How To Select An Experienced Drunk Driving Lawyer in Maryland
Columbia, Ellicott City, Howard County, DUI Attorney
A drunk driving arrest creates substantial risks involving loss of your driver’s license, and perhaps even your freedom. It is critical to select and hire an experienced Maryland drunk driving lawyer to advise you and to represent you aggressively.
Many people who are charged with drunk driving receive a pile of solicitation letters in the mail from attorneys they have never met. There are companies that review court filings on a daily basis and then sell lists of names to attorneys. These attorneys then mail form letters soliciting their services. These solicitation letters often include absurdly low legal fees, and mislead the public regarding the true cost of experienced and qualified lawyers.
There are several attorney disciplinary cases involving clients who responded to solicitation letters in the mail and suffered the consequences. In one case, Maryland’s highest court suspended the attorney’s right to practice law, concluding that the attorney was “running a high-volume operation without managerial safeguards and that, as a result, clients were not afforded competent representation.” In another case, the attorney’s right to practice law was suspended indefinitely after the court concluded that clients, who had responded to solicitation letters, had been abandoned and their cases not prepared properly. Remember the adage, “You get what you pay for.” Ask yourself, would you select a surgeon to perform surgery on you based upon solicitation letters you received in the mail?
Highly Respected Maryland DUI Lawyer
Before selecting a drunk driving lawyer, there are important questions to ask. These include:
- How long has the lawyer practiced law?
- Has the lawyer ever been a criminal prosecutor?
- Has the lawyer ever published books on criminal law?
- What is the lawyer’s reputation, for both legal skill and professional ethics?
- How many drunk driving cases has the lawyer handled?
- How many drunk driving cases has the lawyer actually taken to trial, rather than plea bargained?
- What results has the lawyer obtained?
Experienced Maryland Drunk Driving Lawyer
Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated former criminal prosecutor, with over 30 years of courtroom experience. He has handled thousands of drunk driving cases. You can see what many satisfied clients have to say about the job he did for them. In addition, you can check the results in real cases he has handled.
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.
- “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
- 2012 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.
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Mr. Smith
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Former criminal prosecutor
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Over 30 years courtroom experience
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Handled thousands of drunk driving cases
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Successful results
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Author of criminal law books
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Highest rating for legal skill
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Highest rating for professional ethics
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Contact Our Office
“You were well prepared, very professional and competent. Your trial skills are outstanding. I went to court with confidence. I can see why you are well respected in the legal community; you gave 110% to me and my case.”
Ruth P. – Columbia, MD
37-year-old office manager was accused of second drunk driving offense. Her case proceeded to trial and she was found not guilty of all charges.
To schedule an appointment, 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.
Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in criminal defense matters, DUI / DWI, MVA Hearings, traffic offenses, domestic violence and child abuse charges throughout Maryland, including the cities of Columbia, Clarksville, Sykesville, Fulton, Elkridge, Frederick, Mt. Airy, Ellicott City, Laurel, Westminster, and Baltimore. Lawyer Smith also provides experienced legal representation for clients in Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Prince Georges (Prince George) County, Howard County and Montgomery County, MD.
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