Maryland Senate Passes Bills to Change Marijuana Laws

Change Marijuana Laws

In late March, the Maryland Senate approved a law that would make a number of changes to the state’s marijuana laws. The bill, which nearly triples the amount a person would have to possess to face criminal charges, also makes driving under the influence of cannabis an offense similar to drinking and driving. Under the law, it would be illegal to smoke either as a driver or a passenger.

The law, if approved by the House and signed by the Governor, would make possession of less than an ounce a civil infraction. Under current law, a person can be charged with a criminal offense for possession of 10 grams (an ounce is approximately 28 grams).

In early April, the Senate also approved a proposed law that would provide specific benefits to minorities who want to become licensed medical marijuana growers and processors.

Highly Respected Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

For more than three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of people facing criminal charges in Maryland. He uses a thorough approach to criminal defense, carefully gathering and safeguarding all evidence in your case. He’ll ensure that law enforcement officers followed proper protocols, so that your constitutional rights were not violated.

Attorney Smith is well-respected among clients and colleagues, earning recognition as a Maryland Super Lawyer, as well as an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System (the top rating possible). Honored as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine, he has also received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He also holds a 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.

Proven Baltimore County Criminal Defense Lawyer

We’ll aggressively protect your rights in a criminal matter Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 to set up an appointment. We defend cases throughout Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Man Tries to Threaten Ex’s New Boyfriend, Threatens Wrong Police Department

Man Tries to Threaten Ex's New Boyfriend, Threatens Wrong Police Department It’s one of those stories you just can’t make up—a New Jersey man, who set out to frame his ex-girlfriend’s new beau by sending phony bomb threats to a police department, not only failed with his efforts, but apparently sent his fake threats to the wrong police department.

Police at the Salisbury, Maryland Police Department say they were contacted by officers from the Salisbury, North Carolina department, who had been receiving messages through their Facebook account threatening to blow up the North Carolina offices. When they engaged the alleged bomber in an exchange of messages, they learned that his real target for his fake bomb threat was the Salisbury, Maryland police department.

Officials say the man had stolen his ex-girlfriend’s cell phone so that he could mimic her new boyfriend’s Facebook account and make it appear that the bomb threats were coming from that account. Police at both departments used social media to identify the perpetrator and Salisbury, Maryland officers arrested him, charging him with threats of mass violence and other crimes.

Maryland Criminal Defense Super Lawyer

AV-rated attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively protected the rights of criminal defendants throughout Maryland for more than 30 years. He’ll be at your side throughout a criminal prosecution, from arrest to arraignment to trial, if necessary. He’ll conduct a thorough investigation of your case, including how police and prosecutors gathered evidence against you. He’ll review all police reports and question witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most compelling defense at trial. He’s skilled at negotiating plea bargains, but is also ready, willing and able to protect your rights before a judge and jury. Attorney Smith will ensure that there was probable cause for any search or seizure and that you were properly advised of your Constitutional rights if taken into custody.

Because of his outstanding record and reputation for effective advocacy, he has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He also has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO. Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and by Martindale-Hubbell.

Proven Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince Georges County

When you face criminal charges, you want someone who will aggressively protect your constitutional rights. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Baltimore Police Charge Daycare Worker in Death of 8-Month-Old Girl

Baltimore Police Charge Daycare Worker in Death of 8-Month-Old A Baltimore daycare center has been temporarily shut down after an 8-year-old girl died there. Authorities say they have video footage of a daycare worker violently snatching the child from a crib, slapping at the child and stuffing pillows over the child’s face. Baltimore police were called to the daycare facility in late May when other care workers found the child to be unresponsive. Initially, the woman charged with the child’s care said that she had fed the girl, wrapped her in a blanket and put her down for a nap. After watching footage collected from video cameras at the facility, police arrested the daycare worker, charging her with first and second degree murder, first and second degree assault, second degree child abuse and reckless endangerment.

AV-Rated Ellicott City Criminal Defense Attorney

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively represented criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 30 years. He’ll be your advocate at all stages of a criminal prosecution, from arrest to arraignment to trial. He’ll fully investigate your case, looking at how police and prosecutors gathered evidence against you. He’ll review all police reports and question witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most effective defense at trial. He has the experience to negotiate a plea bargain, if that’s in your best interests. But he’s always ready, willing and able to protect your rights before a judge and jury. He’ll make sure that there was probable cause for any search or seizure and that you were properly advised of your Constitutional rights if taken into custody.

