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Craig Michael Kadish
also known as Craig M. Kadish, Esq., Craig Kadish
About Craig
Biography
Craig Kadish is a seasoned criminal defense attorney whose career has been devoted to defending individuals facing some of the most serious accusations under state and federal law. His work encompasses a wide range of cases, including those involving allegations of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) such as production, possession, distribution, or receipt, as well as homicide, drug conspiracy, rape, and other major offenses. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation for his thoughtful strategy, courtroom skill, and deep commitment to protecting his clients’ rights.
Mr. Kadish recognizes that the period following a criminal charge is often one of the most difficult and confusing times in a person’s life. He approaches each case with personal attention and care, ensuring that every aspect of the defense is prepared with precision and purpose. His clients benefit not only from his extensive experience but also from his empathy and understanding of the emotional toll that criminal proceedings can bring to defendants and their families.
A graduate of The George Washington University, Mr. Kadish went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. He is licensed to practice in Maryland and has represented clients in courts throughout the state and across the federal system.
Beyond his work in the courtroom, Mr. Kadish is committed to advancing the field of criminal law through education and mentorship. He regularly lectures at continuing legal education programs, serves as a mock trial judge at the University of Baltimore School of Law, and has trained numerous young lawyers through his teaching of constitutional law and criminal trial practice and procedure. In 2024, he authored a comprehensive course on defending CSAM cases in federal court, sharing insights drawn from years of experience handling these complex matters.
Mr. Kadish’s dedication to excellence, ethical integrity, and leadership has earned him the respect of his peers and the trust of his clients. His practice reflects both a rigorous understanding of the law and a human-centered approach to advocacy, grounded in the belief that every person deserves a strong and principled defense.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Child Abuse
20%
37 years
Criminal Defense
20%
37 years
Federal Crime
20%
37 years
Sex Crime
20%
37 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Maryland for 35 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Location
Craig M. Kadish & Associates Main Office
111 South Calvert Street, Suite 2805, Baltimore, MD, 21202
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Craig Michael Kadish's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
65 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (65)
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (37)
Lawsuits & Disputes (16)
Drug Crime (2)
Expungement (2)
Litigation (2)
Sex Crime (2)
Appeals (1)
Business (1)
Child Abuse (1)
Consumer Protection (1)
DUI & DWI (1)
Domestic Violence (1)
Employment & Labor (1)
Federal Regulation (1)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (1)
Violent Crime (1)
Showing 51 - 55 of 65 reviews
Posted by William | August 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Maryland
If you meet with Craig, you will know immediately why I say he is excellent in criminal defense. His vast experience and knowledge of the system, processes and people gives him an advantage over his peers. He is honest and up front and his law firm is there 24/7. I was charged with 2 misdemeanors ...
Posted by ryan | June 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
The A Team
Craig failed at nothing. My case went exactly as he had said it would from the very beginning. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. His team excelled in all my expectations, and left no stone unturned. I highly recommend this firm.
Posted by Rick Boulay | June 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney
The Best, Results Driven and Honest
Craig is extremely intelligent and there is a reason he has maintained a profile as a premier attorney for a long time. We certainly would look to Craig again in the future for any legal needs
Posted by anonymous | June 12, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Consumer Protection
THANK YOU MR. KADISH
Mr. Kadish represented me in a federal civil case brought on by the FTC as a result of my past employer. This wasn't his normal realm of work but I was suggested to him through a mutual friend and he took the case with zero reluctance. His communication was consistent and extremely direct from the be...
Posted by Deborah Lea H. | March 02, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Craig and Oleg!! Best Criminal Attorneys In Maryland.
Exceeded my expectations and was well worth the fee. They both helped me through the process with ease and my case was aquitted. I would recommend either attorneys for representation. No one wants to hire a lawyer but if you must, Craig and Oleg are the ones to trust.
Craig Michael Kadish's Lawyer Endorsements
"I highly recommend Craig Kadish. Craig is a skillful attorney and is obsessed with making sure every one of his clients gets the best representation possible."
"As a tax attorney, my clients are frequently faced with many different issues. If they are facing criminal charges, it is necessary for them to have a good criminal defense attorney. Craig is a zealous advocate for his clients. His relationships and reputation among the Maryland Bar, in addition to his courtroom demeanor, make him one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the State."
"As a DUI attorney myself of 18 years I endorse Mr. Kadish. An aggressive and innovative DUI/DWI defense attorney"
"Mr. Kadish is an outstanding attorney. Passionate and energetic, he represents his clients with the highest level of skill, obtaining great results time and time again. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. One of the most respected and aggressive criminal attorneys I know. Truly knows his craft and will stop at nothing to obtain the best possible results for all his clients."
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This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2025
Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer
2025
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
The Power List - Criminal Law, The Daily Record
2024
Client's Choice, AVVO
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2023
Client's Choice, AVVO
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2022
Client's Choice, AVVO
2022
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Client's Choice, AVVO
2021
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2020
Client's Choice, AVVO
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2019
Client's Choice, AVVO
2018
Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine
2018
Client's Choice, AVVO
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Client's Choice, AVVO
2016
Top 100 Criminal Trial Lawyers, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2016
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2016
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2016
Client's Choice, AVVO
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Client's Choice, AVVO
2015
Nation’s Top One Percent Criminal Defense Attorneys, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2014
Client's Choice, AVVO
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2014
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2013
Client's Choice, AVVO
2012
Client's Choice, AVVO
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
N/A
Top 10 DUI & DWI Attorneys, National Advocacy of DUI Defense
N/A
Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers, National Advocacy of DUI Defense
Work Experience
2007 - Present
Professor of Law and Criminal Justice, Maryland State Police Academy
2000 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorney, Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC
Associations
1990 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember
1990 - Present
Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys' AssociationMember
2000 - 2012
Baltimore City Bar AssociationJudicial Nominating Commission
1996 - 2000
Maryland State Bar Association, Planning CommitteeMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Charges thrown out in narcotics case
Following intense pressure by Mr. Kadish, all charges were thrown out.
Johns Hopkins physician cleared of manslaughter charges after DUI
No Conviction
2012 RAPE AT THE BEACH – NOT GUILTY
After the State presented three days of witness testimony, and after each witness had been expertly cross-examined by Mr. Kadish, the Judge dismissed the entire case, finding the Defendant not guilty of all counts.
Murder Charges Dismissed
In 2008, after trial had begun, the father chose to plead guilty to a lesser offense of child abuse resulting in death, in exchange for dismissal of the murder charges.
Canadian truck driver charged with international drug smuggling
Mr. Kadish was able to resolve the case without any additional incarceration.
Rape charges dropped against U.S. Senate candidate
Client proven innocent
Education
1990
University of Maryland School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
George Washington University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2025
The Baltimore Sun
Criminal Law Expert Commentator
2025
Baltimore County Homicide
Baltimore County Homicide
2025
Baltimore County Detectives
Baltimore County Detectives
2014
University of Baltimore School of Law
Mock Trial Judge
2009
Continuing Legal Education Classes
Criminal Law for Non-Criminal Attorneys
2000
Maryland State Bar Association
The Reasonable Fee Seminar
Publications
2025
Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC
Case Results
2025
Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC
Testimonials
2025
Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC
Blog
2011
Maryland State Police Training Manual Courtroom Procedure and Protocol
Maryland State Police Training Manual
2011
Maryland State Police Training Manual
Maryland State Police Lesson Plan and Training Regimen
Languages
English