. The client refused all plea bargain offers. The prosecutor, after losing another case to Mr. Smith,  dismissed all charges.

Howard County Criminal Defense 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 violation of protective order 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 violation of protective order 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 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 violation of protective order, 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.

Filed Under: Domestic Assault, Domestic Violence, Restraining Order Tagged With: , , , ,

Woman Cleared of Violation of Protective Order

May 13, 2011 by

Criminal Charges for Violation of Protective Order
protective-order
A 31-year old Columbia woman was charged with Violation of Protective Order and Telephone Misuse after her estranged husband claimed she repeatedly called and texted him in violation of an existing protective order that had been sought by her husband. Every person accused of a crime, including criminal charges of violation of protective order, is presumed to be innocent and has the right to fight those charges.

What are the Penalties for Violation of Protective Order in Maryland?

If a person is convicted of violation of protective order in Maryland, they are subject to criminal penalties. The crime is a misdemeanor. For a first offense, the court may impose a fine up to $1,000.00 and imprisonment up to 90 days, or both. For a second or subsequent offense, the court may impose a fine up to $2,500.00 and imprisonment up to 1 year, or both. Judges treat violation of protective order charges very seriously.

Woman Cleared of Violation of Protective Order Charges

Jonathan Scott Smith of the Smith Criminal Defense Firm in Howard County, Maryland prepared a vigorous defense. On Mr. Smith’s recommendation, the accused woman refused all plea bargain offers. Mr. Smith obtained telephone records revealing that it was the husband who repeatedly initiated telephone contact with wife, and then engaged in back and forth communications. The husband’s conduct completely contradicted his claim that he was being harassed by his wife. The prosecution caved and dismissed all charges.

Howard County Criminal Defense 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 violation of protective order 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 violation of protective order 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 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 violation of protective order, 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.

Filed Under: Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence, Peace Order, Restraining Order Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Woman Not Guilty of Domestic Violence

May 13, 2011 by

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.

Filed Under: Assault, Criminal Defense, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, Domestic Assault, Domestic Violence, domestic violence attorney, domestic violence lawyer Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

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  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101

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