Archives for December 2012

Shoplifting Charges in Howard County, MD

Theft Charges for Shoplifting
shoplifting
A shoplifting arrest at the Columbia Center Mall in Kennewick, WA involved a 31-year-old mom who stripped all her clothes off to prove she had not stolen anything, according to news reports. The mother in question evidently was stopped for shoplifting and refused to put her clothes back on. When police did arrive, the mother’s daughter, age 9, revealed a jewelry box hidden under her shirt.

If you have been arrested for shoplifting charges in Howard County or elsewhere throughout Maryland, it is important to have an experienced criminal lawyer represent you.

Penalties for Thefts Under $1,000 — Misdemeanor

In Maryland, penalties on conviction of theft of less than $100 can be up to 90 days in jail or a fine up to $500, or both. For theft convictions over $100 but less than $1,000, jail time can be up to 18 months, with a fine up to $500, or both. Additionally, the person convicted must make restitution to the owner of the property stolen. Anything under $1,000 is a misdemeanor.

Felony Charges – Shoplift More Than $1,000

If the value of the items stolen is more than $1,000, the crime is considered a felony under Maryland criminal law.

23 Million People Accused of Shoplifting in the US

According to Shoplifters Alternative, about 23 million people shoplift, and one-quarter of these are teenagers. Howard County shopping malls like Columbia Mall offer significant temptations, and there are occasions when people make mistakes in judgment.

If you have been arrested for shoplifting anything from a pair of jeans to an expensive electronic item, you must take action to protect your rights and avoid a criminal record if at all possible. A conviction on a shoplifting charge can impact your ability to get a job, a college loan, and possibly even your ability to get credit.

Talking with an attorney experienced in investigating and successfully defending clients against shoplifting charges, or any other type of theft, can be critical to the outcome of your case.

Criminal Lawyer Howard County MD

Jonathan Scott 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 cases involving shoplifting and theft. 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 MD Shoplifting Defense Attorney

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in shoplifting, theft, 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, a 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.

Arrested for Shoplifting? Contact Experienced Theft Defense Attorney in Howard County, MD

To schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal defense lawyer at the Smith Criminal Defense Law Firm, call 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.

Criminal Lawyer Rated as Super Lawyer in Attorney Reviews

Attorney Reviews Result in Super Lawyer Rating for Columbia MD Criminal Lawyer
superlawyers-badge-2012
Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith, a criminal  lawyer in Columbia, Howard County, MD, was awarded the “Super Lawyer” designation for 2013 in recently completed attorney reviews.

Super Lawyers is an attorney reviews and rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The multi-phased selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

Attorney Reviews Involve Rigorous Selection Process

Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a rigorous, multiphase rating process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with third party research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorney selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis.

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith Recognized as Super Lawyer

Attorney Smith is a Columbia, Maryland, criminal attorney with more than 30 years of courtroom experience. He defends the rights and interests of people in criminal courts of Maryland. His clients have included judges and their family members, lawyers, law students, police officers and courthouse employees.

Top Rated Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith is a highly rated and experienced former prosecutor. Attorney Smith has received numerous top ratings in attorney reviews and lawyers ratings:

  • Maryland Super Lawyer.
  • 10.0 Superb” as a litigation attorney by AVVO.
  • AV-Preeminent” Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.
  • “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.

Contact a Criminal Attorney Howard County MD

If you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer, contact us online, or call 410-740-0101 now.

Drivers Face DUI Charges in Prince George’s County Sobriety Checkpoint

Sobriety Checkpoint In Prince George’s County Nets Drivers

On December 7 and 8, 2012, Prince George’s County police officers conducted sobriety check points and focused their enforcement along the University Boulevard corridor and the Pennsylvania Avenue and Marlboro Pike corridor. On those nights, police officers made seven arrests on DUI charges over the course of 100 traffic stops, according to the police department.

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s sobriety checkpoint is part of its participation in a statewide drunk driving enforcement operation called Project SOLO—Saving Our Loved Ones.

Prince George’s County DUI Lawyer

An experienced DUI lawyer can be very helpful dealing with arrests resulting from sobriety checkpoints. Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience in criminal law and drunk driving cases. Before going into private practice, attorney Smith worked as a Maryland prosecutor and learned how the state prepares criminal matters. He has handled 1,000’s of drunk driving cases.

