Possession of Drugs in Maryland

What Constitutes Possession | The Treatment of Marijuana Under Maryland Law

Contribute-to-Causing-Your-InjuriesThough Maryland has “decriminalized” the possession of marijuana, the state still takes a strong stance against the possession of so-called “hard drugs,” such as heroin and methamphetamines. Possession of small amounts of marijuana (less than 10 grams) is now a civil offense, rather than a criminal offense, and is treated much like a moving violation. The possession of other illegal drugs, however, can result in significant fines and incarceration.

The Definition of Possession

In Maryland, a person may not “possess or administer” a controlled dangerous substance unless it has been secured with a prescription or from an authorized provider. Maryland law also specifically criminalizes procuring drugs through fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. The possession of any controlled substances (other than marijuana) is considered a misdemeanor in Maryland, with a potential penalty of up to four years and fines up to $25,000. Possession of excessive amounts also can lead to a charge of possession with intent to distribute, which can carry significantly harsher penalties.

Experienced Baltimore Criminal Defense Lawyer

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has provided aggressive advocacy to people in Baltimore County and across Maryland for nearly four decades, including individualsfacing prosecution for drug offenses. Named a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine, he is also respected by his peers in the legal profession, who have consistently given him an AV-rating, the highest rating possible. He has been the recipient of AVVO’s prestigious Client’s Choice Award, with an average of 5 stars(the highest rating possible) in his client reviews. A longtime Maryland SuperLawyer, he also has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigator from AVVO.

Attorney Smith fights for men and women facing criminal prosecution, zealously representing clients throughout the legal process, from investigation, arrest, and arraignment to trial. He’ll conduct a thorough investigation of your case, ensuring that law enforcement officers legally obtained all evidence, and that you were madeaware of your constitutional rights. An effective trial attorney, he knows how to make compelling arguments in your defense before a judge and jury.

Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have suffered needless injury in Maryland because of the wrongful acts of another person, Jonathan Scott Smith can help. Send us an e-mail or call our offices at 410-740-0101 to schedule an appointment. There’s no cost for your first consultation. We represent injured people in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in Maryland

Possession of Illegal Drugs in Maryland

How Does Maryland Define Possession?

Possession of Illegal DrugsIn Maryland, as in all states, the possession of certain controlled substances is a violation of the law. That includes not only “street drugs,” such as marijuana, meth, cocaine, and heroin, but also prescription medication. Maryland has decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana, treating the offense like a moving violation. Accordingly, marijuana is no longer classified as a controlled dangerous substance under Maryland law.

The Definition of “Possession” Under Maryland Law

The Maryland drug statute makes it illegal to:

  • Possess or administer to another person any controlled dangerous substance (CDS). It is permissible to possess or administer a CDS if you have a valid prescription for the drug.
  • Possess or try to possess a CDS through any of the following means:
    • A false or counterfeit prescription
    • The use of false information, such as name or address
    • Any type of fraud, deceit, or act of misrepresentation

Experienced Maryland Drug Possession Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought for the rights of criminal defendants throughout the metropolitan Baltimore area and across Maryland for more than 35 years. A recipient of AVVO’s coveted Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars(the highest rating possible), Attorney Smith also has earned a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating from AVVO as a litigator. He’s been named a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine and is a longtime Maryland SuperLawyer. Smith is highly respected by his colleagues in the legal profession, with an AV-rating from other lawyers under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System.

Attorney Smith takes an aggressive approach to the defense of any criminal charge and will be at your side throughout the legal process, whether you are merely under investigation or actually arrested and charged. He’ll investigate whether law enforcement officers had probable cause and confirm that your constitutional rights were protected. A proven trial attorney, he’ll carefully investigate the facts and circumstances of your case, so he can make the most persuasive arguments before a judge and jury.

Baltimore County 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 drug possession prosecutions in Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

Edgewood Woman Faces Multiple Homicide Charges for Arson Deaths

Police Say Defendant Intentionally Set Fire in Illegal Group Home

Edgewood Woman Faces Multiple Homicide Charges for Arson DeathsA 60-year-old Edgewood woman has been arrested and charged with three counts of1st degree murder, two counts of attempted first degree murder and first degree arson after three people died in a fire at a home on the 1800 block of Simons Court in Edgewood. Two residents survived the fire, but one sustained burns to 70% of herbody. Police say they found evidence shortly after the May 9 fire suggesting that it was intentionally set, but needed to conduct further investigation. The suspect was arrested and formally charged in July.

Documents filed with the court indicate that the defendant had made numerous threats to burn down the house before the actual fire. In addition, one of the other residents told police that the defendant had started the fire. Thus far, however, no motive has been identified.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers learned that the house was being used as a group home, in violation of Maryland law.

