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?

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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.

Shoplifting Charges in Howard County, MD

Theft Charges for Shoplifting
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A shoplifting arrest at the Columbia Center Mall in Kennewick, WA involved a 31-year-old mom who stripped all her clothes off to prove she had not stolen anything, according to news reports. The mother in question evidently was stopped for shoplifting and refused to put her clothes back on. When police did arrive, the mother’s daughter, age 9, revealed a jewelry box hidden under her shirt.

If you have been arrested for shoplifting charges in Howard County or elsewhere throughout Maryland, it is important to have an experienced criminal lawyer represent you.

Penalties for Thefts Under $1,000 — Misdemeanor

In Maryland, penalties on conviction of theft of less than $100 can be up to 90 days in jail or a fine up to $500, or both. For theft convictions over $100 but less than $1,000, jail time can be up to 18 months, with a fine up to $500, or both. Additionally, the person convicted must make restitution to the owner of the property stolen. Anything under $1,000 is a misdemeanor.

Felony Charges – Shoplift More Than $1,000

If the value of the items stolen is more than $1,000, the crime is considered a felony under Maryland criminal law.

23 Million People Accused of Shoplifting in the US

According to Shoplifters Alternative, about 23 million people shoplift, and one-quarter of these are teenagers. Howard County shopping malls like Columbia Mall offer significant temptations, and there are occasions when people make mistakes in judgment.

If you have been arrested for shoplifting anything from a pair of jeans to an expensive electronic item, you must take action to protect your rights and avoid a criminal record if at all possible. A conviction on a shoplifting charge can impact your ability to get a job, a college loan, and possibly even your ability to get credit.

Talking with an attorney experienced in investigating and successfully defending clients against shoplifting charges, or any other type of theft, can be critical to the outcome of your case.

Criminal Lawyer Howard County MD

Jonathan Scott 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 cases involving shoplifting and theft. 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 Columbia and Ellicott City MD Shoplifting Defense Attorney

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

Arrested for Shoplifting? Contact Experienced Theft Defense Attorney in Howard County, MD

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

Criminal Lawyer Rated as Super Lawyer in Attorney Reviews

Attorney Reviews Result in Super Lawyer Rating for Columbia MD Criminal Lawyer
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Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith, a criminal  lawyer in Columbia, Howard County, MD, was awarded the “Super Lawyer” designation for 2013 in recently completed attorney reviews.

Super Lawyers is an attorney reviews and rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The multi-phased selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

Attorney Reviews Involve Rigorous Selection Process

Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a rigorous, multiphase rating process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with third party research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorney selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis.

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith Recognized as Super Lawyer

Attorney Smith is a Columbia, Maryland, criminal attorney with more than 30 years of courtroom experience. He defends the rights and interests of people in criminal courts of Maryland. His clients have included judges and their family members, lawyers, law students, police officers and courthouse employees.

Top Rated Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith is a highly rated and experienced former prosecutor. Attorney Smith has received numerous top ratings in attorney reviews and lawyers ratings:

  • 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.

Contact a Criminal Attorney Howard County MD

If you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer, contact us online, or call 410-740-0101 now.

Drivers Face DUI Charges in Prince George’s County Sobriety Checkpoint

Sobriety Checkpoint In Prince George’s County Nets Drivers

On December 7 and 8, 2012, Prince George’s County police officers conducted sobriety check points and focused their enforcement along the University Boulevard corridor and the Pennsylvania Avenue and Marlboro Pike corridor. On those nights, police officers made seven arrests on DUI charges over the course of 100 traffic stops, according to the police department.

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s sobriety checkpoint is part of its participation in a statewide drunk driving enforcement operation called Project SOLO—Saving Our Loved Ones.

Prince George’s County DUI Lawyer

An experienced DUI lawyer can be very helpful dealing with arrests resulting from sobriety checkpoints. Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience in criminal law and drunk driving cases. Before going into private practice, attorney Smith worked as a Maryland prosecutor and learned how the state prepares criminal matters. He has handled 1,000’s of drunk driving cases.