Because of his strong record and reputation for effective advocacy, he has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He also has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO. Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and by Martindale-Hubbell.

Proven Montgomery County, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

When you face criminal charges, you want someone who will aggressively protect your constitutional rights. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Police Arrest Two More in Wicomico County Slaying

Police Arrest Two More in Wicomico County Slaying Homicide investigators at the Maryland State Police have arrested two additional suspects for the murder of a 57-year-old Salisbury man. Anthony Cropper, of Salisbury, was shot just after midnight on Saturday, June 10, after he answered the door at a friend’s home on Middle Neck Road. Police say a number of witnesses came forward, identifying three suspects. According to one witness, the three could be overheard before the shooting, with one asking “what one is going to do this.” Witnesses initially identified only the shooter, who was detained within hours of the shooting. The other two were arrested later in the day. Both have been charged with first degree murder, as well as a number of conspiracy charges.

Highly Regarded Criminal Defense Lawyer in Baltimore County

For more than 30 years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively defended people facing criminal prosecution in Maryland. He takes a thorough approach to criminal defense, carefully gathering, assessing and preserving all evidence in your case. He’ll ensure that police followed proper procedures and that your constitutional rights were protected.

Attorney Smith is well-respected among clients and colleagues, earning recognition as a Maryland Super Lawyer, as well as an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System (the top rating possible). Honored as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine, he has also received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He also holds a 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.

Proven MD Criminal Defense Attorney

Let us help protect your rights in a criminal matter. Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 to set up an appointment. We defend people throughout Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Police Seek Baltimore Man in Death of Infant Son

Police Seek Baltimore Man in Death of Infant Son A 31-year-old man, who Baltimore police say is legally blind, is being sought in connection with the death of his five-month-old son. Officers responded to a call in the city’s Coppin Heights neighborhood on Friday, June 9, and found the infant unconscious. They say the boy had bruises over most of his body. The child was immediately taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police say that the suspect uses a walking stick because he is legally blind. Medical examiners concluded that the child had suffered “multiple blunt force trauma to the head,” and speculate that the walking stick may have been the weapon. The suspect faces charges of first and second degree murder, first and second degree assault, reckless endangerment and child abuse. Police say the suspect told them the boy had fallen off the bed and sustained head injuries.

Top-Rated Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

For more than three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has successfully protected the rights of people facing criminal prosecution in Maryland. He takes a comprehensive approach to criminal defense, carefully gathering and preserving all evidence in your case. He’ll review police reports to ensure that police followed proper procedures and that your constitutional rights were not violated.

Attorney Smith is well-respected among clients and colleagues, earning recognition as a Maryland Super Lawyer, as well as an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System (the top rating possible). Honored as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine, he has also received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He also holds a 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.

Experienced Baltimore County Criminal Defense Attorney

Let us help protect your rights in a criminal matter. Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 to set up an appointment. We defend people throughout Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Maryland Man Arrested in Sex Crime Allegation Involving Minor

A Crofton, Maryland man has been arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including sex offenses, after he used an instant messaging app to try to have sex with a 14-year-old in North Carolina. The man was arrested on Sunday, April 9, at his home in Maryland. Authorities say he had made actual contact with the minor, had requested photographs and videos, and had made threats of violence toward the minor and the minor’s family in order to coerce compliance.

Anne Arundel police also told reporters that the perpetrator had a history of sexual offenses, including a 2005 conviction for possession of child pornography, as well as a 2014 conviction for attempted sexual exploitation of a minor in the state of Washington. He is registered as a sex offender for that crime. The suspect is currently being held without bail by Anne Arundel authorities pending efforts to extradite him to North Carolina to face charges of sexual exploitation and indecent liberties with a minor.

Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively defended individuals in Maryland for more than 30 years. Long known and respected by his peers for effective representation, he has earned an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Attorney Smith has received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO stars (the highest rating possible), based on an average client review of 5.0. He has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO. The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell both listed him as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer in Howard County

If you are under investigation for or have been charged with any kind of crime, we can help. Contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Free Cameras Being Installed to Fight Crime

A local grass roots organization, Neighborhood Watch Team Baltimore (NWT) has been implementing a free video surveillance camera program in the community for more than a year, with the specific objective of reducing crime in the city. NWT representatives say the original idea was to install fake cameras, which members believed would be a disincentive to crime. NWT leaders countered with a proposal that would use real cameras. Since the inception of the program, more than 100 cameras have been installed in neighborhoods throughout Baltimore.

NWT has worked to strategically install the cameras so that the costs can be shared by a number of residents, making the program affordable. The cameras are wireless, don’t need high-speed internet and even have a backup battery. NWT officials say that the cameras view not only your yard, but the street an alleyways by a house as well. They contend that the cameras have helped prevent and solve crimes throughout the area.

Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Maryland

Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has aggressively protected the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 30 years. He carries a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and has received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He is also widely respected by his colleagues in the legal profession, earning an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Ellicott City Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or someone you love faces criminal charges, contact our office by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Slain Officer’s Son Killed

The 22-year-old son of a former Baltimore City police detective died on Friday, April 14, just as his father had ten years earlier, from gunshot wounds. Trayvon Chesley was apparently returning from picking up some food when he was shot and killed in the alley behind his home in the 3900 block of Wabash Avenue. His father, officer Troy Chesley, was killed less than two miles away on January 9, 2007.

Investigators say Trayvon Chesley was shot in the head and the body and died at the scene of the crime. He was the second oldest in his family. His father had been assigned to the Baltimore Police Department’s public housing section, and was involved in undercover drug operations. Officers who knew Troy Chesley say they tried to keep tabs on Trayvon as he grew, but knew that he’d had some run-ins with the law. The younger Chesley was charged with attempted murder in 2013, but was acquitted. He subsequently received an eight year prison sentence on weapons charges.

Top-Rated Baltimore, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has aggressively protected the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 30 years. He carries a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and has received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He is also widely respected by his colleagues in the legal profession, earning an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Ellicott City, MD Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you or someone you love faces criminal charges, contact our office by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Violent Easter Weekend in Baltimore

According to Baltimore police, a pregnant woman and her unborn child were among the homicide victims in the city over the holy weekend. Officers received reports of a domestic dispute in the 4800 block of Claybury Avenue around 3:30 Easter afternoon, and, upon arrival at the scene, found evidence of a shooting, but neither victim nor suspect. Two hours later, the woman and her unborn child were discovered outside a local hospital. Both died from the wounds suffered.

Three other Baltimore residents died violently over the Easter weekend, including:

  • A 25-year-old Brooklyn neighborhood man, who was shot multiple times around noon on Easter Sunday
  • A 57-year-old man slain in a robbery in the Cherry Hill area just before 6 pm on Saturday
  • A 28-year-old man killed around 12:30 am Sunday morning by an unknown gunman in the Oliver neighborhood

Highly Respected Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than three decades. He is a recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible), and has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO. Attorney Smith has also built an outstanding reputation with his colleagues in the legal profession, earning an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also listed as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Baltimore, MD

If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime, we can help. Contact Us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Two People Charged with Hate Crime for Burning Trump Sign

Police in Princess Anne County have charged two Baltimore women with a number of offense, from arson to hate crimes, for burning a Trump for President campaign sign in a shopping center on Carole Lane. Authorities say the fire spread to nearby vegetation, but was put out by local fire officials. The damage was estimated at approximately $800.

Under Maryland law, the destruction of a person’s property can constitute a hate crime. However, the statute specifically says that, when the property belongs to an individual, the destruction must be based on one of the following characteristics of the victim: race, color, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender, disability, national origin or status as homeless. An attorney for the defendants says the women accept responsibility for the arson/destruction of property, but believe that the hate crime allegation is without merit, as the victim does not fall into one of the stated categories, and the women had a protected First Amendment right to free speech to state their political opinions.

Columbia, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of criminal defendants for more than 30 years. Because of his record and reputation, he has been a multiple recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO, and is also respected by his colleagues in the legal profession, who have given him an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Highly Regarded Criminal Defense Lawyer in Ellicott City, MD

We tenaciously fight for people who have been charged with any type of crime. Contact Us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges 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