Price Benowitz LLP was co-founded by DC personal injury lawyer Seth Price and criminal defense attorney David Benowitz.  These esteemed attorneys built the law firm on a commitment to providing exceptional legal representation in both criminal and civil matters.  The personal injury practice of Price Benowitz LLP is dedicated to protecting the rights and livelihood of those injured in accidents or harmed by medical malpractice.  We work aggressively to obtain the highest possible financial compensation for our clients involved in personal injury, medical malpractice, or wrongful death litigation.

Maryland personal injury lawyer Chamille Kittles leads the firm’s personal injury practice from the firm’s offices in Baltimore, Rockville, and Ellicott City.  Ms. Kittles and attorney Rabihah Scott handle the firm’s cases in Montgomery County, Howard County, and Prince George’s County, Maryland.  Both of these seasoned personal injury lawyers are licensed to practice in both DC and Maryland, and they handle the firm’s cases in both locations.

In Virginia, the personal injury practice of Price Benowitz LLP is headed by Virginia personal injury lawyer Thomas Soldan.  With offices in Leesburg and Fairfax, Virginia, Mr. Soldan represents the firm’s clients in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties.  An experienced and highly qualified attorney, Thomas Soldan is the current president of the Fauquier Bar Association and Insurance Regulation vice chair with the American Bar Association.

In addition to handling Virginia personal injury litigation for Price Benowitz LLP, Thomas Soldan also represents the firm as an experienced Virginia reckless driving lawyer.  Along with Mr. Soldan, attorneys Vanessa Hicks and Ann Thayer provide skillful and thorough defense against criminal traffic charges.  Virginia has some notoriously strict traffic laws, and penalties can be harsh for those charged with serious traffic violations.  Speeding, failure to yield, and illegal passing can result in reckless driving charges, punishable by fines, license suspension, and even jail time.  The Virginia reckless driving lawyers with Price Benowitz LLP can work to minimize or avoid consequences of a criminal traffic conviction, helping their clients preserve their driving privileges, their freedom, and their dignity.  Those charged with reckless driving, DUI, or driving with a suspended license should contact the Virginia offices of Price Benowitz LLP to set up a free case evaluation with a qualified Virginia reckless driving lawyer.

Offering high quality criminal defense and personal injury representation, the law firm of Price Benowitz LLP has established itself as a leader in the legal field.  Our clients enter the courtroom with the confidence that comes from knowing they are well represented by thorough, committed professionals who are determined to achieving results.  To find a DC personal injury lawyer, Maryland personal injury lawyer, Virginia personal injury lawyer, or Virginia reckless driving lawyer, call the Price Benowitz LLP office nearest you.

Being accused of any of these state or federal sex crimes can lead to the ultimate destruction of one's personal relationships, professional reputation, livelihood, and lifestyle.  For those convicted, prison sentences are often quite lengthy, with many Oklahoma sex crimes punishable by life in prison.  Upon completion of any prison sentences, many individuals are required to register for ten years to life as an Oklahoma Sex Offender, a designation which significantly restricts one's freedoms.

The scope of the legal profession as a whole is vast; within the fields of civil and criminal law, there are numerous practice areas.  When looking for an Oklahoma City criminal lawyer, it is important to find an attorney who is experienced handling your specific type of criminal charge.  For example, if you are charged with a Federal white collar crime in Oklahoma, an attorney who focuses his practice on DUI or misdemeanor criminal offenses is unlikely to provide the type of defense you need.

The Oklahoma City criminal defense practice of Phillips and Bailey offers skillful defense to those charged with misdemeanor crimes, felony crimes, and federal crimes in Oklahoma.  From DUI and theft to sex crimes and Federal offenses, the attorneys with Phillips and Bailey have a record of successful defense against a wide variety of crimes in Oklahoma County and across the state.

