Archives for May 2013

Burglary Charges filed Against Man in Ellicott City Burglaries

Burglary Cases in Ellicott City Cause Police to Detain Suspect
Burglary charges were filed against 23-year-old Cornelius Antonio McRae, a Baltimore resident, in January, reported The Baltimore Sun. Howard County police arrested and charged McRae with multiple counts of burglary, assault and theft. Police identified him as a burglary suspect through records obtained from pawn shops in the area.

Howard County Police believe that most of the thefts occurred while the victims were sleeping and that McRae entered the homes through unlocked doors. The items stolen in the various burglaries, mostly occurring in December, 2012, were similar — credit cards, money, wallets, purses and electronic devices, including laptops.

Burglary Charges Filed Against Baltimore Man

Once police considered McRae a burglary suspect, they learned through the course of their investigation that he had been seen driving a stolen 2013 Honda. On-duty officers observed the unoccupied Honda in Columbia on January 6, near the location of a burglary that had just occurred. As they watched the vehicle, McRae walked up to it with a stolen purse in hand. Police approached McRae and he fled. Officers located him in a nearby dumpster with stolen items in his possession.

McRae has been charged with four counts of first-degree burglary, third-degree burglary and fourth-degree burglary, as well as theft and second-degree assault (he resisted arrest and injured a police officer in the process). He is currently being held on $300,000 bond in Howard County.

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.

Highly Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Maryland

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than three decades of trial experience to criminal defendants in and around Howard County, Maryland. He has built an outstanding reputation with clients and colleagues. 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 (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.

Attorney Smith handles a wide range of criminal matters including theft offenses, such as burglary, robbery and possession of stolen property.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County, MD

If you are under investigation or have been arrested and charged with a crime, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively protect your constitutional rights. Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent people accused of burglary and other crimes throughout Maryland, including Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County.

 

 

 

Suspects Arrested on Prince George’s Burglary Charges

Burglary Charges Related to 50+ Home Burglaries

Prince George’s County Police arrested three suspects related to a string of burglaries that occurred since December 2012, the department announced. The burglary charges involved numerous homes in Oxon Hill and Fort Washington.

According to police, the suspects took weapons, computers, jewelry, televisions and other personal belongings.  In one case, the suspects stole a safe with valuables worth nearly $70,000.

Highly Rated Criminal Defense Attorney Howard County, MD

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than three decades of trial experience to criminal defendants in cases involving burglary charges and other criminal cases.

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.
  • “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
  • Client Distinction Award (Client Review Rating of 4.5 or higher on 5.0 scale – less than 4% of 900,000+ attorneys listed by Martindale-Hubbell)
  • 2013 Top Attorneys in Maryland (American Registry)
  • 2013 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.
  • AV-Preeminent™*” Highest Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (25 consecutive years).

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

Criminal Defense Lawyer Burglary Charges

If you are under investigation for burglary, or have been arrested and charged with burglary charges, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will fight for you and aggressively protect your constitutional rights.

Contact Us

Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent people accused of burglary and other crimes throughout Maryland, including Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County.

What to Know When Arrested for Shoplifting Charges

Shoplifting Charges are Serious

Under Maryland law, a person accused of shoplifting will be charged with theft. Theft is considered a “crime of moral turpitude,” or one reflecting dishonesty or lack of trustworthiness. Here are some of the consequences of a theft conviction:

  • Employment. Many employers, particularly large companies, financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and government contractors, conduct background checks on applicants. A theft conviction for shoplifting charges can disqualify for employment, or be cause for dismissal.
  • Security Clearances. The federal government’s Questionnaire for National Security Positions (Standard Form 86) requests detailed information about a criminal or police record. A conviction for shoplifting charges would have to be disclosed.
  • College Admission. Many applications for colleges and universities contain questions regarding any criminal record, including the Common Application for Undergraduate College Admissions.
  • Military Service. A conviction in a civilian court for theft, including shoplifting charges, may be cause for separation from military service.

Punishment for Shoplifting Charges in Maryland

The penalty for shoplifting charges 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 Columbia Howard County MD

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 an experienced former prosecutor who has handled successfully many cases involving shoplifting 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.
  • “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
  • Client Distinction Award (Client Review Rating of 4.5 or higher on 5.0 scale – less than 4% of 900,000+ attorneys listed by Martindale-Hubbell)
  • 2013 Top Attorneys in Maryland (American Registry)
  • 2013 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.
  • AV-Preeminent™*” Highest Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (25 consecutive years).

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 Shoplifting Defense Attorney

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.

 

 

 

Theft of Mail Investigated by Howard County Police

Theft of Mail Subject of Howard County Police Investigation
Theft from mailboxes in Howard County dating back to October, 2012 caused Howard County law enforcement officers to issue an advisory to residents, reported The Baltimore Sun. The advisory asked residents to be alert for any irregularities with their mail or any missing items, and to take certain precautions to protect themselves. Thus far, the incidents have been limited to the Laurel and Clarksville areas in Howard County.

Theft of Outgoing Mail in Residents’ Mail Boxes

According to police, it appears that the perpetrators look for mailboxes with outgoing mail, as noted by mailboxes with red flags up. They steal checks from outgoing mail, change payee information on those checks, and then attempt to cash those checks at the victim’s bank. To prevent mail theft, police have recommended that residents refrain from placing mail containing checks in their mailboxes for pickup, instead dropping such items in a neighborhood collection box or bringing them to the nearest post office.

Theft of Mail Can be Avoided if Precautions are Taken

Postal authorities have also issued specific recommendations, including:

  • The prompt removal of all mail from your mailbox
  • Notification of all parties, including the sender and postal authorities, if you do not receive an anticipated check
  • Putting a hold on your mail while out of town
  • Immediately reporting if anyone other than a postal employee or homeowner is seen lurking near mailboxes

Top Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer in Columbia and Ellicott City, MD

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than three decades. He has a well-earned reputation with clients and colleagues. Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in theft and other criminal cases — 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.

Criminal Defense Attorney, Howard County, Maryland

If you are under investigation or have been arrested and charged with theft or another crime, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively protect your constitutional rights. Call our office at 410-740-0101, or contact us online, to schedule an appointment. We represent people accused of theft and other crimes in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County,Maryland.

 

ADDRESS :

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101