"18 years as an AV-rated attorney, the highest rating obtainable."
- Martindale Hubbell's Peer Review Rating, 1996-2015.

"Selected in 1996-2015 Bar Register of pre-eminent lawyers."
- Bar Register, 1996-2015

"Among criminal defense lawyers who are widely respected for their work."
- Washington Post, January 5, 2000

"A highly regarded criminal defense lawyer."
- Washington Post, June 2, 1999

For over 28 years, James N. Papirmeister has handled criminal cases, first as a judicial law clerk, then as a prosecutor and, for the last 17+ years, as a criminal defense attorney. He has defended thousands of clients facing serious criminal charges.

With many years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer and as a prosecutor with the Office of the State's Attorney for Prince George's County, James Papirmeister understands what it takes to successfully defend clients against felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile charges. As a former prosecutor, in fact, Mr. Papirmeister earned his reputation as the "Minute Man" for his ability to convince a jury of a defendant's guilt in just minutes. (Click on the related newpaper article below). This same level of determined legal tenacity now extends to helping his clients with all their various criminal defense-related needs.

James Papirmeister’s firm has represented countless clients involved in high-profile cases over the years, for the last 17 of which he has earned an AV-rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s peer review rating system, the “highest possible review rating for legal ability and ethical standards.” This means that he has gained the respect of the state’s legal community for his highly skilled representation. He has been selected in the 2014 Bar Register of Pre-eminent Lawyers, limited to only the most distinguished law practices, receiving the highest rating for legal ability and the highest rating for ethics and adherence to the professional standards of conduct, ethics, reliability and diligence.

Mr. Papirmeister's clients include doctors, lawyers, psychologists, politicians, athletes, schoolteachers, musicians, accountants, plumbers, electricians, contractors, and computer installers and programmers…not to mention the average man, woman and child of our community. He also represents federal and state law enforcement agents, officers, and employees.

If you are facing criminal charges or are under investigation, you need someone who will protect your rights. Even a misdemeanor conviction can result in jail time, a substantial fine, loss of employment, deportation or other immigration consequences, and the social stigma of being a convicted criminal. Never underestimate the importance of hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney.

8630 Fenton Street, Suite 320, Silver Spring, MD 20910 · Get Directions

. Click on the articles below, which are just a sampling of the many articles in major local newspapers about some of the cases handled by James Papirmeister: 

A Win for Embattled Bethesda Physician
http://www.criminal-firm.com/CM/NewspaperArticles/A-Win-For-Embattled-Bethesda-Physician.asp

Driver of Armored Car Gets 18 Months
http://www.criminal-firm.com/CM/NewspaperArticles/Driver-of-Armored-Car-Gets-18-Months.asp

Suspect Freed, Man Arrested After Voluntary Testimony
http://www.criminal-firm.com/CM/NewspaperArticles/Suspect-Freed.asp

Judge Revises Sentence for Man Who Killed His Wife
http://www.criminal-firm.com/CM/NewspaperArticles/Judge-Revises-Sentence.asp

Clinton Man Sentenced to Tolerance Program
http://www.criminal-firm.com/CM/NewspaperArticles/Clinton-Man-Sentenced-to-Toerance-Program.asp

Trial Avoided in Killing
http://www.criminal-firm.com/CM/NewspaperArticles/Trial-Avoided.asp

Judge Rules Mistrial in 'Samaritan' Killing
http://www.criminal-firm.com/CM/NewspaperArticles/Judge-Rules-Mistrial.asp

Officer Cleared in Cameraman's Injury
http://www.criminal-firm.com/CM/NewspaperArticles/Officer-Cleared.asp

Lack of Speedy Trial Results in Dismissal of Assault Case
http://www.criminal-firm.com/CM/NewspaperArticles/Lack-Speedy-Trial.asp

Teacher Cleared in Teen's Death
http://www.criminal-firm.com/CM/NewspaperArticles/Teacher-Cleared.asp

Woman Acquitted of Manslaughter in Wreck
http://www.criminal-firm.com/CM/NewspaperArticles/Woman-Acquitted.asp

Respected Criminal Prosecutor Resigns
http://www.criminal-firm.com/CM/NewspaperArticles/Respected-Criminal-Prosecutor-Resigns.asp

Killer No Match for 'Minute Man'
http://www.criminal-firm.com/CM/NewspaperArticles/Minute-Man.asp