Maryland Criminal Defense - Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Good Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Understandably, "How much do you charge?" is one of the first questions people asked me.

However, there is not a simple list of fees that I can list here, since there are many factors involved for me to determine how complicated your case is, and how much time it will take me to defend you in court appearances, research, and investigation.

Generally, I can quickly size up your case after asking you a series of questions about the charges against you, the facts of your case, and prior convictions, and other factors.

The good news is that I will quote you a flat fee rate as part of my free case evaluation and legal consultation. When we speak, you will get some helpful advice on your case and what you are up against, and then you can decide whether you want to go further and hire me to represent you.

I fight criminal cases almost exclusively, and I am good at what I do. So I will probably not be the cheapest lawyer you can find. However, you may be surprised how reasonable and affordable my fees are, especially considering my experience.

You are absolutely welcome to talk to as many defense lawyers in Maryland as you like, to compare experience, rates, and your sense of comfort in their manner. I am confident that I will compare favorably with anyone.

Someone once said that "Good lawyers aren't cheap, and cheap lawyers aren't good", and I think there's some real truth to that.

So call me at (301) 637-0107 or contact me via email, to find out what I can do for you. There's no risk and no obligation for the consultation.

I was Arrested for a DUI and I wasn't Drunk. What Can I Do?

Believe it or not, you can be arrested for DUI in Maryland even if you pass the breathalyzer test! The law allows the police and prosecution to argue that you were impaired based on other evidence of your behavior, or they may even argue that you may have been under the influence of drugs or some other substance.

That is why is it important to not give the officer any additional evidence that can be used against you in court. You should refuse to perform so-called "field sobriety tests", and it is your right to do so. Performing these tests will almost never be to your benefit. Many people can't pass these agility tests under any circumstances! But if you fail, the police will use that as evidence against you.

The good news is that we can fight these charges. If the police are pushing flimsy evidence against you, we will fight their claims with everything we have. If the evidence is weak, a reasonable judge will dismiss the case.

The bottom line is, if you are stopped by the police, it is best to say nothing, and do nothing to give the officer any "evidence" against you. Once a police officer suspects that you are drunk or impaired for whatever reason, he usually doesn't change his opinion. If you've had one drink (smell of alcohol), and have a bad knee (unsteady on your feet), you will likely be arrested. The political climate for drunk driving charges can make it an absurd situation. But we will fight to get you fair treatment in court.

If I plead guilty to a Crime, will everyone know I have a record?

It is hard to say. Technically, criminal records are public information. But until recently, it hasn't been that easy or convenient for anyone to get the information. However it is very possible for someone to find out about criminal convictions if they make some effort.

Cheap background checks for $20-$30 on the internet will often provide that information to anyone who pays. And it is very possible that such information will only become easier to find. For example, all criminal records in Connecticut are now posted on a free online state database. So it is easy to imagine some point in the future where this information will be accessible with a simple google search.

Criminal convictions in Maryland are also occasionally listed in newspapers online. And arrest notices may show up in town police logs that may also be online.

So real the answer is, it is impossible to guarantee your future privacy and anonymity if you get convicted of a crime. And since there is no way to predict how that information could affect your future, your job, your relationships, it makes sense to look for every opportunity to fight the charges and give yourself a chance to keep your record clean.

Get a Free Criminal Case Evaluation on Any Maryland Criminal Offense

Call us anytime for a consultation. We can help solve your problems with the Maryland criminal courts, so you can get your life back. Call (301) 637-0107 for your consultation now!