Baltimore County Police Say MS-13 Gang Involved in Slaying

Towson Murder Tied to Alleged Gang War

Baltimore County Police Say MS-13 Gang Involved in SlayingLocal law enforcement officials say the death of a Towson man in July, 2019, is tied to a gang war. According to police, at least seven members of the MS-13 gang followed the victim home from a laundromat and stabbed him to death. They believe the man had been seen by MS-13 members holding up a hand sign of a rival gang known as 18th Street. Law enforcement officers have arrested seven members of MS-13 and charged them with homicide.

The MS-13 gang, originally founded on the West Coast, is comprised of Salvadoran refugees. Officials say the large Salvadoran population in Maryland has led to an influx of MS-13 activity.

AV-Rated Carroll County Criminal Defense Lawyer

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’s been named one of the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers, and was designated a Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine in 2012. The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has named him as one of the “10 Best Attorneys in the State of Maryland in Client Satisfaction.”

Attorney Smith is a highly experienced trial attorney, with the skill, knowledge and resources to protect your rights in any criminal prosecution. He’ll also gather, assess and preserve all evidence in your defense and will confirm that police and prosecutors followed constitutional requirements. He’ll carefully question all potential witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the strongest arguments in your defense. He’ll aggressively protect your constitutional rights throughout the criminal process, from investigation and arrest to arraignment and trial.

Smith has been AV-rated (the highest rating possible) by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988 and has also received Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, awarded to less than 4% of all attorneys in that directory. The National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” professional organization, has honored him as one of the top 100 attorneys in Maryland.

Smith is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, given to less than 1% of all American lawyers who have obtained million dollar judgments, awards or settlements. He has a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a litigation attorney from AVVO and has also received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Ellicott City, Maryland

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

U.S. Attorney Announces Formation of Drug Enforcement Task Force

Strike Force Targets Violent Crime in Baltimore

U.S. Attorney Announces Formation of Drug Enforcement Task ForceEarlier this month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland announced the creation of the Baltimore Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a combined effort between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to try to reduce drug-related violent crime in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Officials cited a dramatic increase in homicide in Baltimore—up nearly 17% compared to the same period a year ago—as one of the motivating factors. The AG’s office said it will work to identify individuals most responsible for drug-related violence and create partnerships to investigate and apprehend those persons. Officials hope to have all aspects of the strike force in place by the end of the year.

Experienced Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Attorney

For more than three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has worked hard to protect the rights of people facing criminal charges in Baltimore and throughout the state of Maryland. He has a thorough understanding of criminal law and procedure, and will take the time to fully investigate your case, gathering and protecting all relevant evidence, and confirming that law enforcement officers did not violate your constitutional rights.

Smith has been named among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers, and was honored as a Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine in 2012. He has held an AV rating (the highest rating possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988 and has also received Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, an honor bestowed upon less than 4% of all attorneys listed there. The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has identified him as one of the “10 Best Attorneys in the State of Maryland in Client Satisfaction.” He’s a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, awarded 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, counts him among the top 100 attorneys in Maryland. Attorney Smith 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 Baltimore Area

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.

Baltimore Police Arrest Man for Attempted Homicide of Police Officer

Defendant Charged with Attempted First and Second Degree Murder

Baltimore Police Arrest Man for Attempted Homicide of Police OfficerA 35-year-old Baltimore man is in custody after be arrested for firing shots at a Baltimore police officer on Thursday, August 15. Officers say the defendant was walking in the middle of the road around 2:30 am, near the intersection of Marglenn and Springwood in Overlea, carrying a handgun. After being ordered to put his hands up, the defendant fled, with the officer in pursuit. As the pursuing officer took cover behind a vehicle, the defendant fired a shot. Another officer then apprehended the defendant. Police found two loaded handguns on the scene, as well as the casing from the fired bullet.

Experienced Anne Arundel County Criminal Defense Lawyer

For more than 30 years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of people facing criminal charges in Baltimore and throughout the state of Maryland. He has a thorough understanding of criminal law and procedure, and will take the time to fully investigate your case, gathering and protecting all relevant evidence, and confirming that law enforcement officers did not violate your constitutional rights.

Attorney Smith has been listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers, and was honored as 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 also been the recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, an honor bestowed upon less than 4% of all attorneys listed there. The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has identified him as one of the "10 Best Attorneys in the State of Maryland in Client Satisfaction." He’s a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, awarded 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, counts him among the top 100 attorneys in Maryland. Attorney Smith 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 in the Metro Baltimore Area

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

Baltimore Sees Dramatic Increase in Murder Rate in 2019

Police Say Homicides Up 16% Over 2018

Increase in Murder Rate in 2019Police officials in Baltimore released statistics earlier this month, comparing the number of homicides in the city over the first half of the year with each of the prior two years. According to the data, 171 murders had been reported in 2019, compared with 147 a year ago. The report also indicated a significant increase in the number of non-fatal shootings and attempted murders, up 28 percent over the last 12 months. As further evidence of the serious problem the city faces, Fraternal Order of Police representatives say the bloodshed has only intensified in the last two weeks, with 11 homicides in just 14 days.

