Archives for September 2012

Embezzlement Crimes in Howard County, MD

howard-county-embezzlement-lawyer
Embezzlement most often involves an individual, generally an employee, embezzling (or unlawfully taking) money or property from a business or an individual. Embezzlement and business fraud are considered white-collar crimes, because they are not violent. Nonetheless, these crimes on conviction carry harsh sentences.

Law enforcement officials are focusing more aggressively on ferreting out crimes of embezzlement and fraud, including:

  • Wire fraud
  • Mail fraud
  • Internet fraud
  • Tax embezzlement fraud
  • Identity theft and cyber crime
  • Credit card fraud
  • Forgery
  • Identity theft

Fraud Enforcement Task Force Aggressively Pursues Embezzlement Crimes

The Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force was recently established by President Barack Obama to aggressively, proactively, and with coordinated effort investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The force includes regulatory agencies, federal agencies, inspectors general, and law enforcement officials at the local and state level, all of which work together to fight embezzlement and financial fraud.

Cases: Former Fast Food Franchise President Guilty of $885,000 Wire Fraud

The task force was involved in investigating the embezzlement case involving Mark Chandler Goodnow, 55. The president and CEO of a national fast food franchise based in Severna Park, Maryland, pleaded guilty to wire fraud involving more than $885,000 from the corporation he controlled. He is now facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

In yet another case, a Maryland woman was sentenced to 15 months in prison after embezzling more than $900,000 from XM Satellite Radio. Valencia Person, 54, was sentenced this past August. Evidently, Person and an accomplice deposited money that was meant to go to the radio station’s vendors into the conspirator’s bank account.

Another woman, Katherine Haddaway, embezzled more than $335,000 from her former employer over a three year time period. Haddaway was found guilty in Talbot County of 37 counts of fraudulently taking money from Wayne Hilmer. There was a significant paper trail involved in the trial, with prosecutors introducing 345 exhibits to prove their case.

Embezzlement and fraud cases are complicated to prosecute and defend, often involving complex paper and cyber trails. You need to retain an attorney who has the knowledge and experience necessary to track effectively the evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Howard County

If you are under investigation for embezzlement, fraud, or any other white-collar crime, talk with an attorney at the Smith Criminal Defense Firm, in Columbia, MD. Let a former prosecutor fight for your rights and freedom. Call 410-740-0101 or email us to schedule a consultation.

Police Investigate Howard County Burglary

Burglary of Columbia Business Focus of Police Investigation

On Thursday, September 14, 2012, an Allstate Insurance office was the subject of a burglary, reported The Baltimore Sun. Property was taken from the West Columbia business, including two phones, six computer towers and documents. Howard County police are investigating.

Burglary Statistics

FBI statistics reveal that there are approximately 2.1 million burglaries in the United States annually. About 75% of those are residential burglaries. Burglaries account for one quarter of all property crimes. There were 1,393 burglaries in Howard County in 2010, according to the Howard County Police Department.

What is Burglary in the First Degree in Maryland?

Under Maryland law,  a person may not break and enter the dwelling of another with the intent to commit theft or a crime of violence. This is the definition of first degree burglary. The penalty for first degree burglary is imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.

What is Second Degree Burglary in Maryland?

There are two different violations that constitute second degree burglary. First, a person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to commit theft, a crime of violence, or arson in the second degree. If he does, he is guilty of a felony and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 15 years. Second,  a person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to steal, take, or carry away a firearm. This also is a felony, and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.

Howard County Criminal Attorney and Burglary Defense Lawyer

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 first degree burglary and second degree burglary cases. 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 Howard County, Columbia, and Ellicott City Criminal Lawyer

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in burglary 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 first degree burglary, second degree burglary, 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.

Authorities Target DUI Drivers on Holidays

Maryland has targeted Thanksgiving with mobile and stationary patrols. Additionally, the Maryland State Police’s operation “Centerpoint Strikeforce” regularly sets up checkpoints throughout the state.

The Centerpoint Strikeforce operation recently checked 130 cars near the Md. 85 and Executive Way in just a four-hour weekend-period, but no one was arrested on drunk driving charges. This particular Maryland location was chosen because of the area’s relative frequency of DUI arrests and crashes involving alcohol.

Interestingly, the American Beverage Institute notes a University of Maryland study (2009) that indicates sobriety checkpoints do not in fact affect drivers’ actions. Rather, research seems to indicate that roving police cars tend to make more DUI arrests.

Throughout the United States authorities have been cracking down on DUI drivers just before and during holidays. For those interested, it is possible to find the location of these DUI police checkpoints online, through websites devoted specifically to tracking DUI checkpoints. Also, police departments often announce their plans to conduct sobriety checkpoints (but not the locations).

Holidays such as Labor Day typically have more drunk-driving related crashes. For instance, during Labor Day weekend in 2010, 147 people died as a result of car crashes that involved a drunk driver.

Accused of DUI or DWI in MD? Contact an Experience Criminal Defense Attorney

To schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal defense lawyer at the Smith Criminal Defense Firm in Columbia, Maryland, 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.

Columbia Woman Cleared of 69 Animal Abuse and Neglect Charges

Howard County Animal Abuse and Neglect Charges Filed

Elizabeth M. Lindenau of Columbia, Maryland was charged in Howard County with 69 counts of animal abuse and neglect, and animal cruelty charges. The accusations arose out of 20 birds, rabbits and cats found deceased in a townhouse leased to Ms. Lindenau and her husband.

Prosecutors presented a plea offer insisting that the accused plead guilty to numerous felony and misdemeanor animal abuse, animal neglect, and animal cruelty charges, and serve time in jail. Howard County criminal lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith represented Ms. Lindenau, rejected the plea offer, and demanded her day in court.

What is Animal Abuse and Neglect?

Under Maryland law, a person may not: (1) overdrive or overload an animal; (2) deprive an animal of necessary sustenance; (3) inflict unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal; (4) cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1), (2), or (3); or (5) if the person has charge or custody of an animal, as owner or otherwise, unnecessarily fail to provide the animal with nutritious food in sufficient quantity, necessary veterinary care, proper drink, air, space, shelter, or protection from the weather.

The crime is a misdemeanor, and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

What is Animal Cruelty?

Under Maryland law, a person may not: (1) intentionally mutilate, torture, cruelly beat, or cruelly kill an animal; (2) cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1); or (3) except in the case of self-defense, intentionally inflict bodily harm, permanent disability, or death on an animal owned or used by a law enforcement unit.
Animal cruelty is a felony, and on conviction a person is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

Judge Acquits Woman Accused of Animal Cruelty Charges

On August 22, 2012, the trial began in the Circuit Court for Howard County before Judge Louis A. Becker and a jury. The judge acquitted Ms. Lindenau of all animal cruelty charges, finding that there was no evidence that she was aware that the animals were suffering. Additional animal abuse and neglect charges were thrown out for lack of evidence.

Jury Returns Not Guilty Verdicts on All Animal Neglect Charges

Ms. Lindenau presented substantial evidence that she had moved from the townhouse where the animals died months before. After 11 days of testimony, the jury found her not guilty of the 18 remaining charges of animal neglect. After the verdict, Ms. Lindenau stated: “I am relieved that the jury was willing to listen to the facts, and see past the emotional nature of this tragedy… I loved all of the animals, and it broke my heart that they died.”

Maryland Criminal Defense and Animal Abuse and Neglect Lawyer

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 animal abuse and neglect, and animal cruelty 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 Howard County, Columbia, and Ellicott City Criminal Lawyer

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

ADDRESS :

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101