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“A prosecutor briefly during the 1960s, he has become one of the most sought-after criminal defense lawyers in the Washington area. His trial appearances attracts large crowds of lawyers and casual observers.” -- The Washington Post.
Barry "the Great" Helfand has made a career out of representing the “famous and infamous.” His victories include exonerations from murder charges, and million dollar civil awards. However, he also can be found in a Maryland or Federal courtroom just about every day of the week representing good people from all walks of life who have found themselves in difficult circumstances. Although licensed in Maryland, the Federal Courts, the Supreme Court and the District of Columbia, Barry Helfand’s skills in the art of trial advocacy and cross-examination often make him a valued attorney in many other jurisdictions across the country.
“Throughout my 40 years of trying thousands of cases, I have found that the unspoken request of any client is to ‘Win, Barry, just win.’ That is where I start when I begin evaluating a new client’s situation. I am not particularly interested how similar cases have been handled the past or ‘the way things have always been done around here.’ Every new case requires a fresh look at the law, how the case was first initiated, why the case is being prosecuted, and the undeniable human tendency of many witnesses who stand against my clients to lie, embellish, and shade the truth to the prosecution’s advantage.”
Barry Helfand has been rated as one of the Top 100 Trial Attorneys in Maryland by the American Trial Lawyers Association in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. The Washingtonian Magazine named him as one of Washington’s Best Legal Minds for criminal defense in 2013. Also in 2013, the AV Preeminent organization gave Mr. Helfand the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. Mr. Helfand also is a professor of trial advocacy at American University’s Washington College of Law in the District of Columbia.
“Some people may think that because some of my client’s cases have been profiled on the Discovery Channel or in national newspapers, that his or her case may be too small for my consideration. In fact, I may get the most satisfaction helping the everyday man, woman or young person who finds themselves the target a criminal prosecution, or who has been terribly harmed by someone else’s carelessness. The traffic ticket that threatens a working mother’s ability to keep her driver’s license is no less important that the felony embezzlement charge lodged against a corporate executive.”
“I know when a person gets arrested, there is an overwhelming feeling that the entire world is against him or her. No part of the initial arrest, processing, and filing of charges is designed to make the defendant feel more comfortable. It is usually not until the client hears my voice in a courtroom that he or she begins to feel like the playing field has been leveled.”
I encourage anyone who has a problem that needs solving -- whether it be a personal injury, criminal charged, DUI arrest, or some other dispute -- to call my assistant, Kristin King, and arrange a meeting with me to discuss the matter.
6
Practice Areas
61 years | 15,000 cases
61 years | 5,000 cases
61 years
61 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 45 minutes
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Chat withState: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1965
No misconduct found
State: Maryland
Acquired: 1963
No misconduct found
110 N Washington St Ste 502, Rockville, MD, 20850-2235
110 N Washington St Ste 502, Rockville, MD, 20850-2235
Showing 1 - 5 of 34 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Emmanuel | March 5, 2024 | Hired Attorney
I had the privilege of working with Raquel Smith from the Law Offices of Barry H. Helfand, and I cannot recommend her highly enough! Her passion, dedication, and commitment to my case went above and beyond my expectations. From the very beginning, Raquel demonstrated exceptional legal expertise. S...
Posted by Sam | May 26, 2021 | Hired Attorney
I wish I could give 10 stars. Engaging Barry to help me with my 2 DUI cases was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Barry handled my cases effectively and gracefully. He has helped me to get the lightest sentences possible !!! I actually think the results were better than the lightest sente...
Posted by anonymous | February 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney
I was facing sexual assault charges and had plead guilty to a misdemeanor with another lawyer. With the plea, I was required to register as a sex offender. this was the absolute worst time of my life. My only chance out of this situation would be a successful reconsideration appeal. I needed a lawy...
Posted by John | October 1, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Mr. Helfand has been always been there for me. For many years I had troubles with addiction and it led to court cases. He always stayed by my side and made sure I had the best possible outcome. Hands down the best lawyer around.
Posted by anonymous | July 8, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Mr. Helfand, you were MY SECURITY BLANKET today (07-06-2020)! YES, YOU SURE WERE! Thanks for believing in me. You are the only lawyer, EVER, (though I’ve seen quite a few) that through all the clamor, sees me for who I truly am - a decent person who a horrible mistake have made. A mistake though ...
"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. Mr. Helfand is extremely knowledgable in the law, and even more knowledgable in the ways to deal with people. He is truly a star in the Maryland legal community. Any person chosing Barry Helfand as his or her lawyer is making a great choice."
"Mr. Helfand is a true legend and icon of the legal profession. He is masterful, creative and caring. He carries great weight with and has earned the respect of the Judiciary. In fact, on numerous occasions, he has represented Judges and fellow lawyers who became involved in legal matters. That speaks volumes about this man's ability... I endorse this lawyer without hesitation or reservation."
Nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer | Aug 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Barry Helfand. The need for lawyers to stand up against abuse is greater today then ever before!"
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2017
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America, American Trial Lawyers Association
2012
Best Lawyer, Washingtonian Magazine
2012
Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America, American Trial Lawyers Association
2011
Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America, American Trial Lawyers Association
2010
Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America, American Trial Lawyers Association
2010
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
1963 - 1970
asst states atty from 1966-1970, ,law clerk to circuit ct judge,states atty for montgomery cty md
1966 - Present
bar assc montgomery cty mdmultiple positions including executive bd
involuntary manslaughter
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruthann_Aron
1963
JD - Juris Doctor
2013
criminal trial practice
2010
criminal procedure
2010
has given lectures on criminal law , criminal procedure and trial practice
2008
mock trial
2005
criminal practice
2000
search and seizures
2015
1998
1954
English
Legal Answers
Does the prosecution need to reveal that the victim/complaint is under investigation for a crime?
14 Mar 2023
District Court of Maryland, Annapolis PO Box ticket return, assuming court held in Annapolis (?), 3 questions . . .
19 Oct 2021
HHow can I press charges for filing false police report at me?
17 Oct 2021