Does my criminal defense attorney represent me forever?

When you hire a criminal defense attorney after a Howard County arrest you need to make sure you understand what their representation covers.

Typically, a criminal defense lawyer’s fee does not include post conviction appearances like an appeal or motion for modification.

But, does your attorney’s appearance automatically get stricken from the record after you are convicted?

Attorney Appearance Expires After Appeal Period

According to Maryland law, your criminal attorney’s appearance terminates automatically after 30 days.

The law states:

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the appearance of an attorney-at-law in any case before a court in the State terminates automatically on the expiration of an appeal period during which no party enters an appeal from a final judgment.

(b) On the motion of the court that has jurisdiction over a case or on the motion of a party, the court may suspend the termination of appearance under subsection (a) of this section.

So, if you want to appeal your case with the same attorney, or have your attorney present if you violate probation, then it’s important that you either include that service in your fee to the attorney, or negotiate a new fee with the attorney for an appeal.

Our firm’s fee for a criminal matter does not include anything post conviction.  Meaning, if you want to appeal, or if you violate your probation, then it is an additional fee for our office to represent you.

Schedule a free Howard County consultation today!

Albers & Associates is a member of the National College for DUI Defense.  Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer Ross W. Albers was selected by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Criminal Defense: DUI.

Contact Albers & Associates today to schedule a free consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available.

Checkout our Maryland DUI Attorney reviews, blogs and videos!