Oklahoma Criminal Defense Practice Areas

• Oklahoma DUI and Traffic Offenses:  DUI, DWI, and APC
• Oklahoma Sex Crimes and Federal Sex Offenses:  Rape, Lewd Acts with a Minor, Indecent Exposure, Internet Sex Crimes, Child Pornography,  Solicitation of a Minor
• Oklahoma Drug Crimes and Federal Drug Offenses:  Possession, Trafficking, Distribution, Manufacturing, and Cultivation
• Oklahoma Violent Crimes:  Gun Charges, Weapons Violations, Assault, Armed Robbery, Domestic Violence

At Phillips and Bailey, our experienced defense attorneys are committed to handling your case with discretion and with a dedication to providing the best possible outcome.  Our criminal defense practice also represents clients seeking to clear their record with an Oklahoma criminal record expungement, and we provide legal counsel to those accused of Oklahoma parole violations.

When you need an Oklahoma attorney, turn to a knowledgeable attorney who has successful experience representing clients in criminal cases similar to yours.  For a free review of your case, call the Oklahoma City criminal defense law office of Phillips and Bailey at 405-607-1177.

There are several important things to consider during an investigation, interview, and arrest:

• Remain calm. When you are approached by police, your first inclination--particularly if you are guilty of a criminal offense--may be to flee or to become argumentative and combative.  It is important to stay calm.  Do not panic or challenge authorities.  Fighting with police or attempting to elude police is sure to result in additional criminal charges that can complicate your case.
• Remain silent. Many people do not realize that they have the right to remain silent even before an arrest.  Just because police have not informed you of that right does not mean it doesn't exist. Do  not admit guilt; do not even try to protest your innocence.  Wait for counsel from your Oklahoma City defense attorney.
• Request a lawyer. You have the right to legal counsel for a reason.  Too often, people who are not aware of their rights end up compromising their case by attempting to "clear things up" or simply by speaking to police without the advice of an Oklahoma criminal attorney.  Tell police immediately that you want a lawyer.  They will not be able to question you further without your attorney present.

Additionally, once you have an Oklahoma City criminal defense lawyer handling your case, other aspects of the criminal justice process will go more smoothly.  Your attorney can help you understand how to get out of jail by posting a cash bond or hiring a bondsman.  He or she will help you understand the possible ramifications of your criminal misdemeanor or felony charge, and can help you make wise decisions about your defense options.  Your attorney will keep you notified of all of your court dates and required court appearances to avoid further complications from a failure to appear in court.

If you are arrested in Oklahoma County, act immediately to find an Oklahoma City defense lawyer who will protect your rights and your defense throughout the justice process.

Justice is not only about punishing the guilty or defending the innocent.  Certainly these things are a part of justice, but so is the protection of one's constitutional rights.  Thanks to criminal defense lawyers in Oklahoma, many defendants who were convicted in the media had their cases dismissed or were acquitted at trial because of insufficient, circumstantial, or otherwise flawed evidence.  Newspapers, television news, and online media present a side of the story that is often lurid and designed to capture attention and boost ratings.  The truth is often obscured by one-sided presentation of supposed evidence; in fighting for a fair trial, criminal lawyers protect their clients by uncovering the truth and challenging faulty or illegal evidence.

While not every case ends in dismissal or acquittal, true justice includes not only a fair trial and due process, but also a punishment that does not exceed justice.  Inflated charges may be reduced, and favorable sentencing options may be negotiated.  Through negotiation, plea agreements, and skillful defense, an Oklahoma criminal lawyer can help his or her clients avoid unnecessary consequences and achieve the best possible outcome.

For more than fifteen years, the Oklahoma criminal attorneys with Phillips & Bailey have been upholding justice for clients in and around Oklahoma City.  Our history of success includes more than a decade of dismissals and acquittals for those charged with sex crimes, violent crimes, drug offenses, DUI, and white collar crimes and fraud cases.  Through these positive outcomes, many Oklahomans are able to spend this holiday with their loved ones, rather than locked away behind bars through a miscarriage of justice.  For that, we are truly thankful.