AV-Rated Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings has aggressively protected criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland.He’ll aggressively protect your constitutional rights throughout the criminal process,from investigation and arrest to arraignment and trial. He’ll question all potential witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most compelling arguments in your defense. He’s a highly experienced trial attorney, with the skill, knowledge andresources to protect your rights in any criminal matter. He’ll also gather, evaluate and preserve all evidence in your defense and will confirm that police and prosecutors followed constitutional requirements.

Attorney Smith has received the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). He is also AV-rated by other attorneys under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System, and has been named a Maryland Super Lawyer. He was honored as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine, and has a perfect 10.0 Superb rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.

Columbia, MD Criminal Defense Lawyer

Contact attorney Jonathan Scott Smith by e-mail or call ouroffice 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.

Baltimore Murder Tally Hits 300 for Fifth Consecutive Year

Homicides Up Dramatically Over 2018

Baltimore Murder Tally Hits 300In 2018, Baltimore registered more than 300 murders for the fourth consecutive year, but the 300th did not occur until December 20. The city is well ahead of that pace this year, with police recording the 300th homicide on November 14.The number of non-fatal shootings in the city is also up, with more than 700 reported as of mid-November. The city has seen as many as 342 homicides—in both 2015 and 2017.

Baltimore is currently among the top 25 cities in the world for number of homicides per capita, with 51 for every 100,000 residents. It’s not the worst city in the country, though; that would be St. Louis, where 187 annual homicides equates to 61 murders per 100,000.

AV-Rated Baltimore County Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of experience to criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland. He’ll carefully interview all potential witnesses so he can prepare and present the strongest arguments in your defense. 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. He’ll also gather, evaluate, and preserve all evidence in your defense and will confirm that police and prosecutors followed constitutional requirements.

Attorney Smith has been the recipient of the Client’s Choice Award from AVVO, with an average client review of 5 stars (the highest rating possible). Smith is AV-rated by other attorneys under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review System and has been named a Maryland Super Lawyer. He was honored as a 2012 Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer magazine, and he has a perfect 10.0 (Superb) rating as a litigation attorney from AVVO.

Columbia, 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.

Two Die in Spate of Shootings in Baltimore

Six People Shot in Three Separate Incidents

Two Die in Spate of Shootings in BaltimoreBaltimore police reported two dead and four more injured in three shootings Monday night, October 28, 2019:

  • Around 5 p.m., a 27-year-old man was found at the corner of Garrison Boulevard and Ridgewood Avenue, apparently suffering from a gunshot wound.
  • Sometime later, according to law enforcement officials, two unidentified men entered the intersection of Pimlico Road and Quantico Avenue and opened fire on a number of people standing in front of a corner store. Three people suffered non-life-threatening injuries, but a fourth person sustained a gunshot to the head and was declared dead on the scene.
  • Some moments later, police were called to Sinai Hospital, where a woman had been admitted after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest. Police believe she was shot about a mile and a half from the earlier incident. The woman died at the hospital.

Proven Frederick County Criminal Defense Lawyer

For over 30 years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought to protect the constitutional rights of people charged with crimes in Baltimore and across the state of Maryland. Attorney Smith has been listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers, and was named a Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer 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 also has received Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, an honor given to less than 4% of all attorneys listed.

The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has called Smith one of the “10 Best Attorneys in the State of Maryland in Client Satisfaction.” He’s a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an honor bestowed upon 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, lists him as one of the top 100 attorneys in Maryland. He 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.

Attorney Smith has a thorough knowledge of criminal law and procedure. He will carefully investigate your case, gathering, evaluating and protecting all relevant evidence. He’ll assess the actions of law enforcement officers, ensuring that they did not violate your constitutional rights.

Results-Oriented Criminal Defense Attorney in the Metropolitan 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.

Baltimore Police Raid Brothel, Arrest Four and Rescue Two

Law Enforcement Officers Act on Community Tip

Baltimore Police Raid Brothel, Arrest Four and Rescue TwoFour men were arrested in southeast Baltimore this week, and have been jailed and charged with human trafficking and prostitution. Law enforcement officers say the arrests come as the culmination of a three-month investigation, initially triggered bya tip from the neighborhood. The prostitution operation allegedly targeted undocumented Hispanic women. Police say they found two females during the raid and have moved them to a safe house. They believe that there may be additional perpetrators and victims who were not at the location at the time of the raid, and have asked community members for information.

AV-Rated Ellicott City Criminal Defense Lawyer

Proven trial attorney Jonathan Scott Smith offers more than 30 years of experience to criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland. He’s been cited as one of the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers, and was named a Top Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine in 2012. 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.

