Archives for January 2013

Police Officer Faces Animal Cruelty Charges

Animal Cruelty Charges Filed Against Dog Owners

On December 22, 2012, at approximately 3:54 p.m., Anne Arundel County Animal Control received a call regarding an at large dog, according to the Anne Arundel County Police Department. An Animal Control Officer responded and recovered a stray dog named “Nicholas,” a Shepherd mix. On December 28, 2012, the owners of the animal, Stephen Harr and his wife Cheri Harr, contacted Animal Control. Animal Control confirmed that they were the owners of the dog.

Investigation Alleges Basis for Animal Cruelty Charges

Police reported that further investigation revealed that the extent of the dog’s medical issues was believed to be the result of neglect and the failure to provide the animal with the proper medical care. Therefore, they applied for animal cruelty charges against the owners. Mr. Harr, an 11 year veteran of the Anne Arundel County Police, was placed on administrative duty with his police powers suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

Case in Point: Unfounded Animal Cruelty Charges

Just because animal cruelty charges are filed does not mean that a pet owner is guilty. Loving pet owners can be falsely accused of animal abuse and/or neglect. Every person is presumed innocent and entitled to their day in court.

In one case, a woman was accused of 69 charges of animal abuse and neglect. She was defended by criminal lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith. Mr. Smith rejected the prosecution’s 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.

Some of the charges were dismissed before trial; others were thrown out by the judge during trial; and after 11 days of testimony, the jury found her not guilty of the 18 remaining charges. In short, the woman was cleared of all 69 felony and misdemeanor charges.

Animal Abuse and Neglect 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 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 Criminal Lawyer – Defense of Animal Cruelty Charges

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

  • 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.

These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Contact Our Office

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

Simple Assault Defense in Columbia, Maryland

What is Assault?

assault-defense-lawyer
In Maryland assault you can be charged with assault even if you do not physically harm someone. Just attempting to touch another person without that person’s agreement and causing them to be fearful of being touched is considered an assault crime in Columbia and elsewhere throughout Maryland.

In a typical simple assault arrest, the police have been called to someone’s home for a domestic altercation, or somewhere to break up a fight. Even if one person was acting in self-defense, the police often arrest both parties anyway. Sometimes, the person who has signs of injury is the one who is spared arrest, even if he or she started the fight. Other times, the person who gets to the police first avoids arrest, even though that person initiated the fight. And just touching a police officer is also considered assault.

Assault Convictions Can Mean 10 Years Jail Time

Even if you never should have been arrested and the police have made a mistake, you will still be facing up to ten years in prison if you are charged with a simple assault, also known as a second-degree assault. Second degree assault is a misdemeanor and carries a fine of up to $2500.

It helps to have an attorney experienced defending clients who have found themselves in unfortunate situations like these.

Second Degree Assault Defined

Assault in the second degree happens when one person physically injures another. The injuries can be minor or cause physical injury, but not serious or permanent injury.

Second-degree assault also includes causing a reasonable person to fear imminent physical harm. This means that even if you did not physically touch another person but you caused them to have a reasonable fear of being hurt by you, you could potentially be charged with assault.

Battery, which is also considered an assault crime, means unlawfully, offensively touching another person without his or her agreement. In most situations, however, assault does refer to a fight or disagreement that has turned physically violent.

Highly Rated Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor with over 30 years of courtroom experience. Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

  • 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.

These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Defense Against Simple Assault Charges in Columbia, MD

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

ADDRESS :

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101