A plea agreement or plea bargain is a legal transaction in which the defendant pleads guilty to the original charge or pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for some type of incentive, generally a reduced sentence.  Incentives for negotiating a plea arrangement include:

• Reduction in the number of charges against the defendant
• Reduction in the severity of the charges faced by the defendant
• Reduction in the sentence
• Avoidance of prolonged justice process and drawn out trial

In other words, a client accused of a felony may be able to plea guilty to a lesser, but related, misdemeanor charge, limiting jail time and avoiding legal restrictions placed on a convicted felon (for example, the right to own firearms).  Misdemeanor charges can also be reduced.  A first offense DUI charge may be negotiated to a reckless driving plea.  In some cases, a plea of guilt or no contest allows the defendant to be sentenced to time served, effectively allowing his or her freedom at the end of trial instead of a prolonged jail or prison sentence.

Other benefits of a plea bargain include less stigma associated with the criminal record, in the number of convictions or severity of convictions; limiting the expenses associated with trial; fewer hassles; avoiding the publicity of a trial; preventing the implication of others; and resolving the matter quickly.

It is important to remember that the judge has the right to reject the plea agreement, but generally, prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers in Oklahoma will work to reach an outcome that will be acceptable by all parties, including the judge presiding over the case.  For the best result, the defendant will want to work with a defense attorney who is a skilled negotiator.

In any case, it is imperative that the Oklahoma criminal lawyer and his or her client have an open line of communication to discuss the best defense strategy, whether that defense involves the assertion of the defendant's innocence or a plea bargain for minimal impact upon conviction.

Someone accused of a sex crime--particularly a sex crime against a child--may be ostracized by his or her neighbors, church, co-workers, and even friends and family.  Oklahoma sex crime defense requires skilled legal counsel from an attorney experienced at handling sex offense cases.

Sex crimes lawyers in Oklahoma must be skilled investigators, negotiators, and trial attorneys.  They must be equipped to handle all the nuances of sex crime defense and be adequately prepared for each stage of the case, from initial investigations through any possible post-sentencing proceedings:

• Initial client interviews
• Criminal investigation
• Police questioning
• Witness interviews
• Psychosexual examinations
• Scientific evidence
• Media attention

Depending on the unique circumstances of each case, an attorney will develop a defense strategy to work for the best possible outcome.  For example, the case of former Oklahoma City police officer Maurice Martinez, 45, has captured local media attention.  Martinez was accused of the sexual abuse of three adopted sons and a former foster son, and has been charged with 32 felony counts.  However, the case is rife with complications and twists, with allegations of evidence tampering, a botched police investigation, a break-in to Martinez's house, and conflicting witness statements from former foster children in Martinez's care.  Most currently, Martinez's Oklahoma City sex abuse defense attorneys point to the results of a psychosexual examination.  According to the counselor conducting the exam, Martinez has “no significant interest in males of any age.”  His defense attorneys are using the results of the assessment as grounds to ask the judge to reconsider his decision to deny bail to the former police officer.  Because the examination and the counselor's findings contradict the allegations against their client, his attorneys request that bail be granted.

Sex crime defense attorneys work to protect the rights of the accused throughout a criminal process that favors victims' rights.  Whether a defendant is falsely accused or the victim of his or her own bad decisions, a skilled criminal attorney will work to ensure a fair and just legal process.

So what are a defendant's rights?

First, anyone questioned by police or investigators has the right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination.  Unfortunately, many people do not realize that their right to silence is in place even before an arrest.  Police are not required to read you your Miranda rights unless and until you have been arrested.  However, you may refuse to speak with authorities at any time.  If you are questioned by police, it is important to remember that they are likely trying to get evidence against you.  Anything you say, even if you are just trying to "straighten things up," explain your side, or defend your innocence, can be manipulated and used against you by skillful prosecutors.  It is generally recommended that you decline to answer any questions or make any statements until you have spoken with a criminal attorney in Oklahoma.

