About Us
Who We Are
Headquartered in Frederick, Maryland, less than an hour outside of Washington, D.C., Smith & Good Associates was founded in 2021 with a mission to provide a needed source of information, comfort, and education for people in the various stages of the criminal justice system.
By leveraging the founders’ collective experiences, ongoing research, relationships with criminal defense firms, and contacts within the system, Smith & Good Associates is committed to providing current, relevant, and actionable information for people facing possible or definite incarceration.
The vast majority of other criminal justice consultants provide services exclusively focused on non-violent white collar crime. Smith & Good Associates provides services to people accused of both violent (murder, assault, rape, armed robbery, etc.) and non-violent (drug crimes, theft, embezzlement, etc.) crimes.
Our Vision
We guide individuals and families through the criminal justice system with expert consulting on prison preparation, sentencing mitigation, and sex offender registry compliance—turning fear and uncertainty into a clear, confident path forward.
Our Mission
To help people navigate the system with dignity and understanding—where no one faces incarceration, registration, or reentry alone, regardless of their charge or where they live.
Core Values
Compassion without judgment. Accurate Guidance. Confidentiality our clients can trust. Nationwide reach with personal attention. Unwavering advocacy for defendants and their families.
Our Founders
Founding partners Gary Smith and Mike Levengood became involved in the criminal justice system as a result of lived experiences, and have extensive knowledge of pre-trial services, GPS/ankle monitoring, sentencing preparation, incarceration in county jail and prison (in Maryland Dept. of Corrections), as well as probation and parole.
Both Gary and Mike have additional experience in criminal and civil law in paralegal and legal assistant roles in Montgomery County, Maryland. Prior to being incarcerated themselves, Gary was a Ranger in the U.S. Army, serving in Afghanistan as an intelligence specialist, and Mike was a marketing and business executive for various Fortune 500 companies.
Located in Maryland, but providing services to clients throughout the United States, Smith & Good Associates works with clients directly, in addition to partnering with criminal defense attorneys.
Meet the Team
Testimonials From Current and Past Clients
2nd Degree Rape
“Gary took his time and helped me. He provided the kind of first-hand knowledge
about jail that is critical to anyone who is facing incarceration for the first time.
There was so much I didn’t know from how to act, what to expect, how to behave in jail, and more.”
Possession of Child Pornography
“Thanks for all the help. We had so many questions about resources, preparing mentally for prison, how to approach prison life and more. You both took the time and helped us a family to be as prepared as we can be.”
3rd Degree Sex Offense
“My son was arrested and charged with a 3rd degree sex offense in Maryland…the entire experience was very confusing and traumatic for our him and our family.
Mike and Gary helped us thru the entire process – taking the time to answer our questions and meeting with our son after he was released, providing valuable insight and guidance.”
Sex Abuse of a Minor
“We hired Smith & Good to do a focus group to understand the evidence in my case and how it would play to a jury. I would recommend anyone facing significant prison time think about a focus group to help their case.”
4th Degree Sex Offense
“My family and I hired Smith & Good to provide ongoing post-incarceration consulting. They have helped me when I have had issues with probation, plus providing me inside knowledge of how Probation works and the potential issues that would never have known about without them.”
2nd Degree Child Abuse
“My son was sentenced to more than 13 years in state prison. Having an expert to rely on to help prepare for prison, what to expect, how we as a family can help, and answer questions – was incredibly helpful.”
Success Stories
Sexual Solicitation of a Minor
SITUATION: Hired by client convicted of sex offense to understand the ability to travel to India, along with possible issues on entry and return, what to expect and how to best prepare.
RESULT: The client was successfully able to complete international travel without any issues.
Murder - 1st & 2nd Degree
SITUATION: Hired by family to conduct a complete mock trial. Presented entire case (prosecution and defense), including defendant testimony.
RESULT: The result of the mock trial was exactly the same results as the actual trial.
2nd Degree Rape
SITUATION: Client charged with multiple sex offenses and took a plea deal to 2nd degree Rape charge. Hired by family to assist with understanding probation/parole, the sex registry, and general re-entry services.
RESULT: Has been working with Smith & Good for more than 4 years – and has had successful probation experience with no violations.
3rd Degree Sex Offense
SITUATION: Hired by parents to provide post-incarceration consulting for son convicted of sex offense, including how to navigate the sex registry, probation basics, and job search and employment advice.
RESULT: Client has been successfully out on COMET Probation since early 2023 and has been able to secure gainful employment and is violation-free.