Bethesda Criminal Lawyer

Experienced Attorneys Ready to Fight for You

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 614 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Charlie Novoa 
 September 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Esteban Gergely and his whole team are the best in the game hands down. His knowledge of the law, dedication to his clients and passion to win are simply unmatched. His staff are all super friendly, quick and thorough. Kelly was amazing through the whole process, the communication was above and beyond. Glenda is also someone I’ve worked with and she was nothing but pleasant as well. This team will give you a sense of confront regardless on the situation. When i first approached Esteban i was a mess but his first words were “relax, go on about your life as you normally would, leave the stresses of the case up to me, i got you” and he delivered. Not only did i have peace of mind the whole time but even if we hit any obstacles he overcame each one. Hired him on multiple occasions and will continue to do so if ever needed.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Wotzbeli Lopez 
 August 27, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excelente servicio
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dawn Wong 
 August 21, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Krum, Gergely and Oates, LLC. From the very beginning, I felt that I was in capable, caring, and dedicated hands. Everyone at the firm was professional, compassionate, responsive, and genuinely invested in my case.

David Krum went above and beyond to advocate for me and guide me through an incredibly difficult and emotional process. His knowledge, dedication, and persistence gave me confidence when I needed it most. I always felt that my best interests were truly his priority.

I am incredibly grateful for the hard work and commitment of the entire team and for the outcome they helped me achieve. After everything I went through, having an exceptional legal team in my corner made all the difference.

I highly recommend Krum, Gergely and Oates, LLC to anyone looking for attorneys who are knowledgeable, dedicated, compassionate, and truly committed to their clients.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Maikol Vicente 
 August 21, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excelente servicio
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vensh Kataria 
 August 17, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience working with my lawyer David Krum and would highly recommend him. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive. He took the time to explain every step of my case clearly, kept me informed throughout the entire process.

What I appreciated most was how confident and reassured I felt having him represent me. He was responsive, thorough, and genuinely seemed to care about achieving the best possible outcome for my case. His guidance made what could have been a very stressful experience feel much more manageable.

I’m extremely grateful for his hard work, dedication, and support.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   keilyn miranda 
 August 14, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m truly grateful for everything this law office did throughout the case. From the beginning, they were professional, attentive, and genuinely caring. They took the time to explain things, answered every question, and kept us informed throughout the process. You could tell they really cared about helping and doing their best for their client. We felt supported and confident having them on our side. I would highly recommend this office to anyone looking for an attorney who is knowledgeable, professional, and truly cares about their clients!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Levi Raymundo 
 August 13, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Primera mente agradecido con Dios y después con mi abogado  xq  me ademostrado con echos   xq e ganado mi caso  con el  selos recomiendo  a cualquier persona   gracias abogado   x todo solo agradezco  de todo corazón Dios me lo vendiga
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jordan Brooke 
 August 13, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience working with the team at KGO. They made sure to keep an open line of communication and made sure I was informed about my case at every step of the way. Esteban was very reassuring and professional and ensured the best possible outcome when representing me in court. Truly a wonderful team!

Bethesda is one of the most affluent communities in Montgomery County, but criminal charges can affect anyone, regardless of background or circumstances. A DUI arrest after a night out in downtown Bethesda, a domestic violence allegation, or a drug charge near NIH or Walter Reed can have serious consequences for your career, your professional license, and your reputation. At Krum, Gergely & Oates, our criminal defense attorneys are based in Rockville and represent clients throughout Bethesda and Montgomery County in both District Court and Circuit Court.

Where Your Bethesda Case Will Be Heard

Criminal cases originating in Bethesda are heard at the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County, located at 191 East Jefferson Street in Rockville. This court handles misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony charges. A judge decides cases here without a jury.

If your charges are elevated to the felony level or you request a jury trial, your case will move to the Montgomery County Circuit Court, also located in Rockville at 50 Maryland Avenue.

Our Rockville office is approximately 15 minutes from Bethesda. We appear regularly in both courthouses and understand how Montgomery County prosecutors approach cases involving Bethesda residents, including professionals and government employees who face unique consequences from a criminal conviction.

