Police Say Baltimore Man Killed and Dismembered Daughter

65-Year-Old Defendant Charged with Murder

A Baltimore man has been formally charged with the death of his adult daughter, whose dismembered body was found in a shopping cart near a Northwest Baltimore dumpster in May, 2019. The defendant, who was already in custody awaiting trial on firearms charges, has two prior murder convictions, including the shooting death of his son.

Police say they were called to the site where the body was located on May 12 by residents, who say they heard arguing near the dumpster on May 10. Police obtained video camera footage that showed the defendant pushing a shopping cart into the lot where the dumpster was located. They used tattoos to identify the body and then obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s apartment, where they found additional evidence linking him to the murder.

AV-Rated Frederick County Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than three decades of experience to criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland. He’s been named one of the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers, and was designated a Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine in 2012. The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has named him as one of the “10 Best Attorneys in the State of Maryland in Client Satisfaction.”

Smith is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, given to less than 1% of all American lawyers who have obtained million dollar judgments, awards or settlements. He has a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a litigation attorney from AVVO and has also received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Attorney Smith is a highly experienced trial attorney, with the skill, knowledge and resources to protect your rights in any criminal prosecution. He’ll also gather, assess and preserve all evidence in your defense and will confirm that police and prosecutors followed constitutional requirements. He’ll carefully question all potential witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the strongest arguments in your defense. He’ll aggressively protect your constitutional rights throughout the criminal process, from investigation and arrest to arraignment and trial.

Smith has been AV-rated (the highest rating possible) by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988 and has also received Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, awarded to less than 4% of all attorneys in that directory. The National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” professional organization, has honored him as one of the top 100 attorneys in Maryland.

Baltimore, 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 George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

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.

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.

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.

Baltimore Police Officers Charged with Racketeering

A federal grand jury has indicted seven Baltimore police officers, all members of an elite task force, charging them with theft, extortion, fraud and filing false police reports. One of the officers has also been charged with trafficking drugs. Prosecutors say the seven men often made illegal traffic stops or engaged in illegal search and seizure, taking drugs and cash for personal use or to sell. The indictment alleged that many of the victims had not committed any crime, but were simply victims of wrongdoing by the officers. The indictment also alleges that the policemen submitted bogus overtime, often claiming to be working while they were on vacation. Between them, the seven officers allegedly took home around $400,000 in fraudulent overtime in just one year.

Many local criminal defense attorneys say the arrests jeopardize a number of convictions over the last few years. They say that any case these officers were involved in may be suspect, as the officers’ testimony will likely be considered unreliable.

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.

Animal Abuse Investigation Launched after Cat Shot with Arrow

Animal Abuse Investigation Pending in Anne Arundel

In a bizarre incident, the Anne Arundel County Animal Control office reported that a cat in the Davidsonville area was apparently shot with a bow and arrow on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, according to The Baltimore Sun. The cat, Xena, survived and continues to make progress at a local animal rescue facility.

According to animal control officers, a resident in the 3000 block of Riva Road, discovered that the cat had been shot through the left shoulder with a two-foot long arrow. The citizen unsuccessfully attempted to catch Xena, and called the Animal Control office. Animal Control officers were finally able to trap the cat two days later. After time in the Belair Veterinary Hospital, Xena was moved to the Rude Ranch Animal Rescue facility, where she continues to recuperate.

What is Animal Abuse and Neglect?

Under Maryland law, a person may not: (1) overdrive or overload an animal; (2) deprive an animal of necessary sustenance; (3) inflict unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal; (4) cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1), (2), or (3); or (5) if the person has charge or custody of an animal, as owner or otherwise, unnecessarily fail to provide the animal with nutritious food in sufficient quantity, necessary veterinary care, proper drink, air, space, shelter, or protection from the weather.

The crime is a misdemeanor, and the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

What is Animal Cruelty?

Under Maryland law, a person may not: (1) intentionally mutilate, torture, cruelly beat, or cruelly kill an animal; (2) cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1); or (3) except in the case of self-defense, intentionally inflict bodily harm, permanent disability, or death on an animal owned or used by a law enforcement unit.

Animal cruelty is a felony, and on conviction a person is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

Top-Rated Howard County, MD, Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has an unparalleled reputation with clients and within the legal community. He handles all types of criminal charges, including allegations of animal abuse, animal neglect, and animal cruelty.

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.
  • 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 (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.

