Experienced, Creative, and Aggressive Representation To Protect Your Rights and Your Future. Contact David Martella and Raquel Smith.
Experienced, Tough, and Creative Litigators: David Martella and Raquel Smith
Our team of lawyers has over 40 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 and experienced litigators, 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.
We use our same litigation experience to vigorously represent those who have been injured through the negligent, reckless, or intentional acts of others. If you have been injured, we hope you are well on your way to recovery. However, you should not presume that your recovery should be paid for out of your own pocket, or by your health insurance. Nor should you expect that the other person’s insurance company is interested in paying everything you are entitled to for your injuries, your lost time from work, the interference with your family life, and the pain, suffering, and aggravation you have had to endure. Our attorneys will work with you to make sure you take advantage of every possible option to make sure you are adequately compensated for the harm you or a loved one has suffered.
Aside from criminal defense and personal injury litigation, we assist individuals in a wide variety of problem-solving for difficult situations. We are regularly called on to help people with issues related to:
- MVA suspensions and revocations of driver’s licenses
- Suspension and revocation of business and professional licenses.
- Criminal investigations prior to the issuance of charges.
- Lawyer and judge disbarment or sanctions for professional misconduct.
- Post-conviction remedies for closed criminal convictions.
- Modifications of prior sentences.
- Violation of probation proceedings.
- Appeals from criminal convictions and civil judgments.
- Contract and civil disputes
- Domestic violence
- Sex offender registry issues
If you are looking for experienced help with serious problem, call us for phone or office consultation. Most of our in-office consultations are free of charge. Our offices are conveniently located in Rockville, Maryland, just off of I-270.
We are proud that many of our cases are referred to us by judges, prosecutors, police officers, and politicians who have seen us work in the courtroom and secure favorable outcomes for our clients. Please call us for a consultation at Smith Martella Law Group, LLC (240) 744-7772.
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.
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
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 injury claim. Depending upon the facts surrounding your personal injury claim the responsible party may or may not be clear from the outset. An experienced personal injury lawyer will look at the facts carefully to determine who is responsible for your injuries. There are a number of liability theories that individuals that are not trained in this area may overlook. The bottom line is that you should talk to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to determine if you have a valid claim; who is responsible; and what financial compensation may be available to you.
There are several reasons that make it important to talk to your personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following an accidental injury. For starters it is important that all relevant evidence is preserved and not inadvertently destroyed or lost. Your injury lawyer will have insight into what evidence is important and develop a plan to obtain the evidence and preserve it. Additionally, it is important to speak with your injury lawyer prior to making any statements about your case. For example, insurance representatives will request a recorded statement. Your injury attorney will be able to help you determine what, if any, statements you should provide. Also, depending upon the jurisdiction there may be a limited time to bring your personal injury claim or a certain period of time to place a party on notice of the claim.
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 consulted with your personal injury lawyer. Your personal injury lawyer will try to protect you from situations in which your statements might be incomplete or taken out of context causing harm to your claim. Additionally, it is important that you do not sign any papers or agree to a quick settlement before your injuries have all become apparent and ultimately resolve, as this may affect your right to pursue a claim in the future. Remember, the other party’s insurance company is not on your side no matter how nice they are trying to portray themselves. Insurance adjusters are trained to build rapport with you in order to take advantage of the relationship to further their interests…. not yours.
Client Reviews
Raquel Smith is an excellent lawyer. I was scared about my situation but after I spoke with her about my case, she made me feel reassured to have a lawyer of her skill level by my side. She's very responsive and handled my case very well. I got an even better outcome than I had hoped for. At court...
I can’t thank Raquel Smith enough for her outstanding representation in my case. From our very first meeting. She was honest, knowledgeable, and incredibly reassuring. What could have been a stressful and overwhelming experience was made manageable thanks to her expertise and guidance every step of...
Mr. David solved my legal problem quickly and efficiently. I could not have hoped for a better result. He thoroughly reviewed all the evidence in my case and prepared an exceptional strategy that ultimately led to my victory in court. His preparation was remarkable. He has represented friends and...
In the Media
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- 1 Free Consultation
- 2 Over 60 Years of Combined Experience
- 3 Former Maryland Assistant State's Attorneys