Student Not Guilty of Possession of Drugs and Deadly Weapons

April 1, 2012 by jsmith

Drug Possession and Deadly Weapons

A 21-year old student was stopped by a Howard County for a cracked windshield. After being stopped, the driver was asked repeatedly whether he had anything illegal in the car. The police officer stated that the student might as well be honest, because the officer was going to search the car anyway.

Car Search Results in Marijuana and Deadly Weapons

The student then admitted having a marijuana pipe. The police officer ordered the driver out of the car, placed him under arrest, and searched the car, seizing marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a hatchet and several knives (deadly weapons). The student, however, was found not guilty of all charges in the District Court for Howard County.

Most deadly weapon and drug possession charges result in plea bargains. But someone charged with possession of drugs and deadly weapon charges should have an experienced criminal lawyer or drug possession attorney defend them.

Driver Not Guilty of Drug Possession and Deadly Weapon Charges

In this case, Jonathan Scott Smith, an experienced Columbia criminal lawyer, represented the student. He refused a plea bargain offer and took the case to trial. On cross examination, the police officer admitted that the student had not committed any moving violations. The officer could not describe the location or size of the alleged windshield crack, and never issued a repair order for such a violation. The judge agreed that the police officer lacked legal cause to stop the car, and suppressed all evidence, including the marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and deadly weapons. Absent this evidence, the student was found not guilty of all charges.

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 deadly weapon 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 drug possession and deadly weapon charges, and other 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 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.

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Woman Cleared in Hit and Run Accident

April 1, 2012 by jsmith

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.

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Drinking and Walking Is Not a Crime, But Can Still Lead to Trouble in Maryland

March 5, 2012 by Jonathan Smith

DWI and DUI Defense in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County, MD

While Driving While Impaired (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI) are crimes in Baltimore, and throughout Maryland, drinking and walking is not. However, recent events demonstrate that you must always be careful if you go out drinking, and it is best to have a designated driver or cab fare.

In December of 2011, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Route 924. The pedestrian was only 23 years old and his death marked the 23rd highway fatality in Harford County in 2011. The pedestrian who was killed was suspected of being drunk and walking in the driving lane of the highway.

One common mistake many pedestrians make is they think because they can see cars and other motor vehicles clearly, that the oncoming vehicles can see them just as clearly. For those who drive, we know that is not the case. If you are walking or bicycling along a road or highway, you should wear bright clothing, reflective clothing if possible, so drivers can see you more easily.

If you go out drinking, be careful and appoint a designated driver, or at least think ahead and make taxi arrangements. If you do drive, remember, DUI and DWI charges are serious in Maryland.

If you are charged with drunk driving, it is important to retain a skilled criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible after being charged with a DUI or DWI, or other alcohol or drug related charge, in Maryland.

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated former criminal prosecutor, with over 30 years of courtroom experience. He has handled thousands of 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, and traffic offenses 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, criminal defense lawyer, criminal lawyer, defense attorney, District Court for Howard County, Drunk Driving, DUI, DWI Tagged With: administrative license revocation, alcohol, alcoholic beverage, alcoholism, attorney, breath tests, breathalyzer, drives, driving, driving under the influence, Drunk Driving, drunk driving defense lawyer, drunk driving law, drunk driving laws, drunk driving lawyer, dui defense lawyer, howard county, impaired driving, jonathan scott smith, law, maryland, maryland drunk driving, maryland laws, md, road transport, sobriety checkpoint, traffic collision

Choosing a DUI Lawyer

May 13, 2011 by Jonathan Smith

dui-arrest
A drunk driving arrest creates substantial risks involving loss of your driver’s license, and perhaps even your freedom. It is critical to select and hire an experienced Maryland drunk driving lawyer to advise you and to represent you aggressively.

Choosing a DUI Lawyer – Howard County, Columbia, Ellicott City, Maryland

Many people who are charged with drunk driving receive a pile of solicitation letters in the mail from attorneys they have never met. There are companies that review court filings on a daily basis and then sell lists of names to attorneys. These attorneys then mail form letters soliciting their services. These solicitation letters often include absurdly low legal fees, and mislead the public regarding the true cost of experienced and qualified lawyers.

Top Rated Attorney

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in DUI/DWI and drunk driving 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.

Points of Distinction

Over 30 Years of Courtroom Experience
Former Prosecutor
Author of Criminal Law Books for Lawyers
Lectured and Trained Prosecutors
Highest Rating for Legal Ability and Professional Ethics

Former Criminal Prosecutor

Jonathan Scott Smith was employed as a prosecutor (Assistant State’s Attorney for Baltimore County) from 1980 to 1984. He prepared and prosecuted thousands of felony and misdemeanor criminal cases. This included an extensive number of jury and non-jury trials in Maryland district courts and circuit courts.

As a prosecutor in the circuit court, Mr. Smith prepared and tried a wide range of criminal cases. He was responsible for handling all aspects of criminal cases. Mr. Smith personally handled an extensive number of criminal jury trials. The charges included murder (including death penalty), rapes and other sexual offenses, armed robberies, burglaries, kidnappings, extortion, embezzlement, thefts, assaults, and drug offenses. He tried numerous non-jury trials as well. Mr. Smith prosecuted cases involving mandatory sentences and death penalty proceedings, and handled felony charge screenings; grand jury proceedings; and preliminary hearings.

As a prosecutor in the district court, Mr. Smith handled all aspects of thousands of cases until their conclusion, including an extensive number of non-jury trials. The cases included drunk driving and other serious traffic cases, thefts, assaults, drug possession, handgun charges, violation of probation hearings, and bail hearings.

Jonathan Scott Smith Criminal Defense Firm