Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana in Maryland

How Can Prosecutors or Police Establish that You Were under the Influence of Cannabis While Driving?

Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana in MarylandIn Maryland, you can face “drugged driving” charges if you are stopped and arrested for operating a motor vehicle while impaired by a “controlled dangerous substance (CDS)” or while impaired by drugs. These are two different offenses, with different proof requirements. To convict you of the first offense, the state must first identify the specific controlled substance that led to your impairment and must demonstrate that it is a controlled dangerous substance. With the latter charge, there is no need to determine the specific drug that led to your impairment.

In cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol, prosecutors can typically rely on the percentage of alcohol in the blood. However, with many types of drugs, even those that are illegal under Maryland law, blood tests don’t typically do more than indicate the presence of the substance in the blood. Furthermore, with many drugs, traces may be present long after the drug’s effect has worn off.

It’s common, then, to ask a driver suspected of “drugged driving” to have a blood test. However, to establish a link between the presence of the drug in the driver’s blood and actual impairment at the time of arrest, the prosecutor will also typically rely on the eyewitness testimony of the arresting officer or others at the scene.

Proven Maryland Drugged Driving Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 40 years, including people charged under Maryland law with driving under the influence of drugs or a controlled dangerous substance. SuperLawyers has named him as one of the top 100 lawyers in Maryland and The American Lawyer Magazine has also listed him as a Top-Rated Lawyer.

Attorney Smith has carried an AV-rating (the highest possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System for more than three decades, a testament from his colleagues in the legal profession. He has also received Martindale-Hubbell’s coveted Client Distinction Award, an award held by less than 4% of all attorneys nationwide. He carries a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a trial lawyer from AVVO and has also earned AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars.

A well-known and respected trial attorney, Jonathan has a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Maryland criminal law and procedure. He knows how to effectively gather and preserve evidence and will take all necessary measures to ensure that law enforcement officers did not violate your constitutional rights.

Contact an Experienced Baltimore Criminal Defense Lawyer

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we aggressively advocate for criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland, including people charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs. Contact us online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

What to Do When You Have Been Stopped for Suspicion of Drunk Driving

Minimizing the Potential Consequences of a DUI in Maryland

What to Do When You Have Been Stopped for Suspicion of Drunk DrivingWhen you have been pulled over in Baltimore or anywhere in Maryland and police suspect that you have been driving under the influence of alcohol, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of a blood alcohol test and a DUI charge:

  • Stay calm and be polite—You don’t want to give the police officer any obvious reason to ask that you take a blood alcohol test
  • Remember that the officer must have probable cause to pull you over—It’s okay to ask why you were stopped. The officer must have observed you driving erratically, or must have seen some other traffic or motor vehicle violation.
  • Let the officer do most of the talking—Respond to the officer’s questions with short and succinct answers. Don’t volunteer any more information than is necessary.
  • Stay in your car—The officer may ask you to get out of your vehicle, so that he or she can conduct field sobriety tests. You do not have to do this. Politely say no. You can be arrested, whether you take the tests or not, so there’s little benefit to you in doing so.
  • Decline to take a roadside breath test—By law in Maryland, you can refuse to take a roadside test. Furthermore, your refusal to take the test cannot be used against you in court. If you are taken into the police station, you can still refuse to take a breath test, but the consequences of doing so are more severe.

AV-Rated Montgomery County DUI/DWI Defense Lawyer

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings over 30 years of proven experience to DWI/DUI defendants across the Baltimore metro area and the state of Maryland. He has received an AV-rating (the highest rating possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System from other members of the Maryland bar every year since 1988. Jonathan has been listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland listed by SuperLawyers and has been designated a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine. He has holds Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, awarded to less than 4% of all attorneys listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s directory.

Over the past 30+ years, attorney Smith has successfully handled the defense of a wide range of criminal charges, including driving while impaired and driving under the influence. He knows how to protect your constitutional rights and will carefully investigate your case to confirm that police and prosecutors follow all required procedures when gathering evidence. He’ll aggressively question all potential witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most persuasive arguments in your defense at trial.