Top Rated Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in DUI/DWI and driving under the influence 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, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

DUI Lawyer Prince George’s County MD

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

 

Six Drivers Arrested in Howard Count DUI Sobriety Checkpoint

Sobriety Checkpoint Results in DUI Charges

Howard County Police conducted a DUI sobriety checkpoint on Saturday, December 8, 2012 into the early morning hours of Sunday, December 9, 2012, according to The Baltimore Sun. The sobriety checkpoint was established on westbound US Route 40 and Governors Run Way in Ellicott City.

Five drivers were arrested and charged with DUI charges. One driver was arrested for driving on a suspended license. Approximately 649 vehicles passed through the Checkpoint, which was staffed by Howard County Police.

Sobriety Checkpoints Key Tool for DUI Charges

Howard County Police periodically conduct sobriety checkpoints as part of the Checkpoint Strikeforce campaign that are funded in part by a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. Maryland Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) also assisted with the DUI check point.

Maryland DUI  Lawyer

An experienced sobriety check point DUI lawyer can explain your rights and fight for you in court. Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience in criminal law and drunk driving cases. Before going into private practice, attorney Smith worked as a Maryland prosecutor and learned how the state prepares criminal matters. He has handled 1,000’s of drunk driving cases.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in DUI charges 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, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition. Attorney Smith is considered to be one of the best criminal defense and DUI drunk driving attorneys in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County.

DUI Attorney Howard County MD

DUI charges are very serious. You need an experienced drunk driving lawyer to fight for you. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. To schedule an appointment with an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer, contact us online or call us at 410-740-0101.

Prince George’s County Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoints

Sobriety Checkpoints are a Tool to Make DUI/DWI Arrests

The Prince George’s County Police Department announced that its officers will be out again this weekend searching for drunk drivers. The enforcement is a part of Project SOLO—Saving Our Loved Ones. In November, the police began participation with Project SOLO, a statewide drunk driving enforcement operation.

Locations of Sobriety Check Points in Prince George’s County

On Friday, December 7, 2012, the Prince George’s County Police will focus enforcement along the University Boulevard corridor.

On Saturday, December 8, 2012, police officers will saturate the area of Pennsylvania Avenue and Marlboro Pike in Forestville. The enforcement hours run from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am.

Sobriety Checkpoints Result in Drunk Driving Arrests

On November 21, 23 and 24, 2012, Prince George’s County police officers made 200 traffic stops, and issued more than 200 traffic citations. In addition, they made 12 DUI arrests.

Prince George’s County DUI DWI Defense Lawyer

An experienced sobriety check point lawyer can be very helpful dealing with arrests resulting from sobriety checkpoints. Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience in criminal law and drunk driving cases. Before going into private practice, attorney Smith worked as a Maryland prosecutor and learned how the state prepares criminal matters. He has handled 1,000’s of drunk driving cases.

Top Rated Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in DUI/DWI and driving under the influence 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, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Sobriety Checkpoints Lawyer Prince George’s County MD

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

Howard County Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoints

Sobriety Checkpoints Used to Make DUI Arrests

The Howard County Police Department announced that it will conduct a sobriety checkpoint at an undisclosed location this weekend to promote awareness and reduce the number of drunk drivers on the roads. The checkpoint is part of the agency’s traffic safety initiative to keep Howard County roads safe.

The sobriety checkpoint will be clearly marked with signs, lights and uniformed officers. Howard County Police Officers will use both marked and unmarked vehicles.

DUI/DWI Arrests Made at Prior Sobriety Check Points

Howard County Police have routinely used  sobriety checkpoints as a method of making DUI/DWI arrests. Sobriety check points were utilized earlier this year.

Howard County and Ellicott City DUI DWI Defense Lawyer

Arrests resulting from sobriety checkpoints are complicated and require an experienced sobriety check point lawyer. Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience in criminal law and drunk driving cases. Before going into private practice, attorney Smith worked as a Maryland prosecutor and learned how the state prepares criminal matters. He has handled 1,000’s of drunk driving cases.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in DUI/DWI and driving under the influence 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, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition.