Ellicott City, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you face criminal charges of any kind, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will fight hard to protect your constitutional rights. Contact our firm online or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

 

 

Howard County DUI Sobriety Checkpoint Nabs Twelve

On Friday, June 14, 2013, Howard County police set up a sobriety checkpoint on westbound Route 40 and Governors Run Way in Ellicott City. The sobriety checkpoint, which started late in the evening, extended into early Saturday morning, resulted in 12 arrests, reported The Baltimore Sun.

Police say 998 drivers came through the sobriety checkpoint, and that six were arrested for DUI, or driving under the influence of alcohol. Three more drivers were taken into custody for drug offenses, and three motorists were detained for driving with suspended license.

DUI Check Points Funded by Grants

The DUI sobriety checkpoint, manned by Howard County police and Maryland State troopers, is part of the Checkpoint Strikeforce Campaign, a program funded in part by a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office. DUI Sobriety check points, though not legal in some states, have been upheld in Maryland as consistent with the state constitution and the U.S. Constitution, provided they comply with detailed constitutional requirements.

Top-Rated Drunk Driving Lawyer in Howard County, MD

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results, including DUI cases— 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.
  • 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 (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.

Columbia, Maryland Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

When you need top-rated criminal defense lawyer to fight a DUI charge, including one resulting from a DUI sobriety checkpoint, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith will aggressively fight hard to protect your constitutional rights. Contact our firm online or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County, Maryland.

 

 

 

Robbery at Anne Arundel County Hotel

Anne Arundel County Police Investigating Hotel Robbery

Anne Arundel County police were called to the Garden Inn Hotel, in Laurel, at approximately 1 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, in response to an alleged robbery, reported the Maryland Gazette. Police say that the victim reported that he was talking with a friend on the second floor of the hotel, located in the 3400 block of Route 198, when a black male in his late 20’s approached him, flashed a knife, and asked for money.

When the robbery victim told the assailant that he had no money, the suspect searched him and took his wallet, fleeing on foot. Police officers brought in a K-9 unit and searched the area, but could not locate the robbery suspect. Police report that the perpetrator was approximately 6’0” tall, clean shaven with a stocky build, and was wearing a black t-shirt, black pants and a black stocking cap.

Highly Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbia, Maryland

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of trial experience to people facing robbery and other criminal charges in Maryland. He takes a comprehensive approach to criminal defense, carefully examining the facts and circumstances of your case, confirming that police followed proper procedures, and that your constitutional rights were not violated.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results, including robbery cases — 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.
  • 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 (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.

Howard County, MD, Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are under investigation or have been arrested and charged with robbery or another crime, we can help. We defend people in Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince Georges County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Contact us online or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment.

Prostitution Arrests Involve Four Women

Prostitution Arrests Made by Howard County Police

Prostitution arrests on June 24 resulted in prostitution charges being filed against four women by Howard County Police, according to The Baltimore Sun. Police detectives used the website Backpage.com to locate and contact women offering services.

Howard County Police arranged for the women to meet undercover officers at a local hotel. Prostitution arrests occurred when women allegedly offered to exchange sex for money. All four women were listed as having out-of-state addresses.

Howard County Prostitution Arrests

Howard County police regularly conduct sting operations that result in prostitution arrests. However, police usually use undercover female police officers and arrest men on solicitation of prostitution charges. Recent such sting operations occurred on May 29, 2013April 25, 2013, and September 20, 2012.

Top Rated  Prostitution Defense Attorney Howard County MD

Jonathan Scott Smith is a former prosecutor and criminal lawyer. Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results, including cases involving prostitution arrests — 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.
  • 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 (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 Lawyer Attorney Prostitution Charges

If prostitution arrests by police have ensnared you or a loved one, and prostitution charges are pending, including solicitation of prostitution, you need 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.

Burglary Charges Filed Against Two Suspects

Burglary of Howard County Home Alleged
Burglary charges were filed against two men on Thursday, March 14, 2013, alleging that they committed a burglary of an Ellicott City home located in the 3700 block of Ligon Drive, reported The Baltimore Sun.

Christopher Michael Kelly of Columbia, and Luther Danny Davidson of West Friendship, were arrested by Howard County Police and charged with burglary, after the car they occupied was seen in the driveway of an Ellicott City home. A police search discovered evidence of the burglary, including stolen items, burglary tools, and a handgun.

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 Howard County, MD

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.
  • Selected for “Top Attorneys in Maryland.”
  • 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.
  • 2013 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, burglary, robbery and possession of stolen property.

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.

ADDRESS :

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101