Baltimore Sees Dramatic Increase in Murder Rate in 2019

Police Say Homicides Up 16% Over 2018

Increase in Murder Rate in 2019Police officials in Baltimore released statistics earlier this month, comparing the number of homicides in the city over the first half of the year with each of the prior two years. According to the data, 171 murders had been reported in 2019, compared with 147 a year ago. The report also indicated a significant increase in the number of non-fatal shootings and attempted murders, up 28 percent over the last 12 months. As further evidence of the serious problem the city faces, Fraternal Order of Police representatives say the bloodshed has only intensified in the last two weeks, with 11 homicides in just 14 days.

Experienced Baltimore County Criminal Defense Lawyer

For more than 30 years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of people facing criminal charges in Baltimore and across Maryland. He has a thorough understanding of criminal law and procedure, and will take the time to fully investigate your case, gathering and protecting all relevant evidence, and confirming that law enforcement officers did not violate your constitutional rights.

Attorney Smith has been listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers, and was honored as a Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine in 2012. He has maintained an AV rating (the highest rating possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988 and has also been the recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, an honor bestowed upon less than 4% of all attorneys listed there. The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has identified him as one of the “10 Best Attorneys in the State of Maryland in Client Satisfaction.” He’s a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, awarded to less than 1% of all American lawyers who have obtained million dollar judgments, awards or settlements. The National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” professional organization, counts him among the top 100 attorneys in Maryland. Attorney Smith also has a 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.

Effective Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Greater Baltimore Area

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we fight for the rights of criminal defendants. Contact our office online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

West Baltimore Youth Convicted in Murder of Police Officer

17-Year-Old Faces Potential Life in Prison

Murder of Police OfficerAfter an 8 day trial, a Baltimore jury has convicted a 17-year-old in the death of police officer Amy Caprio. Caprio, 29, was killed a year ago after she stopped a suspicious looking Jeep in Perry Hall. According to testimony, she blocked the path of the Jeep with her squad car and got out of the vehicle. The defendant then accelerated the Jeep and ran her over. The entire incident was captured by Caprio’s body camera, which showed the defendant ducking down and hitting the gas. Caprio fired once at the windshield before the vehicle hit her.

The defendant was one of four teens who had been committing burglaries in the area. The other three have been charged with felony murder and are expected to stand trial.

Top-Rated Anne Arundel Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more over three decades of experience to criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland. He’s a highly experienced trial lawyer, with the skill, knowledge and resources to protect your rights in any criminal prosecution. He’ll aggressively protect your constitutional rights throughout the criminal process, from investigation and arrest to arraignment and trial.

  • Maryland Super Lawyer .
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers (2014)
  • 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 reviews 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).
  • “10 Best Attorneys in the State of Maryland in Client Satisfaction,” American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.
  • The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers (by invitation only and limited to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers from each state).
  • AV-Preeminent™*” Highest Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (Every year since 1988).

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

 

Ellicott City, MD Criminal Defense Lawyer

Contact attorney Jonathan Scott Smith by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

West Virginia Police Charge Frederick Man with Death of Virginia Resident

Suspect Dumped Body in West Virginia

Police Charge Frederick ManPolice in Jefferson County, West Virginia have arrested and charged a man from Frederick, Maryland with the slaying of a 24-year-old Virginia resident. The 43-year-suspect was formally charged on Monday, May 13, in the death of Devon Wallace, of Alexandria. According to reports, the homicide occurred in Frederick, but the body was taken to West Virginia, where it was found in a field on Thursday, May 2. Police have yet to establish a motive, but say the victim died of blunt-force trauma to the head. The murder is still under investigation.

Skilled Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

For over 35 years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of people charged with criminal acts in the greater Baltimore area and throughout Maryland. He has a thorough understanding of criminal law and procedure.

  • Maryland Super Lawyer .
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers (2014)
  • 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 reviews 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).
  • “10 Best Attorneys in the State of Maryland in Client Satisfaction,” American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.
  • The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers (by invitation only and limited to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers from each state).
  • AV-Preeminent™*” Highest Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (Every year since 1988).

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

Top Rated Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County, MD

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we fight for the rights of criminal defendants. Contact our office online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

 

Baltimore County Man Arrested in Glen Burnie Incident

Glen Burnie IncidentLaw enforcement officers in Anne Arundel County apprehended a 32-year-old Middle River man on New Year’s Day after he unsuccessfully tried to car-jack a vehicle in the parking lot of a 7-Eleven in Glen Burnie. An employee of the convenience store told officers that the man had just robbed the store at gunpoint. Witnesses say the man left the 7-Eleven and stopped a motorist in the parking lot, threatening to shoot him if he didn’t give him a ride. The motorist refused and the suspect fled. Officers caught him nearby.

Police charged the perpetrator with armed robbery, theft, assault, carjacking and a number of other crimes. He was arraigned and held without bond. Police indicated that they found no evidence that the defendant had a gun. A person can, nonetheless, be charged with armed robbery if the victim reasonably believed he was armed.

