Experienced, Tough, and Creative Litigators: Barry Helfand, David Martella, David Helfand, Raquel Smith

Our team of lawyers has over 60 years of collective years of courtroom experience helping people seek justice when disaster strikes by way of an arrest, serious personal injury or civil litigation. A person in a difficult situation needs someone with the experience to identify the opportunities and challenges that are ahead, as well as the integrity to make an honest assessment of what is required to achieve results. Practicing primarily in Maryland, we represent individuals charged with everything from DUI offenses to the most serious criminal felonies, with potential life sentences. Being the target of a criminal investigation or prosecution can be a life altering experience. A criminal conviction threatens your freedom, your family, your livelihood, and reputation. As former prosecutors, we know how the lawyers for the government prepare their cases and make decisions about who, and who not, to prosecute. Because we are going to court on an almost daily basis, our attorneys keep current on changes in the law, as well as all the things “they don’t teach you in law school”: the options being offered to resolve cases; the types of evidence being collected by the police; the cases that are attracting favorable or unfavorable media attention; the attitudes of the different judges, prosecutors, and police officers.

Dear Dave: “Thanks for all your hard work on my behalf. I was fortunate to have someone as skillful as you arguing my case. I admire your tenacity and it was great to see you in action in the courtroom.” — A Client, January 2015.
Washingtonian Magazine named David Martella as one of Maryland’s top attorneys for criminal defense in 2013. He is rated as one of Maryland’s “Superlawyers” for 2014.
Barry Helfand and David Martella are former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorneys, who have successfully represented thousands of clients in a wide variety of legal problems, including personal injury claims, misdemeanor and felony criminal charges, traffic citations, and other cases that require intelligent, creative, and aggressive litigation.
“His client roster is a who’s who of the famous and infamous.” — The Washington Post
“Such creative courtroom techniques” “a reputation as one of the most effective defense lawyers in Montgomery County, if not the most flamboyant in the Washington area.” —The Washington Times
We accept Mastercard and Visa, and have flexible payment options to fit almost any budget.
Court case records that years ago used to be filed away in the basement of a courthouse are now publicly accessible online to employers, insurance companies, real estate companies, landlords, and mischief-makers. Contact us to discuss how to protect your reputation.
Criminal and civil marijuana charges create court records that employers may rely on in making decisions that could affect your future. Contact us to discuss any drug related offense that you have been accused of.
If you have been arrested for DUI in Maryland, important decisions may have to be made within 10 days of your arrest to protect your right to drive. Call us today for a free phone or office consultation.
Many police cars are now equipped with video recording equipment that has helped exonerate clients accused of DUI charges and other offenses. It is important to find out if a video exists in your case.

FAQs

What should I do if I’ve been injured in an accident?
If you or a family member has been injured in an accident, you should seek advice from a personal injury lawyer to determine if you have a personal...
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There are several reasons that make it important to talk to your personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following an accidental injury. For...
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If you were injured and are contacted by an insurance company you should not discuss your injury or any facts about the accident until after you have...

Client Reviews

"I have watched Mr. Helfand in trial and in negotiations. He is remarkable. Mr. Helfand is extremely knowledgeable in the law, and even more knowledgeable in the ways to deal with people."

Afshin Pishevar, Criminal Defense Attorney

"I strongly endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Helfand for many years. We have worked together on cases and represented conflicting parties. I have watched Mr. Helfand in trial and in negotiations. He is remarkable."

David Felsen, Criminal Defense Attorney

"It’s one of the biggest cases that’s been tried in Montgomery County in a long time,” said Steve VanGrack, a Rockville lawyer considering a Democratic bid for state’s attorney."

Washington Post
In the Media

Contact Us

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Over 60 Years of Combined Experience
  3. 3 Former Maryland Assistant State's Attorneys
Fill out the contact form or call us at (301) 251-9001 to schedule your free consultation.

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