Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
28 Client Reviews
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James Neil Papirmeister
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JAMES N PAPIRMEISTER, ESQ.:
DESCRIPTIONSelected in 2015 Washington DC/Maryland Super Lawyers for Criminal , 2014 by Washingtonian Magazine in "Top Lawyers: Criminal Defense".Selected for 2015 Bar Register of PreEminent Lawyers.
"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.
- 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
Driver of Armored Car Gets 18 Months
Suspect Freed, Man Arrested After Voluntary Testimony
Judge Revises Sentence for Man Who Killed His Wife
Clinton Man Sentenced to Tolerance Program
Trial Avoided in Killing
Judge Rules Mistrial in 'Samaritan' Killing
Officer Cleared in Cameraman's Injury
Lack of Speedy Trial Results in Dismissal of Assault Case
Teacher Cleared in Teen's Death
Woman Acquitted of Manslaughter in Wreck
Respected Criminal Prosecutor Resigns
Killer No Match for 'Minute Man'
A Win for Embattled Bethesda Physician
Driver of Armored Car Gets 18 Months
Suspect Freed, Man Arrested After Voluntary Testimony
Judge Revises Sentence for Man Who Killed His Wife
Clinton Man Sentenced to Tolerance Program
Trial Avoided in Killing
Judge Rules Mistrial in 'Samaritan' Killing
Officer Cleared in Cameraman's Injury
Lack of Speedy Trial Results in Dismissal of Assault Case
Teacher Cleared in Teen's Death
Woman Acquitted of Manslaughter in Wreck
Respected Criminal Prosecutor Resigns
Killer No Match for 'Minute Man'
Premier defense lawyer since 1986 helping Marylanders. Call now for a free consultation.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
33%
40 years
DUI and DWI
30%
40 years
Violent Crime
15%
40 years
Juvenile Law
10%
40 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in District of Columbia for 36 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Licensed in Maryland for 39 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
Location
JAMES N. PAPIRMEISTER, ESQ.
(240) 654-0559
Mobile
8630 FENTON STREET, SUITE 320, SILVER SPRING, MD, 20910
criminalfirm.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find James online.
James Neil Papirmeister's Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Character & Conduct
Posted by Lasonya | October 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Credible Lawyer
Mr. P is an outstanding attorney who truly goes above and beyond for his clients. He defended my family member and came highly recommended—and now I understand why. He is incredibly knowledgeable in the law, straightforward, and honest, giving you the good, the bad, and the ugly while always working ...
Posted by EB(MrsB) | August 09, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Maryland
Mr James Papirmeister is the best criminal defense lawyer in Maryland. If you want a criminal lawyer look no further. He’s the best. Mr Papirmeister handled my Peace Order case and criminal case (Both streamed out of the same issue) which was a silly case to begin with but to me it was a matter ...
Posted by anonymous | August 09, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Outstanding Attorney
If there is a rating higher than outstanding, I gladly rate Mr. Papirmeister as such. Mr. Papirmeister is a first class, highly respected attorney. He is thorough and meticulously chart out his strategy for a case, and methodically follows that plan. He works diligently behind the scenes with othe...
Posted by anonymous | October 13, 2017 | Hired Attorney
THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS
Mr Papirmeister has restored my faith in the legal profession. The most caring, compassionate, knowledgeable and competent lawyer I have ever met. He delivers what he promises. He defies all the stereotypes painted of attorneys. His office staff is awesome. We were facing a very serious and seemingl...
Posted by Boris | May 02, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Excellent Criminal Lawyer!
At some point in their lives, almost everybody encounters a difficult moment that requires the engagement of not just a lawyer, but a very good lawyer who can truly protect your rights in an ethical yet aggressive manner, and can succeed in restoring your dignity. That point in my life came at the e...
James Neil Papirmeister's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. James is a walking legal encyclopedia and has a very good knowledge of Maryland law."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse James 100%. He's one of the very best for P.G. County criminal or traffic."
"Mr. Papirmeister is an outstanding criminal defense attorney with tremendous knowledge of the law and evidence."
"Jim is a wonderful lawyer who truly breathes, eats and no doubt dreams about the law! There are a select few practitioners who are refered to as, "a lawyer's lawyer" - Jim epitomizes this well deserved term."
Paul Zukerberg
General practice lawyer
Michael Diamond
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Robert Bonsib
Criminal defense lawyer
Rebecca Cosca
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Scott Strickler
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
CRIMINAL DEFENSE, Washington DC Super Lawyers
2014
"TOP LAWYERS: CRIMINAL DEFENSE", Washingtonian Magazine
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2005
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2004
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2003
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2002
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2001
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2000
"Among Criminal Defense Lawyers Widely Respected For Their Work", Washington Post Article on Top Criminal Defense Attorneys
2000
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1999
"A Highly Regarded Criminal Defense Lawyer", Washington Post Article on Top Criminal Defense Attorneys
1999
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1998
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1997
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1996
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
1995 - Present
CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY, LAW OFFICES OF JAMES N PAPIRMEISTER
Associations
Prince George's County Bar Association
Member
Montgomery County Bar Association
Member
Maryland State Bar Association
Member
District of Columbia Bar Association
Member
Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association
Member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
STATE OF MARYLAND v SORORITY SISTER
All charges dismissed.
STATE OF MARYLAND v. POLICE OFFICER
misdemeanor with no conviction, no jail and early expungement granted.
STATE OF MARYLAND v. MEDICAL DOCTOR
Both cases resulted in full acquittals as to all charges
Education
1985
University of Maryland School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1981
University of Maryland, College Park
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2001
37th Annual Deborah T. Creek Criminal Practice Institute
"The Wrongfully Convicted"
1997
GUEST SPEAKER
CRIMINAL LAW
1997
CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLASS
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
1996
CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLASS LECTURER
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Publications
2000
APPEAL BRIEF, AND REPLY BRIEF
STATE OF MARYLAND v. BRISCOE
1998
APPEAL BRIEF AND REPLY BRIEF
STATE OF MARYLAND v. JANES
Languages
French
Activity
Legal Answers