AV-Rated Anne Arundel County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of five stars (the highest rating possible). He has a perfect 10.0 superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO and was recognized as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine. AVrated under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System, he has also been named a Maryland Super Lawyer.

Attorney Smith offers more over 30 years of experience successfully representing criminal defendants in Anne Arundel County and across the state of Maryland. He is first and foremost a trial lawyer, with the skill, knowledge and resources to protect your rights in any criminal matter. He’ll aggressively protect your rights throughout the criminal process, from investigation and arrest to arraignment and trial. He’ll ensure that the police and prosecutors followed constitutional requirements when gathering evidence and will gather, evaluate and preserve all evidence. Mr. Smith will also interview all potential witnesses so that he can prepare and present the strongest arguments for your defense.

Baltimore, Maryland, Criminal Defense Attorney

Contact attorney Jonathan Scott Smith by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Gun Violence Continues Over New Year’s Holiday in Baltimore

2018 Murder Toll Tops 300 Again

Gun ViolenceA 17-year-old male was slain shortly after 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve near the 4500 block of Green Rose Lane, bringing Baltimore’s homicide total for 2018 to 309. Though that’s a drop from 2017, when 343 were killed, it’s the fourth year in a row that the number of violent deaths has exceeded 300. Police say they were called to investigate a reported shooting and found the teen, who died on the scene.

The violence continued after the new year rolled in, however. A 14-year-old male was grazed in the head by a bullet just minutes after midnight, and another man walked into a local hospital a couple hours later with a gunshot wound in the leg. Police also reported a number of non-fatal shootings in the hours leading up to the new year.

Results-Oriented Ellicott City Criminal Defense Attorney

For more than three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively fought for the rights of people charged with criminal acts in the greater Baltimore area and throughout Maryland. He has a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure, and he will carefully investigate the facts and circumstances of your case, compiling evidence for your defense and ensuring that police officers did not violate your constitutional rights.

Well-respected in the legal profession, attorney Smith has been chosen as a Maryland Super Lawyer and named a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer agazine in 2012. He is AV-rated (the highest rating possible) under MartindaleHubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. He holds a 10.0 (superb rating) as a litigation attorney from AVVO and has also been a recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of five stars.

Proven Criminal Defense Lawyer in Baltimore County

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we fight for the rights of criminal defendants. Contact our office online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Baltimore Homicide Rate Down in 2018

Baltimore, MD Harbor Dusk

City Still Expects More than 300 Murders This Year

For Baltimore residents concerned about the safety of their streets, there’s good news and there’s bad news. The good news—through mid-December, there’s been a 10% drop in the number of murders in the city, compared to 2017. The bad news—officials still expect that the total number of homicides will top 300 again.

A 64-year-old store owner died on Sunday, December 16, the 298th person to die from street violence in Baltimore in 2018. Mayor Catherine Pugh attributes the decline to the impact of the city’s safe street centers, where former criminals work to mediate disputes before they end in violence. The mayor says that, while the decrease is a good sign, there’s still a long way to go. She blames territorialism, often tied to drugs, as a major factor in the continued violence, but admits that what often starts as a battle over turf can escalate in a war of retaliation.

Results-Oriented Baltimore Criminal Defense Attorney

For more than 30 years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively defended the rights of people facing criminal prosecution in the greater Baltimore area and across Maryland. With a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure, he’ll investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest or detention, gathering evidence to support your defense, and ensuring that police officers followed constitutional requirements.

Well-regarded by his clients and by colleagues in the legal profession, attorney Smith has been named a Maryland Super Lawyer, and was listed a Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine in 2012. He is AV-rated (the highest rating possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. He holds a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a litigation attorney from AVVO and has also been a recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Proven Criminal Defense Lawyer in Prince Georges County

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we fight for the rights of criminal defendants. Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Rap Artist Killed as Baltimore Homicide Spree Continues

homicide criminal defense

Nick Breed, the 24-year-old Baltimore rapper who was starting to make a name for himself, was found dead late last month in the city’s Allendale neighborhood. Breed, whose given name was Dominic Gantt, was found by Baltimore police around 7:30 pm on October 23, with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the University of Maryland Trauma Center. Police have no suspects.

The shooting death was just one of more than 40 homicides reported in Baltimore in October. Court records indicate that Gantt had faced criminal charges in the past, including accusations of violent criminal behavior. His girlfriend said that he had recently joined a church and was working to integrate his faith journey into his music.

AV-Rated Columbia, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith has more than three decades of experience successfully representing criminal defendants in Frederick County and the surrounding areas. He will protect your rights at any phase of the criminal process, from investigation to arrest to arraignment to trial. He’ll conduct an extensive investigation, looking at whether police and prosecutors followed procedure when gathering evidence against you. He’ll assess and preserve all evidence and carefully interview witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most effective arguments in your defense.

Jonathan Scott Smith is an experienced trial attorney, with the skill, experience, knowledge and resources to protect your rights before a judge and jury. With a longstanding reputation for effective advocacy, attorney Smith has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with 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, was recognized as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine, is AV-rated under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System, and has been named a Maryland Super Lawyer.

