Archives for March 2013

Shoplifting Charges and Penalties in Maryland

Arrested for Shoplifting Charges in Maryland?

Shoplifting charges in Maryland are very serious. A conviction can result in a criminal record, and even jail. An impulsive act, often involving shoplifting of items of small value, can cause consequences that cost much more. It’s simply not worth it.

What is Shoplifting in Maryland?

Shoplifting is considered “theft” in Maryland. If someone leaves a store without paying for an item, that obviously is shoplifting, or theft. But many people don’t realize that if someone conceals an item, for example by placing it in a shopping bag, even though they don’t leave the store, it is still considered theft and they will face shoplifting charges.

Punishment for Shoplifting Charges in Maryland

The penalty for shoplifting in Maryland depends upon the value of the item(s) that were stolen. If the value of the property stolen is less than $1,000.00, it is a misdemeanor, and the maximum penalty is 18 months imprisonment and/or a $500.00 fine. In addition, the offender must restore the item or its value. If the value is less than $100.00, it is a misdemeanor, and the maximum penalty is 90 days imprisonment, and/or a $500.00 fine. In addition, the offender must restore the item or its value. If the value is at least $1,000.00, but less than $10,000.00, it is a felony, and the maximum penalty is 10 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000.00 fine.

Lawyer for Shoplifting Charges

If you or a loved one is arrested for shoplifting charges, you need an experienced criminal lawyer to fight for you.

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor and criminal lawyer with extensive trial experience — and his track record of successful  results, including shoplifting charges, 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.
  • 2013 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.
  • 2013 Top Attorney in Maryland (American Registry)

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 Us Now for Help

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.

 

 

Police Assault Case Causes Police Response to Editorial

Assault on Students at University of Maryland after Basketball

Police assault on students generated a post on the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) blog, in which the police chief characterized a Washington Post editorial as “exaggerated and misleading.”

On March 3, 2010, Prince George’s County police officers were videotaped beating Maryland student John McKenna with batons as McKenna and others celebrated a University of Maryland basketball victory over Duke University. PGPD conducted an investigation and two officers were indicted on first- and second-degree assault charges, as well as misconduct in office offenses. One officer was convicted and served a 30-day home detention sentence. The other officer was acquitted.

Editorial Criticizes Police Handling of Student Assault Case

In its response to the Washington Post editorial, which asserted that police “got away with” beating McKenna, Chief of Police Mark A. Magaw stated on the blog that:

  • What happened to McKenna was wrong.
  • The involved officers were identified, indicted and prosecuted.
  • The PGPD has taken “unprecedented steps” to improve discipline and training oversight.
  • The PGPD has completely overhauled the strategy and training to handle civil disturbances.
  • The PGPD is working in conjunction with the University of Maryland to ensure that “the mistakes of the past” are not repeated.

What is the Definition of Assault?

Maryland separates assault in two degrees: first degree assault, which is a felony; and second degree assault, which is a misdemeanor. 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.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney Howard County, MD

A Maryland Super Lawyer, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of trial experience to criminal defendants in Maryland. He has built an outstanding reputation with clients and colleagues.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience in assault and other criminal cases — 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 (25 consecutive years).
  • “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.

Ellicott City, Maryland, Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you need top-ranked criminal defense counsel for assault charges, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively fight to protect your constitutional rights. Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

 

Arson Suspect Arrested in New Carrollton Fire

Arson Charges filed in Deadly New Carrollton Fire

Prince George’s County Police have identified a suspect in an apartment fire in New Carrollton in January, 2013, that left two people dead. Officers have arrested 44-year-old Anthony Andre Allain and charged him with two counts of felony murder, as well as first-degree arson. According to a witness, the defendant barricaded himself and two others in an apartment at 7600 Fountainbleau around 7:30 pm on January 13, and started a fire. Allain escaped with burns that were not life threatening, but the other two adults perished, one inside the apartment and the other after leaping from a balcony.

Under Maryland law, if you commit a felony and someone dies as a result of that act, you can be charged with felony murder. Because Allain is charged with the felony of arson, he has also been charged with felony murder. The penalty for conviction for felony murder can include life in prison.

What is Arson under Maryland Law?

Arson in Maryland is divided into degrees: first degree arson and second degree arson. What is first degree arson in Maryland? First degree arson is when a person willfully and maliciously sets fire to or burns (1) a dwelling, or (2) a structure in which or on which an individual who is not a participant is present. First degree arson is a felony. What is the penalty for first degree arson? A person who is guilty of first degree arson in Maryland is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 years, or a fine not exceeding $50,000.00, or both.

What is second degree arson in Maryland? Second degree arson is when a person willfully and maliciously sets fire to or burns a structure that belongs to the person or another. Second degree arson is a felony. What is the penalty for second degree arson? A person who is guilty of second degree arson in Maryland is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years, or a fine not exceeding $30,000.00, or both.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney Howard County, MD

Maryland Super Lawyer, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of trial experience to criminal defendants in Maryland. He has built an outstanding reputation with clients and colleagues.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience in criminal cases — 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 (25 consecutive years).
  • “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.

Ellicott City, Maryland, Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you need top-ranked criminal defense counsel for arson charges, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively fight to protect your constitutional rights. Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel 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