In fact, the right to have counsel is among the most significant of a defendant's rights.  It is important to realize that legal counsel is deemed so critical to a defendant's justice that it is a Constitutional right under the Sixth Amendment:  ""In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right . . . to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense."  By hiring an Oklahoma defense lawyer, you protect all other rights in a criminal investigation and trial.

Court rulings have held that the Sixth Amendment right to counsel is not just the right to any attorney, but the right to adequate and effective counsel:

• "The right to counsel is the right to the effective assistance of counsel." (McMann v. Richardson, 1970)
• A defendant has the right to "effective aid in the preparation and trial of the case." (Powell v. Alabama, 1932)
• "The right to counsel prevents the States from conducting trials at which persons who face incarceration must defend themselves without adequate legal assistance." (Cuyler v. Sullivan, 1980)

A defendant can protect his right to effective counsel by hiring an Oklahoma criminal defense attorney with a reputation for integrity and professionalism and with a proven record of success.

Other defendant's rights include the right to a speedy trial, the right to a jury of one's peers, the right to an impartial jury, the right to confront one's accuser and prosecution witnesses, the right to produce evidence for the defense, and the right to testify on one's own behalf.  In some cases, some of these rights may not hold true.  For example, in juvenile cases, a defendant would not have the right to a jury of other juveniles, and in child molestation cases, a defendant does not have the right to confront a child accuser.  However, a qualified attorney can explain your rights and your options, and can pursue the best outcome to your case.

To maximize the protection of your rights as a defendant in a criminal case, uphold your right to effective counsel by calling an experienced Oklahoma criminal defense attorney.

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that more than 6 million Americans annually suffer debilitating injuries as a result of preventable accidents.  When accident victims are injured as a result of the negligence or carelessness of another individual, business, or organization, they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.  A personal injury attorney can help hold accountable those whose irresponsibility or recklessness caused the injury.

The Oklahoma City personal injury lawyers with Phillips & Bailey handle personal injury litigation and tort claims for personal injury accidents and professional negligence:

• Medical Malpractice
• Auto Accidents
• Child Injury
• Defective Products
• Premise Liability
• Construction Site Accidents

Whether you were injured as a result of a slip and fall on poorly maintained property, a car accident caused by a distracted driver, or the medical negligence of a health care provider, an Oklahoma City personal injury attorney with the law firm of Phillips & Bailey can pursue your case to help you gain the financial compensation you deserve.  Our accident attorneys and medical malpractice lawyers are dedicated to negotiating a fair settlement or litigating a favorable judgment to protect your recovery and your financial peace of mind.

Many white collar crimes, such as various types of fraud, are Federal offenses, as are certain sex crimes and computer and internet crimes.  Federal crimes include:

• Fraud:  Accounting Fraud, Bankruptcy Fraud, Bank Fraud, Health Care Fraud, Internet Fraud, Securities Fraud, Social Security Fraud, Tax Fraud, Mail Fraud, and Wire Fraud
• Antitrust Violations
• Child Pornography
• Kidnapping
• Computer Crimes:  Computer Hacking, Computer-Related Sex Crimes, Internet Sex Crimes
• Tax Evasion
• Drug Crimes:  Drug Manufacturing, Drug Trafficking, Drug Distribution
• Conspiracy
• Corporate Crimes
• Counterfeiting
• Customs Violations
• Espionage
• Export/Import Crimes
• Gun Law Violations
• Immigration Law Violations
• Money Laundering
• Multi-Level Marketing
• RICO Crimes
• Terrorism
• Weapons Charges

The expanse of Federal law violations is vast, covering a number of various crimes.  While these offenses may be prosecuted at the state level, more serious cases are investigated and prosecuted by a department or agency of the United States government.  Federal agencies often involved in prosecuting Federal crimes in Oklahoma include:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• United States Marshals Service (USMS)
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• United States Secret Service (USSS)

If you are being investigated by any of these groups, or if you have been charged with a Federal crime, you face an extremely serious legal battle.  A Federal case is not a matter to be taken lightly.  Seek immediate counsel and representation from an Oklahoma criminal lawyer with detailed experience defending clients in Federal court.