Maria Smith

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Name:
Smith, Maria C

Date of Booking:
06/03/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
DUI of Alcohol

Fail to Stop @ Acc W/Damages

Battery

Reckless Driving

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

On June 3, 2026 at approximately 1517 hours, I responded to 2050 W Spring St; Walmart in reference to a vehicle versus pedestrian accident.

Upon arrival, I observed an older male, later identified as [VICTIM #1], who had sustained multiple lacerations to his arms and hands. The injuries were actively bleeding, which [VICTIM #1] advised was emphasized due to him being on blood thinners. The bleeding was controlled, however, and aid was rendered by placing a towel over his arm to assist in stopping the bleeding. It should be noted that [VICTIM #1] denied the need for EMS although they were dispatched.

I began gathering information from multiple witnesses on scene. [VICTIM #1] advised that he was in the parking lot when he observed a female, later identified as Maria Smith, who had fallen to the ground near row 8. He stated that he approached her to assist her in standing up, at which time she appeared unable to stand on her own and seemed impaired. Another male, identified as [WITNESS #1], also assisted [VICTIM #1] with helping Maria.

Both [VICTIM #1] and [WITNESS #1] advised that while assisting Maria, she appeared disoriented and was unable to locate her vehicle, which was later found on the opposite side of the parking lot. [VICTIM #1] stated that once they located her vehicle and escorted her to it, Maria entered the driver’s seat as if she intended to drive. [VICTIM #1] and [WITNESS #1] both began to plead with her not to drive due to her physical signs of impairment. [WITNESS #1] further stated that he believed to have smelled the possible odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from Maria’s breath during their interaction.

[VICTIM #1] advised that while he was standing at the passenger side window speaking with Maria, she repeatedly asked him not to call the police and stated that she was fine. I was advised that Maria then started her vehicle, placed it in reverse, and accelerated backward out of the parking space, striking [VICTIM #1] and causing him to fall to the ground. This impact resulted in the injuries observed. These events were also witnessed by another third party identified as [WITNESS #2].

[VICTIM #1] stated that after he fell, Maria left the parking lot in her vehicle. Additional units also responded to the incident and were able to identify the suspect vehicle, a 2011 Nissan Venza, along with Maria as the registered owner with an address of [600 BLOCK] Fleeting Court. Images of Maria were shown to the witnesses who positively identified her. Units later responded to the Fleeting Ct address and made contact with Maria, who still appeared a bit disoriented, as well as her husband, [WITNESS #3].

After gathering all the information I needed at Walmart, I responded to Maria’s residence. I made contact with [WITNESS #3] and advised him of the incident. [WITNESS #3] stated he was in disbelief and advised that, to his knowledge, Maria does not consume alcohol and is not prescribed any medications. He stated that earlier in the day, Maria had undergone a dental procedure beginning at Spring Street Family Dentistry around 0900 hours and was not finished until approximately 1300 hours. He further advised that Maria called him around 1300 hours and stated she was going to Walmart to return items.

At this time, I advised [WITNESS #3] that Maria would be placed under arrest for Hit and Run, Reckless Driving, DUI, and Battery. [WITNESS #3] was allowed to speak with Maria regarding the situation. Maria was initially uncooperative, but she was given the opportunity to put on shoes while in her bedroom. She was then escorted to the dining room area, where I read her the Georgia Implied Consent Notice for a chemical test of her blood where she emphatically refused the test.

Maria then began making demands for water and walked into the kitchen, which I allowed. She then walked toward the front door as if she intended to exit the residence while exclaiming “I didn’t hit nobody”. I issued a lawful order for her to return to me, which she complied with. Maria was then placed in double locked handcuffs behind her back that were checked for proper fit.

She was then escorted to the rear passenger area of my patrol vehicle and placed inside. I then transported her to the Walton County Jail where she was turned over to jail staff. After completing all required paperwork, I returned to service without further incident.

Warrants taken for Hit and Run, DUI, Reckless Driving and Battery.

It should also be noted that on 06/04/2026 at approximately 0938 Hours, I held a phone conversation with the Practice Manager of Spring Street Family Dentistry, [REDACTED]. As I assumed, [REDACTED] was unable to provide with any information regarding Maria’s procedure due to their policy’s and guidelines. I ended my conversation with [REDACTED] who advised to contact her if she could be of anymore assistance.

[End of Narrative]

All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.

Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Case History:

6/8/26

MARIA C. SMITH RELEASED ON BOND IN WALTON COUNTY CASE

What this means: Maria C. Smith was released from custody after posting bond through A & J Coggins Bonding as surety. The bond covers the charges of DUI of alcohol, reckless driving, failure to stop at an accident with damages, and battery. As a condition of her release, Smith is required to appear before the Walton County Superior Court for any hearings or trial dates as scheduled. If she fails to appear, the bond will be forfeited and a bench warrant will be issued for her arrest.

6/12/26

DEFENSE ATTORNEY JOHN L. TONEY ENTERS APPEARANCE FOR MARIA C. SMITH

What this means: Attorney John L. Toney of Hanks, Ballard & Barth, LLC, based in Monroe, Georgia, formally notified the Superior Court of Walton County that he is representing Maria C. Smith in case number SUWR2026001487. An Entry of Appearance is a standard filing that puts the court and the prosecution on notice that a specific attorney is now the defendant’s legal representative and should receive all case-related notices and communications. An Amended Entry of Appearance was also filed the same day, updating the record — likely to correct the defendant’s name, which appears as “Maria C. Carter” in the original filing and “Maria C. Smith” in the amended version.

6/12/26

DEFENSE FILES DEMAND FOR DISCOVERY — AMENDED VERSION ALSO SUBMITTED

What this means: Attorney John L. Toney filed a Demand for Discovery on behalf of Maria C. Smith in the Superior Court of Walton County, case number SUWR2026001487. An Amended Demand for Discovery was filed the same day. A demand for discovery is a formal legal request requiring the prosecution to share evidence it has gathered — such as police reports, witness statements, test results, and other materials — that may be used in the case. By electing to participate in reciprocal discovery under Georgia law, the defense also agrees to share certain evidence it intends to use. The amended filing supersedes the original and corrects the defendant’s name to Maria C. Smith.