Jonathan L Katz

To make a long story short, I had an almost unwinnable case (admitted to having drank, accident, breath over .15), 2 previous alcohol related charges in college (dismissed, but still), AND I was arrested for drunk in public between court dates for this DUI case... My case went to trial, I was found ...Not Guilty, and the case was dismissed. To be fair, we got lucky and had a lot of things go our way, but you partly make your own luck, and Jon's preparedness, experience and fight directly led to a lot of ours. He got a plea deal, with no jail time, a restricted license, and my drunk in public dismissed (pretty fantastic outcome). However, Jon was always on the lookout for any inch extra we could gain, and after he found the breath tech didn't show up, we scrapped that plan and plead not guilty. He kept me informed the entire time, kept the expert witness we had informed and in the loop, and made me feel comfortable and kept things lighthearted with well timed jokes the whole time. Jon had his office staff submit papers to the prosecutors office saying they had to give us notice if they wanted it continued, b/c of the expert witness, and that made the judge deny the prosecutors request to continue again. During the trial, he was prepared, kept me informed, and had a punch and counter-punch for everything, making the prosecutor look completely unprepared. After the verdict, he was almost as happy as I was! He genuinely loves helping and fighting for his clients. I would recommend Jon to anyone. He is expensive, and because he does so much high level work, things below DUI are not very cost effective, just because of his lost opportunity cost if he took them. However, he was very helpful in providing help and ideas for my other case, and recommending several other very high quality lawyers. Overall, the best lawyer I could have hoped for, and got the best outcome I could have hoped for. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

In December 2013, I got in car accident (no one else was involved) and was arrested for DUI. I’m only 22 and had never been in trouble with the law so I was extremely scared. My father and I immediately began to search for a lawyer. During this search it was extremely disappointing because most of... the places I had contacted made me feel as if I was just another client. I understand lawyers are busy but many of the law firms I checked out, it was almost impossible to get in contact with the lawyer. But instead was only dealing with their assistants. After coming across Jon’s information I decided to meet him in person. Within the first couple of minutes, I was convinced he was the lawyer for me. I am very happy I made that decision. Jon was able to make a plea bargain with the prosecutor, to reduce the DUI charge to reckless driving. Instead of having 1 year with restricted licenses, Jon was able to get it down to 6 months. He was not only able to get the time reduced but also was able to have it changed to where I could drive to/from work, basketball games, grocery shopping, church, and run earrings for my grandparents. This was such a good deal; my probation officer was so shock the judge would allow all of these exemptions. Jon has truly mastered the art of being just aggressive enough to get what he want without coming off as disrespectful. I also believe his great reputation within the DMW area helps as well. If you are looking for a lawyer who truly cares about your well-being and is not money hungry, look no more. Jon is very hands on with his cases and is reachable early in the mornings until VERY late at nights. His commitment and expertise is worth way more than he charges. If you wish you had a close relative in the business, you can’t get much closer than this. If you are reading this thank you Jon Katz AND your awesome team for everything!!!!!!

I had a simple but a tough case because of the county the incident took place, my line of profession and immigration status. I was scared, better say terrified. My immigration attorney recommended Jon and I set up an appointment immediately. After our first meeting I hired him. Before meeting with Jo...n I met with 3 attorneys and all of them told me the same thing: I had to plead guilty and hope that the prosecutor would agree to a plea bargain. But Jon was totally different; he was realistic but also had a strategy that was well thought out. We both had work ahead of us but it was much better than sitting around and hoping for the best. Jon believed in being extremely prepared and going to court as if we would be going for trial. When I asked him why do all this work; he said, if you go to settle it will more likely go to trial. But if you go to trial it will more likely settle. His initial fee was relatively hire than the other 3 attorneys however Jon works relentlessly. He always finds time to return calls, emails and if you call in advance meet with you in person. I recall the night before my court date (which was a Sunday) Jon was still editing,from home the letters that my immigration attorney delayed in delivering!! When we arrived to court on Monday we were ready more than any of the other people. The prosecutor was very tough and was not willing to compromise. Jon did not get discouraged with the prosecutors negative act, and he immediately approached to the supervising prosecutor. I was so scared that when I look back all the people are a blur except Jon. I remember him walking very quickly back and forth, strategizing the case, keeping me well informed and exploring every option possible. Finally Jon came back with a deal that I was not prepared at all. Looking back If it wouldn't have been for Jon I still don't think I would have accepted the prosecutor's offer. But Jon talked with me why it's beneficial not only for the case but for my employment status as well. So I accepted the offer and the outcome even though was difficult, for reasons I would not like to share, turned out to be the best. Thanks to Jon, my immigration status is in good standing so as my employment:) Jon if you are reading this, you know who I am. I am sure there were times (plenty) that I drove you crazy with endless questions, emails and worries. But you made me feel very important every time I reached out to you. Even though your answers are always short and to the point, and it took me a while to get used to your abrupt ways, I know it was tough love at the end. I wish you all the best and a big THANK YOU!