Experienced Baltimore County Criminal Defense Lawyer

For more than 30 years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of people facing criminal charges in Baltimore and across Maryland. He has a thorough understanding of criminal law and procedure, and will take the time to fully investigate your case, gathering and protecting all relevant evidence, and confirming that law enforcement officers did not violate your constitutional rights.

Attorney Smith has been listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers, and was honored as 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 also been the recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, an honor bestowed upon less than 4% of all attorneys listed there. The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has identified him as one of the “10 Best Attorneys in the State of Maryland in Client Satisfaction.” He’s a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, awarded 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, counts him among the top 100 attorneys in Maryland. Attorney Smith 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 in the Greater Baltimore Area

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

Gun Violence Continues Over New Year’s Holiday in Baltimore

2018 Murder Toll Tops 300 Again

Gun ViolenceA 17-year-old male was slain shortly after 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve near the 4500 block of Green Rose Lane, bringing Baltimore’s homicide total for 2018 to 309. Though that’s a drop from 2017, when 343 were killed, it’s the fourth year in a row that the number of violent deaths has exceeded 300. Police say they were called to investigate a reported shooting and found the teen, who died on the scene.

The violence continued after the new year rolled in, however. A 14-year-old male was grazed in the head by a bullet just minutes after midnight, and another man walked into a local hospital a couple hours later with a gunshot wound in the leg. Police also reported a number of non-fatal shootings in the hours leading up to the new year.

Results-Oriented Ellicott City Criminal Defense Attorney

For more than three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively fought for the rights of people charged with criminal acts in the greater Baltimore area and throughout Maryland. He has a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure, and he will carefully investigate the facts and circumstances of your case, compiling evidence for your defense and ensuring that police officers did not violate your constitutional rights.

Well-respected in the legal profession, attorney Smith has been chosen as a Maryland Super Lawyer and named a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer agazine in 2012. He is AV-rated (the highest rating possible) under MartindaleHubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. He holds a 10.0 (superb rating) as a litigation attorney from AVVO and has also been a recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of five stars.

Proven Criminal Defense Lawyer in Baltimore County

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

Police Say Drug Turf War the Cause of Crime Wave in Baltimore

Police car on the streetAccording to Baltimore police, a drug turf war has broken out in the city, leading to escalated violence, with more than a dozen shootings in less than 48 hours. Interim Police Commissioner Gary Tuggle told reporters that the dispute started a couple months ago and has been heating up over the past week. The city has seen 44 murders in the last month.

In response to the rising tide of violence, the Police Commissioner has moved 230 officers from administrative positions and put them on the city’s streets, temporarily suspending all administrative functions at all city precincts. Tuggle also suspended all leave requests for Baltimore police officers until further notice. Mayor Catherine Pugh says there are now approximately 650 police officers patrolling city neighborhoods.

AV-Rated Columbia, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith has more than 30 years of experience successfully representing criminal defendants in Frederick County and the surrounding areas. He will aggressively protect your rights at all stages of the criminal process, from arrest to arraignment to trial. He’ll conduct a thorough investigation, examining whether police and prosecutors followed the law when gathering evidence against you. He’ll evaluate and preserve all relevant evidence and carefully interview witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most compelling arguments in your defense.

Jonathan Scott Smith is an experienced trial attorney, with the skill, experience, knowledge and resources to protect your rights before a judge and jury. With a longstanding reputation for effective advocacy, attorney Smith has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, was recognized as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine, is AV-rated under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System, and has been named a Maryland Super Lawyer.

Effective Ellicott City Criminal Defense Lawyer

Don’t take any chances when you are facing criminal charges. 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 Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Murder Suspect’s Mother Tried to Get Police to Arrest Him before Slaying

man arrested in handcuffs

Parent Sought to Have Son Incarcerated for Violation of Court Order

The mother of a 17-year Greenspring juvenile charged in the death of a motorist in Northwest Baltimore says she called authorities and asked them to re-arrest her son about a month before the fatal shooting. The woman says she called the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services to notify them that her son had physically removed his court-mandated ankle monitor and had repeatedly been in violation of a court-ordered curfew. She says authorities never responded to her request.

According to court records, the suspect was initially arrested in connection with a string of carjackings in the summer of 2017. Prosecutors initially charged the youth as an adult, but the judge transferred the case to juvenile court, even though there were hundreds of letters to the court, asking that it stay in adult court.

Proven Baltimore Criminal Defense Lawyer

For more than three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively protected the rights of criminal defendants in the Baltimore metropolitan area and throughout Maryland. He brings a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure to every case he handles. He’ll carefully investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest or detention, ensuring that law enforcement officers did not violate your constitutional rights.