Top Rated Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in DUI/DWI and driving under the influence 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, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

DUI Lawyer Prince George’s County MD

To schedule an appointment with an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer, 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.

 

Six Drivers Arrested in Howard Count DUI Sobriety Checkpoint

Sobriety Checkpoint Results in DUI Charges

Howard County Police conducted a DUI sobriety checkpoint on Saturday, December 8, 2012 into the early morning hours of Sunday, December 9, 2012, according to The Baltimore Sun. The sobriety checkpoint was established on westbound US Route 40 and Governors Run Way in Ellicott City.

Five drivers were arrested and charged with DUI charges. One driver was arrested for driving on a suspended license. Approximately 649 vehicles passed through the Checkpoint, which was staffed by Howard County Police.

Sobriety Checkpoints Key Tool for DUI Charges

Howard County Police periodically conduct sobriety checkpoints as part of the Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign that are funded in part by a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. Maryland Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) also assisted with the DUI check point.

Maryland DUI  Lawyer

An experienced sobriety check point DUI lawyer can explain your rights and fight for you in court. Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience in criminal law and drunk driving cases. Before going into private practice, attorney Smith worked as a Maryland prosecutor and learned how the state prepares criminal matters. He has handled 1,000’s of drunk driving cases.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in DUI 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, a 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 DUI drunk driving attorneys in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County.

DUI Attorney Howard County MD

DUI charges are very serious. You need an experienced drunk driving lawyer to fight for you. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. To schedule an appointment with an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer, contact us online or call us at 410-740-0101.

Prince George’s County Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoints

Sobriety Checkpoints are a Tool to Make DUI/DWI Arrests

The Prince George’s County Police Department announced that its officers will be out again this weekend searching for drunk drivers. The enforcement is a part of Project SOLO—Saving Our Loved Ones. In November, the police began participation with Project SOLO, a statewide drunk driving enforcement operation.

Locations of Sobriety Check Points in Prince George’s County

On Friday, December 7, 2012, the Prince George’s County Police will focus enforcement along the University Boulevard corridor.

On Saturday, December 8, 2012, police officers will saturate the area of Pennsylvania Avenue and Marlboro Pike in Forestville. The enforcement hours run from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am.

Sobriety Checkpoints Result in Drunk Driving Arrests

On November 21, 23 and 24, 2012, Prince George’s County police officers made 200 traffic stops, and issued more than 200 traffic citations. In addition, they made 12 DUI arrests.

Prince George’s County DUI DWI Defense Lawyer

An experienced sobriety check point lawyer can be very helpful dealing with arrests resulting from sobriety checkpoints. Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience in criminal law and drunk driving cases. Before going into private practice, attorney Smith worked as a Maryland prosecutor and learned how the state prepares criminal matters. He has handled 1,000’s of drunk driving cases.

Top Rated Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in DUI/DWI and driving under the influence 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, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Sobriety Checkpoints Lawyer Prince George’s County MD

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

Howard County Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoints

Sobriety Checkpoints Used to Make DUI Arrests

The Howard County Police Department announced that it will conduct a sobriety checkpoint at an undisclosed location this weekend to promote awareness and reduce the number of drunk drivers on the roads. The checkpoint is part of the agency’s traffic safety initiative to keep Howard County roads safe.

The sobriety checkpoint will be clearly marked with signs, lights and uniformed officers. Howard County Police Officers will use both marked and unmarked vehicles.

DUI/DWI Arrests Made at Prior Sobriety Check Points

Howard County Police have routinely used  sobriety checkpoints as a method of making DUI/DWI arrests. Sobriety check points were utilized earlier this year.

Howard County and Ellicott City DUI DWI Defense Lawyer

Arrests resulting from sobriety checkpoints are complicated and require an experienced sobriety check point lawyer. Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience in criminal law and drunk driving cases. Before going into private practice, attorney Smith worked as a Maryland prosecutor and learned how the state prepares criminal matters. He has handled 1,000’s of drunk driving cases.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in DUI/DWI and driving under the influence 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, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Sobriety Checkpoints Lawyer Howard County MD

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

 

ADDRESS :

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101