Criminal Charges We Defend in Bethesda

We represent Bethesda residents and visitors facing a wide range of criminal charges in Montgomery County. Each link below leads to a dedicated page covering the specific Maryland laws, penalties, and defense strategies that apply:

DUI and DWI: first offense, repeat offenses, and felony DUI
Drug Charges: possession, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute
Domestic Violence: assault charges, protective orders, and violations
Theft: shoplifting, misdemeanor, and felony theft
Assault: first and second degree assault
Gun Charges: illegal possession and concealed carry violations
Fraud: identity theft, financial fraud, and white collar offenses
Bench Warrants: resolving outstanding warrants before they lead to arrest

For charges not listed here, contact us directly. Our attorneys handle the full range of criminal matters in Bethesda and throughout Montgomery County.

Professional Consequences of a Criminal Conviction in Bethesda

Bethesda is home to a large concentration of federal government employees, healthcare professionals, attorneys, and financial professionals. For these clients, the professional consequences of a criminal conviction can be just as serious as the legal penalties.

A criminal conviction in Maryland can affect:

Professional licenses: Maryland licensing boards for healthcare providers, attorneys, real estate agents, and other licensed professionals must consider criminal convictions when determining license renewal and disciplinary actions. Even a misdemeanor conviction can trigger a review.

Security clearances: Many Bethesda residents hold federal security clearances. An arrest or conviction, particularly for drug offenses, domestic violence, or financial crimes, can jeopardize an existing clearance or prevent renewal. Reporting obligations apply regardless of the outcome of your case in some circumstances.

Federal employment: Federal employees and contractors are subject to conduct standards that extend beyond the workplace. A criminal conviction, even for an offense unrelated to your job, can result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

If you hold a professional license, a security clearance, or a federal position, it is especially important to have an attorney who understands these additional consequences and can factor them into your defense strategy from the beginning.

What to Do After an Arrest in Bethesda

Remain silent. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercise both immediately. Do not attempt to explain yourself to law enforcement without legal representation present.
Contact a criminal defense attorney before your first court appearance. Your initial appearance before a District Court commissioner is where bail conditions are set. Having an attorney involved at this stage can make a significant difference in whether you are released and under what conditions.
Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney. This is especially important for clients with security clearances or professional licenses, as disclosures made outside of attorney-client privilege may have reporting implications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a DUI conviction affect my federal security clearance?

Yes. A DUI conviction is a reportable event for many security clearance holders and can trigger a review of your clearance status. The impact depends on the specific clearance level, your agency’s standards, and the circumstances of the conviction. An attorney experienced in Maryland DUI defense can work to minimize the legal outcome, which in turn limits the clearance impact.

What happens if I am a first-time offender in Montgomery County?

First-time offenders in Maryland may be eligible for probation before judgment, diversion programs, or suspended sentences, depending on the charge. These dispositions allow you to avoid a formal conviction on your record in many cases. An attorney can advise you on which options are available for your specific charge.

Does a misdemeanor conviction show up on a background check in Maryland?

Yes. Misdemeanor convictions in Maryland appear on criminal background checks and are visible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards unless the conviction has been expunged. Many misdemeanor convictions are eligible for expungement after a waiting period.

How does Maryland's expungement law work for professionals?

Maryland allows expungement of many charges and convictions, including some misdemeanors, after a three-year waiting period. Once expunged, you are generally not required to disclose the charge or conviction on job applications or licensing forms. However, federal agencies and security clearance processes may have different disclosure requirements. An attorney can walk you through what expungement means for your specific professional situation.

Can I be charged with DUI in Maryland if I was below the legal limit?

Yes. Maryland has two separate charges. DUI requires proof of substantial impairment and is typically associated with a BAC of 0.08 or higher. A DWI can be charged based on a BAC as low as 0.07 if there is other evidence of impairment. Both carry real consequences, and both can be challenged by an experienced attorney.

Facing Criminal Charges in Bethesda? Call KGO.

Our criminal defense attorneys serve clients throughout Bethesda and Montgomery County from our Rockville office. We understand the unique professional stakes Bethesda clients face and fight to protect both your legal rights and your career. Call (301) 840-0080 for a free consultation.