Effective Ellicott City Criminal Defense Lawyer

Don’t take any chances when you are facing criminal charges. Contact attorney Jonathan Scott Smith by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Former Maryland Student Faces Murder and Hate Crime Charges

criminal defense case

Suspect’s Phone Had Evidence of White Supremacist Sympathies

A 24-year-old former University of Maryland student has been arrested and charged with first degree murder in the slaying of a campus visitor in May, 2017. According to police officers, the Maryland student fatally stabbed Army 2nd Lt. Richard Collins III, a student at Bowie State University. The defendant is Caucasian and the victim was African-American.

In the course of the investigation into the crime, police found a Facebook page on the defendant’s phone that showed what University of Maryland police chief David Mitchell referred to as “extreme bias against women, Latinos, persons of Jewish faith and especially African-Americans.” The defendant’s phone showed that he subscribed to a Facebook group called “Alt-Reich: Nation,” whose members expressed and shared white supremacist ideologies.

Police say that Collins was visiting friends at the College Park campus when the defendant confronted him at a bus stop, telling him to “step left if you know what’s best for you.” When Collins refused, the defendant stabbed him in the chest.

Attorneys for the defendant have sought to have the phone evidence excluded, saying it is not relevant to the case. Prosecutors allege, however, that the evidence supports the assertion that the defendant made a “purposeful selection” to confront Collins because he was African-American.

Proven Baltimore Criminal Defense Lawyer

For more than three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively protected the rights of criminal defendants in the Baltimore metropolitan area and throughout Maryland. He brings a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure to every case he handles. He’ll carefully investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest or detention, ensuring that law enforcement officers did not violate your constitutional rights.

Attorney Smith is well-respected with his clients and with colleagues. He’s been named a Maryland Super Lawyer, and was listed Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine in 2012. He is also AV-rated (the top rating possible) by members of the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. He holds a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a litigation attorney from AVVO and has also been a recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Effective Prince Georges County Criminal Defense Lawyer

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

Police Say Drug Turf War the Cause of Crime Wave in Baltimore

Police car on the streetAccording to Baltimore police, a drug turf war has broken out in the city, leading to escalated violence, with more than a dozen shootings in less than 48 hours. Interim Police Commissioner Gary Tuggle told reporters that the dispute started a couple months ago and has been heating up over the past week. The city has seen 44 murders in the last month.

In response to the rising tide of violence, the Police Commissioner has moved 230 officers from administrative positions and put them on the city’s streets, temporarily suspending all administrative functions at all city precincts. Tuggle also suspended all leave requests for Baltimore police officers until further notice. Mayor Catherine Pugh says there are now approximately 650 police officers patrolling city neighborhoods.

AV-Rated Columbia, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

Maryland Super Lawyer Jonathan Scott Smith has more than 30 years of experience successfully representing criminal defendants in Frederick County and the surrounding areas. He will aggressively protect your rights at all stages of the criminal process, from arrest to arraignment to trial. He’ll conduct a thorough investigation, examining whether police and prosecutors followed the law when gathering evidence against you. He’ll evaluate and preserve all relevant evidence and carefully interview witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most compelling arguments in your defense.

Jonathan Scott Smith is an experienced trial attorney, with the skill, experience, knowledge and resources to protect your rights before a judge and jury. With a longstanding reputation for effective advocacy, attorney Smith has been awarded the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with 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, was recognized as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine, is AV-rated under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System, and has been named a Maryland Super Lawyer.

Effective Ellicott City Criminal Defense Lawyer

Don’t take any chances when you are facing criminal charges. Contact attorney Jonathan Scott Smith by e-mail or call our office at 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Murder Suspect’s Mother Tried to Get Police to Arrest Him before Slaying

man arrested in handcuffs

Parent Sought to Have Son Incarcerated for Violation of Court Order

The mother of a 17-year Greenspring juvenile charged in the death of a motorist in Northwest Baltimore says she called authorities and asked them to re-arrest her son about a month before the fatal shooting. The woman says she called the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services to notify them that her son had physically removed his court-mandated ankle monitor and had repeatedly been in violation of a court-ordered curfew. She says authorities never responded to her request.

According to court records, the suspect was initially arrested in connection with a string of carjackings in the summer of 2017. Prosecutors initially charged the youth as an adult, but the judge transferred the case to juvenile court, even though there were hundreds of letters to the court, asking that it stay in adult court.

Proven Baltimore Criminal Defense Lawyer

For more than three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively protected the rights of criminal defendants in the Baltimore metropolitan area and throughout Maryland. He brings a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure to every case he handles. He’ll carefully investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest or detention, ensuring that law enforcement officers did not violate your constitutional rights.

Attorney Smith is well-respected with his clients and with colleagues. He’s been named a Maryland Super Lawyer, and was listed Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine in 2012. He is also AV-rated (the top rating possible) by members of the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. He holds a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a litigation attorney from AVVO and has also been a recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Effective Prince Georges County Criminal Defense Lawyer

We’ll aggressively protect your rights in any criminal matter. Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We defend cases throughout 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