Practice Areas

Rockville, Maryland, Personal Injury and Criminal Defense Lawyer

For more information about a practice area, click on the heading.

Assault

An assault charge is a serious matter that can affect your rights, your employment and even your freedom. If you or a family member has been accused of assault, it is important that your case be handled properly by an experienced criminal defense attorney to avoid overly harsh penalties.

Domestic Violence

People of all social and economic backgrounds can be charged with domestic violence. For many people who are arrested, it is their first involvement with the criminal justice system. Maryland is more prone to prosecute domestic violence cases than many other kinds of assault charges, even if the weight of evidence is not convincing. The state does not want to take the risk of the kind of outcome that we all read about in the newspapers.

Child Abuse

One of the biggest nightmares anyone can face is to be falsely accused of a crime such as child neglect, child abuse or sexual abuse of a child. Even when the state elects to drop charges, your reputation can be ruined. If there is a legal defense in your child abuse case, it should be pursued aggressively.

Sex Offenses

In Maryland, the potential of having to register as a sex offender is always present with any sex crime conviction. Most sex crime convictions involve sex offender registration for a minimum of 10 years. Others require lifetime registration. For most people who are charged with a sex crime, sex offender registration is the most serious consequence and something that must be avoided at all costs.

Juvenile Offenses

Juvenile justice is the area of criminal law applicable to persons not old enough to be held responsible for criminal acts. In Maryland, the age for criminal culpability is set at 18 years. The main goal of the juvenile justice system is rehabilitation rather than punishment. However, juveniles can be transferred into adult court if the juvenile court waives or relinquishes its jurisdiction.

DUI Defense

If you or a family member has been arrested for drunk driving, our first goal is find out if there is a basis to help you avoid conviction. If the state has strong evidence in your case, our goal is to try to minimize the charges. In addition to handling your criminal DUI case, we will represent you in your civil case with the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to protect your driving privileges.

Drug Cases

The long-term consequences of a drug conviction can be far more serious than a fine or a jail sentence. Any drug crime conviction will result in a permanent criminal record. Since criminal records are available to anyone conducting a background check, you will have fewer opportunities in life. You will be barred from obtaining student loans or pursuing certain careers if you have a drug conviction.

Traffic Violations

Many people do not realize that some traffic violations, such as driving while your driver's license is suspended or revoked, are actually criminal offenses. In some cases, what a driver thought was a minor traffic ticket can result in jail time, a significant fine and a permanent criminal record. Even an ordinary speeding ticket will result in a loss of points on your Maryland driver's license, which can lead to higher auto insurance rates or even loss of your driving privileges.

Auto Accidents

Many car accidents involve soft tissue injuries such as neck and back injuries that result in extended medical treatment and loss of work. We often advise clients not to shortchange themselves following a car accident. It is important to receive medical treatment and follow your doctor's treatment regimens. You should not go back to work until you have recovered enough to do the job for which you were hired.

Premises Liability

Many people are injured each year by dangerous property conditions in stores and businesses, in parking lots and in people's homes. If you or a family member has been hurt due to property owner negligence, you have a right to be compensated for both your financial losses and any damages such as pain and suffering.

Probate and Estate Administration

Probate and estate administration involves the determination of the most advantageous manner in which to hold assets, collection of those assets and the assembly of information necessary to help make assessments upon the passing of a loved one. You should not go through these difficult issues alone. Contact an experienced probate attorney at the Law Offices of Michael G. Banks today.

Family Law

Family law covers all aspects of family relationships. Some common family law matters include: divorce (also known as "dissolution of marriage"), paternity proceedings, adoption, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support (alimony), restraining orders, the division of marital property and debts, grandparent visitation, guardianships and conservatorships. An experienced and knowledgeable family law attorney at the Law Offices of Michael G. Banks can assist you with any of these family law matters.

Free attorney consultation for criminal and personal injury matters: Call 301-251-9161 or fill out our contact form to discuss your case with an experienced Rockville, Maryland, criminal defense and personal injury lawyer.