Jon Katz is the best DWI / DUI lawyer in Maryland, Virginia and DC. His legal knowledge is unsurpassed. My case was a DUI / DWI in Frederick, MD. When we met for trial he told me "you own me today" since I was paying him to represent me. He was working on other cases while we were waiting my case to ...be called up. He was constantly in and out of the court restrategizing my case. When he detecting me getting nervous or distracted he talk about something or tell a joke to lighten me up. His team at his office every bit as good as he is. They always got back to me with answers and Jon does as well. He's very easy to communicate with. I ended up be aquitted of DWI / DUI and only got PBJ Driving Impaired / Alcohol which is a much less charge and unsupervised probation. Even after the case was done I needed needed an Emergency Motion sent to the judge for me to relocate for a new job. Jon was on it faster than I could say "Jon could you..". All in all you get what you pay for and his are reasonable.

How does one pose a review without coming across the fanboy? I decided it is impossible, but I waited two months to pose this review to let the emotions settle. Earlier this year I found myself facing a situation I had no experience handling; I was angry, lost, angry, clueless where to turn, and f...lipping angry. I was charged with assault/battery. I turned to the web and found a respected lawyer, but when I went to discuss my case I ended up with someone who did not engender confidence. I left horrified by his disposition and projection of the case. I was going to jail. I was ready to hire that lawyer impatiently ready to move forward, but something prodded me to research more. I found Mr. Jon Katz. Jon and I bumped heads initially as I prefer email and though he uses it the output is limited, he would not tell me his fee via email, but I liked what I read about him and decided to risk it and sacrifice more time for him to assess my situation. I will never forget my first sight of the man. The impression invigorated; his countenance experienced, the equanimity settled me before a word was said about the case. We went over the case and I was lifted far from the depths of hell I had lived the previous 48hours after the first lawyer. We discussed the case and I learned to love the man for his boundless energy for his profession; he loves trying to help us. We discussed everything he needed and I was tasked with homework. The last thing I expected and certainly nothing like it from the other lawyer. I am not sure Jon knows, but it did wonders for me when he said I have homework. I have no idea how he addresses other cases, but I had homework. It snapped me out of my funk. I had things to do, to focus on, to strengthen my case as I was in trouble but not as was presented by the lying sob who called the police. Jon made time for me when needed, in-person and especially by phone, from the beginning to the end. There is nothing like he gets your money and fades with this guy. Throughout he is full of energy, and encouraging. He is busy, but makes time. He is like a machine such is his commitment to us. You may be like I was suffocating in a puddle of my own stupidity for allowing myself to fail as I did. You may not realize it now, but depression is a likely enemy waiting for you. I think he knows this as he does a great job keeping the roots in the ground and he does so honestly. It was a struggle, but he helped me cope. I must say after reading and hearing for most of my life about unscrupulous underhanded defense lawyers, this man is a genuine and honest soul. At no point did he try to whip up something dishonest or encourage or lead me to fabricate a path he could use to strengthen my case. In my opinion, he does not need that as the power of his expertise and personality does wonders just walking in the court room. I am sure he does not win every case as some are not winnable--mine was not, but he got my charge lessened and saved me from jail. He performed a miracle for me, and it is clear from the other reviewers I am not alone. On a personal note about the man, I have never met such a lively interesting mind as Jon Katz. There is a reason why he is regularly on major media outlets providing his respected opinion. This is a great man, and if you are still wondering if you should research further for the person to help you through the legal mess you are in, then I wish you well. I am convinced had I went with the first lawyer, I would be in jail right now. I wish you well with your choice as it could be the biggest of your life. This man is a fighter and fighting for us. NOTE: I plan to pose this sentiment on several sites in my support of Jon and to help others get closer to making a choice. I mention this as it may seem suspicious to some that the same post or very similar is on other sites. I do not like writing and have no intention of creating new reviews for every site.