Sobriety Checkpoints Lawyer Howard County MD

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

 

Probation Violation Cases in Howard County, MD

Probation Violation Cases
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Probation is an agreement that lets you stay out of jail and potentially avoid a criminal record, depending on the specific terms of your agreement. In exchange for your freedom, you must follow certain rules.

The probation agreement may last for months or years, depending on the nature of the offense for which you were convicted. During this time, a probation officer supervises you, the probationer.

Probation Terms

Terms of probation may include:

  • Regular meetings with your probation officer
  • Obeying all laws (i.e. not being arrested or convicted for another crime)
  • Taking randomly scheduled alcohol and drug tests
  • Going to counseling
  • Maintaining employment and attending school
  • Paying fines and court costs
  • Performing community service
  • Paying restitution

Probation Violation Can Result in Jail Time

Violating any part of your probation agreement, especially being convicted of another criminal offense or not reporting to your probation agent, may result in a probation revocation. If your probation officer has reported you for probation violation, you will have to go to probation violation hearing.

Come Prepared to a Probation Violation Hearing

This is a court appearance for which you must be prepared, otherwise you may lose probation and be sent to jail to serve out your original sentence. An attorney can potentially intervene and discuss your situation with your probation officer, explaining all the ways you have been adhering to your probation agreement and how you intend to fulfill the remainder of the agreement.

If your probation agent still insists on going forward with a probation revocation hearing, an experienced probation violation defense attorney can help the judge understand any potential extenuating circumstances that may have contributed to an alleged probation violation. Additionally, a lawyer can effectively help the judge understand all the good things you have done during probation so a more balanced picture of you is in mind before a decision about your future is made.

Probation Violation Lawyer Howard County MD

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 cases involving charges for probation violation. 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 Columbia and Ellicott City Criminal Defense Attorney

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

Act Now to Protect Your Freedom. Contact an Experienced Howard County Criminal Lawyer

Are you facing a potential probation violation? Howard County criminal defense attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has the skill, knowledge, and experience to fight for you and do everything possible to try and keep you out of jail.

To schedule an appointment at the Smith Criminal Defense Firm, 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.

Defense Against Marijuana Cultivation Charge – Maryland

marijuana-cultivation-charge
Maryland law enforcement officials take cultivation or the growing of marijuana seriously. Overzealous police and detectives may use intrusive and possibly unlawful investigative techniques to ferret out marijuana cultivation growers. They may use technology that unlawfully invades the privacy of Maryland residents. They analyze water and electric bills to discern whether excessive quantities are being used to grow marijuana for possible sale or distribution.

It’s not right. It’s not fair. But it happens. And if you have been arrested on a marijuana cultivation charge, having an attorney experienced in defending clients against these types of charges can mean the difference between your having a bright future and spending many years in prison.

Mandatory Minimum Sentence on Conviction

If you have been convicted of a drug crime in the past, you may be facing a mandatory minimum sentence if you are convicted a second time. Depending on the quantity of marijuana plants confiscated or the weight of the marijuana you have been arrested for, you may be facing a mandatory minimum sentence on conviction of a marijuana cultivation charge.

Questions in Any Marijuana Cultivation Charge Case

  • How did law enforcement officials learn of the marijuana cultivation?
  • Was the search and seizure of the marijuana in accordance with the law?
  • Did the police have probable cause to arrest you?
  • Did authorities have a warrant to search the premises or the property?
  • Were water or electric utility bills obtained in a legal manner?
  • Were the rights of the person charged violated at any point during the arrest or thereafter?
  • Was the marijuana being grown for personal medical use?

Top Rated Howard County Drug Possession Attorney

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 numerous marijuana and drug possession 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.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results in marijuana and drug possession charges, 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, a 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.

Defend Against Marijuana Cultivation Charges – MD Criminal Defense Attorney

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