Attorney Smith has the skill, knowledge and resources to protect your rights in any criminal prosecution. He’ll carefully gather, assess and preserve all evidence in yourdefense and will ensure that police and prosecutors did not violate your constitutional rights. He’ll meet with and question all prospective witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most compelling arguments in your defense. He’ll aggressively protect your constitutional rights throughout the criminal process, frominvestigation and arrest to arraignment and trial.

The National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” professional organization, has listed him as one of the top 100 attorneys in Maryland. 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 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. He 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.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Montgomery County, Maryland

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

Child Abuse Case Changed to Murder after Child Dies

Infant Dies Seven Years after Initial Prosecution

Child Abuse Case Changed to Murder after Child DiesA Baltimore woman has been charged with murder in the death of her 7-year-old son, after the boy died earlier this year. The child was just 11 months old when his parents brought him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2012. Doctors at Johns Hopkins diagnosed the infant as suffering from severe and prolonged malnutrition, bone deformity caused by a lack of calcium, brain injury due to lack of nutrition, and other associated medical conditions. At the time, his mother was charged with child abuse and sentenced to five years probation, while the boy’s father was given a three-year prison term and five years probation.

In May, 2019, when the boy died, the medical examiner concluded that his death was a consequence of the abuse he suffered as an infant. When Baltimore police were notified of the death, the abuse charge against both parents was upgraded to murder.

Experienced Baltimore County Criminal Defense Lawyer

For over 30 years, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has fought to protect the constitutional rights of people charged with crimes in Baltimore and across the stateof Maryland. He has a comprehensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure, andwill carefully investigate your case, gathering and protecting all relevant evidence. He’ll look at the actions of law enforcement officers, to ensure they did not violate your constitutional rights.

Attorney Smith has been listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers, and was named 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 alsobeen the recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, an honor given to less than 4% of all attorneys listed there. The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has called him one of the “10 Best Attorneys in the State of Maryland in Client Satisfaction.” He’s in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an honor given 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, puts him among the top 100 attorneys in Maryland. He 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 throughout the Greater BaltimoreArea

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we aggressively advocate for criminal defendants. Contact our office 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.

Baltimore County Police Say MS-13 Gang Involved in Slaying

Towson Murder Tied to Alleged Gang War

Baltimore County Police Say MS-13 Gang Involved in SlayingLocal law enforcement officials say the death of a Towson man in July, 2019, is tied to a gang war. According to police, at least seven members of the MS-13 gang followed the victim home from a laundromat and stabbed him to death. They believe the man had been seen by MS-13 members holding up a hand sign of a rival gang known as 18th Street. Law enforcement officers have arrested seven members of MS-13 and charged them with homicide.

The MS-13 gang, originally founded on the West Coast, is comprised of Salvadoran refugees. Officials say the large Salvadoran population in Maryland has led to an influx of MS-13 activity.

AV-Rated Carroll County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years 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.”

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.

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.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Ellicott City, Maryland

Contact us by e-mail or call our office at 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.

U.S. Attorney Announces Formation of Drug Enforcement Task Force

Strike Force Targets Violent Crime in Baltimore

U.S. Attorney Announces Formation of Drug Enforcement Task ForceEarlier this month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maryland announced the creation of the Baltimore Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a combined effort between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to try to reduce drug-related violent crime in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Officials cited a dramatic increase in homicide in Baltimore—up nearly 17% compared to the same period a year ago—as one of the motivating factors. The AG’s office said it will work to identify individuals most responsible for drug-related violence and create partnerships to investigate and apprehend those persons. Officials hope to have all aspects of the strike force in place by the end of the year.

Experienced Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Attorney

For more than three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has worked hard to protect the rights of people facing criminal charges in Baltimore and throughout the state of 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.

Smith has been named 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 held an AV rating (the highest rating possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988 and has also received 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 throughout the Greater Baltimore Area

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we aggressively advocate for criminal defendants. Contact our office 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.

Baltimore Police Arrest Man for Attempted Homicide of Police Officer

Defendant Charged with Attempted First and Second Degree Murder

Baltimore Police Arrest Man for Attempted Homicide of Police OfficerA 35-year-old Baltimore man is in custody after be arrested for firing shots at a Baltimore police officer on Thursday, August 15. Officers say the defendant was walking in the middle of the road around 2:30 am, near the intersection of Marglenn and Springwood in Overlea, carrying a handgun. After being ordered to put his hands up, the defendant fled, with the officer in pursuit. As the pursuing officer took cover behind a vehicle, the defendant fired a shot. Another officer then apprehended the defendant. Police found two loaded handguns on the scene, as well as the casing from the fired bullet.

Experienced Anne Arundel 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 throughout the state of 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 Metro 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.

ADDRESS :

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

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101