Attorney Smith is well-respected with his clients and with colleagues. He’s been named a Maryland Super Lawyer, and was listed Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine in 2012. He is also AV-rated (the top rating possible) by members of the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. He holds a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a litigation attorney from AVVO and has also been a recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Effective Prince Georges County Criminal Defense Lawyer

We’ll aggressively protect your rights in any criminal matter. Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We defend cases throughout Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Police Officer Faces Investigation for Gun Incident

Faces-Investigation-for-Gun-Incident

A Baltimore police officer is the subject of an internal investigation after a fire department dashboard camera caught him neglecting to follow up on allegations that a criminal suspect had thrown a handgun into some bushes in the downtown Baltimore area. Police officials later confirmed that a gun was found in the location where witnesses claimed it had been tossed.

According to Baltimore’s interim police commissioner, Gary Tuggle, the firefighters were on the scene near Lexington and St. Paul streets, when they called police. The officer under investigation was nearby, but refused to take any action when told about the firearm, telling the firefighters “this is not my district.” Tuggle said the officer’s statement, caught on the dashcam, is not consistent with department policy. “[T]his badge says ‘Baltimore City” and you’ve got a responsibility to serve any place in the city.”

AV-Rated Ellicott City Criminal Defense Lawyer

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than three decades of experience to criminal defendants throughout Anne Arundel County and the surrounding area. Attorney Smith will aggressively protect your rights throughout the criminal process, from arrest to arraignment to trial. He’ll investigate every aspect of your case, confirming that police and prosecutors followed the law when gathering evidence against you. He’ll carefully assess the evidence and question witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most effective defense at trial. He will seek to negotiate a plea bargain, if doing so is in your best interests.

Jonathan Scott Smith has the skill, experience, knowledge and resources 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 longstanding reputation for effective advocacy, attorney Smith has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO and was recognized as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and by Martindale-Hubbell.

Effective Columbia, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

When you face criminal charges, you want someone who will aggressively protect your 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.

Local Basketball Legend Slain—Police Suspect Retaliation

Police-Suspect-Retaliation

Local basketball legend Tracey Carrington, a graduate of Dundalk High School and Morgan State University, was gunned down on Thursday, September 6, 2018, as she was leaving the S&S Lounge, a sports bar in Overlea. Witnesses say a shooter got out of a car near Carrington and shot her multiple times as she was opening her car door. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Law enforcement officials say that Carrington was scheduled to be a witness in a double homicide prosecution. Carrington allegedly had evidence against two men charged with murder in a drug deal gone bad. Police officers say Carrington was accompanied by a friend at the time of her death and that the shooter did not fire at the friend. They also noted that the motive wasn’t robbery and that no other crimes were committed.

After a storied high school career, Carrington opted to stay in Baltimore, ultimately becoming the captain of the women’s basketball team.

AV-Rated Baltimore County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of experience to criminal defendants throughout Anne Arundel County and the surrounding communities. Attorney Smith aggressively protects the rights of criminal defendants at any stage of the legal process, from arrest to arraignment to trial. He’ll carefully investigate your cases to ensure that your constitutional rights weren’t violated, confirming that police and prosecutors followed the law when gathering evidence against you. 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. He’ll gather, evaluate and preserve all relevant evidence, so that he can prepare and present the most compelling case for your defense.

Jonathan Scott Smith is a highly seasoned trial attorney, with the skill, experience, knowledge and resources to protect your rights in all legal proceedings. Because of his outstanding reputation for effective legal representation, attorney Smith has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO and was recognized as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and by Martindale-Hubbell.

Effective Ellicott City, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

When you face criminal charges, you want someone who will aggressively protect your 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.

Man Gets 65-Year Prison Term for Park Heights Slaying

Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder

Term-for-Park-Heights-Slaying

In what prosecutors say was a case of mistaken identity, a 24-year-old Baltimore man received a 65 year sentence in the fatal shooting of another 24-year in November, 2015. The defendant had been charged and acquitted of first-degree murder for the same crime. Initial reports suggested that the victim was killed because he was building a fence around his home to prevent drug activity in and around his property. After his death, neighbors completed construction of the fence.

At trial, though, prosecutors told the jury that the victim had been mistaken for someone else and that the killing was allegedly in retaliation for another shooting. The State’s Attorney said there had been gunfire at the defendant’s grandmother’s home and that the defendant was told that the perpetrators of that crime were in Park Heights. Prosecutors say the defendant saw only a shadow of what he believed was his intended target and fired four times. Police did not find the gun until nearly a year later, but were able to match it to the crime scene.

Highly Respected Ellicott City Criminal Defense Attorney

For more than 30 years, criminal defense attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought to protect the rights of people throughout Baltimore and the state of Maryland. He takes a thorough approach, combining an extensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure with a comprehensive understanding of how prosecutors prepare their cases. He’ll carefully investigate the facts and circumstances of your case, ensuring that law enforcement officers followed proper procedure and that your constitutional rights were protected.

Attorney Smith is highly esteemed among clients and colleagues, earning recognition as a Maryland Super Lawyer. Named a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine, he is AV-rated (the top rating possible) by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. He has a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a litigation attorney from AVVO and has also received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Proven Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

We’ll aggressively 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 cases throughout Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

ADDRESS :

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101