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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
62 years | 15,000 cases
62 years | 5,000 cases
62 years
62 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
34 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | May 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Sex Crime
Mr. Helfand saved my life
I was facing sexual assault allegations Mr Helfand listened in intently and handled the situation . he knows the law like the back of his hand and I would recommend him to anyone when you get you into with the law
Posted by LaVerne | April 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
My Angel, You can put your life in his hands!!!!
Where do I begin. I hired Barry for 3 felony charges. Barry and his staff members kept me informed every step of the way with phone calls and letters which thoroughly explained the legal process. My cases was a complex to say the least. Barry was so involved and devised a strategy in an attempt t...
Posted by Skip | March 03, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent Representation
When I first met Mr. Helfand, he presented a confidence that comes only with knowledge and experience. Not only did his manner put me at ease, but he put at ease my opponents in my case. Mr. Helfand was able to resolve my case in my favor before it ever went to trial. If there is a better pos...
Posted by anonymous | September 24, 2009 | Criminal Defense
Barry Helfand Is The BEST Lawyer In Maryland- PERIOD.
I hired Barry Helfand in 2008, to help me appeal two drug related charges. Mr. Helfand spent time with me and my family- going over details of the case. He listened to everything I said, asked questions, and helped me strategize a solid legal defense and we went to trial. Barry skillfully cross...
Posted by anonymous | September 24, 2009 | Drug Crime
Barry Helfand Is The Ultimate Criminal Defense Lawyer.
I hired Barry Helfand in 2008, to help me appeal two drug related charges. Mr. Helfand spent time with me and my family- going over details of the case. He listened to everything I said, asked questions, and helped me strategize a solid legal defense and we went to trial. Barry skillfully cros...
"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
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