Attorney Smith has been listed among the top 100 attorneys in Maryland by the National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” professional organization. He holds a 10.0 (Superb) rating as a trial attorney from AVVO, as well as AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Results-Oriented Maryland Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Avoiding a Drunk Driving Charge during the Holidays

Things You Can Do to Minimize the Risk of a DUI/DWI

Avoiding a Drunk Driving Charge during the HolidaysThe holiday season is a time of good cheer, but a little too much cheer can lead to a DUI/DWI charge. Here are some easy ways to keep a drunk driving charge off your Christmas list:

  • Always travel with a designated driver—agree before you go to a party or a pub who will be drinking and who won’t. Be willing to be the DD on occasion.
  • Keep your vehicle in good working order—Law enforcement officers must have probable cause to pull you over. Don’t let a faulty taillight or turn signal lead to a drunk driving charge.
  • Underdrink—Breathalyzers are notoriously unreliable and may falsely show that you are above the legal limit. In addition, your body produces alcohol. You can have just as much fun if you nurse that one drink.
  • Wait a half an hour before you have your first drink
  • Always eat something when you drink
  • Don’t drink when you are going to drive

Proven Maryland DUI/DWI Defense Attorney

For more than 30 years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has successfully fought for the rights of criminal defendants in Baltimore and across the state of Maryland, including many clients who have been charged with drinking and driving. SuperLawyers ranks him among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland and The American Lawyer Magazine has named him a Top-Rated Lawyer. The National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” organization, has also listed him in the top 100 attorneys in Maryland.

His colleagues in the legal profession have given Jonathan an AV-rating (the highest possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988. He has also received Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, earned by less than 4% of all attorneys listed there. He has a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a trial lawyer from AVVO and has earned the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars.

A highly respected trial attorney, Jonathan has long been known and respected for his knowledge of criminal law and procedure, as well as his skill and extensive experience when handling criminal matters. He knows how to effectively gather and preserve evidence, and can quickly determine whether law enforcement officers have violated your constitutional rights in a search, seizure or arrest.

Proven Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Greater Baltimore Area

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

The Use of Field Sobriety Tests in Maryland

What You Can Expect When Suspected of Drinking and Driving

The Use of Field Sobriety Tests in MarylandIn Maryland, when a police officer pulls you over, regardless of the reason, the officer may ask if you have been drinking. If you answer affirmatively, or if the officer has reasonable cause to belief that you are impaired, he will likely ask you to step out of the car and take a field sobriety test. You don’t have to take the test. All field sobriety tests are voluntary, and there’s no legal penalty for refusing to take one. That doesn’t mean, though, that the officer can’t take you into custody and escort you to the police station, where you’ll be asked to submit to a blood-alcohol-content test (there are penalties for refusing to take that test).

There are four field sobriety tests a law enforcement officer may administer. These are referred to as “standardized field sobriety tests,” which means that they must be administered following a specific procedure. If proper procedure isn’t followed, then test results cannot be used to take you into custody. The four tests are:

  • The horizontal gaze nystagmus—The officer asks you to focus on some item in his or her hand, such as a pen or flashlight, and watches for a jerking motion in your eyes.
  • The one-leg stand—The officer makes you stand on one leg for a specific period of time.
  • The walk-and-turn—The officer asks you to walk heel-to-toe away from the officer and back.
  • The portable breath test—The officer asks you to blow into a portable breath test kit. (In Maryland, portable breath test results are not admissible to show blood alcohol content.)

Experienced Baltimore County DUI/DWI Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of people charged with drunk driving in the metropolitan Baltimore area and throughout Maryland for over 30 years. Attorney Smith has been selected as a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and has earned AVVO’s prestigious Client’s Choice Award, averaging 5 stars(the highest rating possible) in online client reviews. A Maryland SuperLawyer, he’s AV-rated by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System. Attorney Smith also has earned a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigator from AVVO.

Attorney Smith takes an aggressive and methodical approach to the defense of drunk driving and other criminal charges. He’ll carefully investigate the facts and circumstances of your traffic stop and detention to confirm that all procedures were correctly followed and that your constitutional rights were not violated. He’ll review police reports and interview all witnesses in order to make the most persuasive arguments in your defense.

Proven Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

Contact experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney Jonathan Scott Smith by email or call us at 410-740-0101 to set up an appointment.We handle drunk driving prosecutions in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Police Charge Man with DUI after Hit and Run

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Berlin Man Faces DUI Charge after Hit and Run

Maryland state troopers arrested a Berlin man in early May, charging him with driving under the influence of alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident and other related charges. Authorities say the Berlin man struck an SUV with his pickup truck before driving away. The accident occurred near Worcester Highway and Jarvis Road.

According to reports, troopers were called shortly after the collision and used evidence from witnesses to locate and arrest the driver. When troopers pulled him over, they could smell alcohol on his breath. He failed a field sobriety test, as well as a blood alcohol test.

No injuries were reported as a result of the collision.

Baltimore County, Maryland, Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith, a Maryland Super Lawyer, has fought for the rights of criminal defendants across Maryland for more than 30 years. 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. Because of his record and reputation, Smith was a recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). Smith was also recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell.

Top-Rated Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

We fight for the rights of criminal defendants. 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.

Source – http://www.wmdt.com/news/more-local-news/Berlin-man-charged-with-DUI-after-fleeing-crash-scene/32916834

New Maryland Law Seeks to Reduce Number of Drunk Driving Accidents

new-maryland-law-seeks-to-reduce-number-of-drunk-driving-accidents

Maryland Legislature Considers Drunk Driving Reduction Law

Following a national trend, the Maryland legislature is looking at a proposed bill that would mandate ignition interlock devices for all persons convicted of drinking and driving. An ignition interlock is a device tied to a motor vehicle’s starting mechanism that requires a driver to provide a breath sample before turning on the car. If the device detects alcohol on the operator’s breath, the car cannot be started.

Nearly half of the states in the country (24) currently have ignition interlock laws. If enacted, the Maryland law would require an interlock device for anyone convicted of driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher, the legal limit. Even first-time offenders would be required to have the device installed, though it would only be in place for six months. A repeat offender could have an ignition interlock for up to three years.

Ellicott City, MD, Criminal Defense Lawyer

With more than 30 years in practice, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has a proven track record of obtaining positive results for people facing criminal charges throughout Maryland. He takes a thorough 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.

Attorney Smith has built a strong reputation with clients and colleagues, earning honors as a Maryland Super Lawyer, and an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System. Recognized as a 2012 Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine and Martindale-Hubbell, he has also received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, based on 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.

Maryland Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

To learn how we can help protect your rights in a criminal prosecution, contact our office online or call our office at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. We defend people throughout Howard 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.

 

 

 

Driving with Suspended License in Maryland

Driving with Suspended License is Serious
In Maryland, a driver’s license can be suspended for many reasons. Often it is caused by a mistake, or an oversight, but it can lead to serious consequences. Some of the reasons the Maryland MVA will suspend a driver’s license:

  • Failing to pay a traffic ticket.
  • Failing to pay a fine after appearing in traffic court.
  • Failing to appear in court for a traffic ticket.
  • Moving to a new address and not notifying the MVA, and then not receiving a notice to appear in court for a traffic ticket.
  • Receiving too many points (MVA can suspend a driver’s license for an accumulation of 8  points or more).
  • Being convicted of DWI/DUI, driving under the influence, or driving while impaired.

Many people charged with driving with suspended licence in Maryland are not criminals; they make a mistake, or fail to take care of a traffic ticket through an oversight.

What are the Penalties for Driving With Suspended License?

The penalties for driving with suspended license in Maryland are serious. They range from 2 months in jail, a $500.00 fine, or both, to one year in jail, a $1,000.00 fine, or both — depending upon the reason the license was suspended. Also, a conviction can range from 3 points to 12 points — enough to revoke your driver’s license.

Top Rated Traffic Ticket Lawyer Howard County MD

Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated traffic ticket lawyer and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of criminal law experience. He has represented many clients in Howard County, including Ellicott City and Columbia, Maryland, who have been charged with driving with suspended licence. Mr. Smith is a former prosecutor and experienced traffic ticket attorney who has handled many driving with suspended license  cases.

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

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

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

Howard County Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney

We handle defense of driving with suspended license charges, and traffic tickets for individuals throughout the Baltimore and Washington metro areas. We will fully investigate the facts and evidence related to your citation, and fight hard for you.

Contact Our Office

If you need a lawyer for traffic tickets, including driving with suspended license, contact us by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101. Put an experienced Maryland traffic violations defense lawyer to work for you. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

 

Underage Drinking Warnings Released by Howard County Police

Underage Drinking at Prom and Graduation Parties
Underage drinking, a frequent occurrence at prom and graduation parties, was the focus of recent warnings by Howard County Police. With prom and graduations starting this coming weekend, county police sought to warn teens and their parents of the legal consequences of underage drinking.

Underage Drinking Can Result in Possession of Alcohol Charges

Various criminal charges can be filed if someone is caught in underage drinking. These include criminal charges for alcohol possession and possession of a fake ID. If a driver engages in underage drinking, they may be charged with violation of alcohol restriction, driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI). Adults who provide alcohol to minors can be criminally charged with obtaining or furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Criminal Lawyer for Underage Drinking Charges

Mr. Smith is a top rated criminal defense 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 cases involved underage drinking.

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 Defense: Possession of Alcohol by Minor

Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:

  • Maryland Super Lawyer.
  • 10.0 Superb” as a litigation attorney by AVVO.
  • AV-Preeminent™*” Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (25 consecutive years).
  • “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
  • 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.

Contact Us Now

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

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

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.

 

ADDRESS :

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101