JONATHAN L. KATZ

16 Years of In-Depth Trial Experience

TOP-RATED BY WASHINGTONIAN MAGAZINE

SUPER LAWYERS-LISTED

We practice blue and white collar Criminal Defense and Drunk Driving/ DUI/ DWI law in state and federal courts throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, including the counties of Montgomery, Fairfax County, Arlington, Prince George's, Alexandria, Howard, Frederick, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Prince William, and Loudoun.

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"The goal of trial battle is to harmonize conflict in my client's favor, knowing full well that success in this process can cause disharmony and damage to the opponent and opposing witnesses. To do otherwise disserves the client, and overlooks that a worthy opponent takes the same approach, if not a more sinister approach." Jon Katz

JON'S PERSONAL MESSAGE

Why we do what we do, and why you might wish to visit us before hiring another lawyer.

    Welcome to our law firm. I went to law school in part to learn the language of the enemy. If I had such suspicious views of the legal system upon entering law school, I can only begin to imagine the stereotypes of lawyers held by many potential clients. 

    For me, our staff, and our law firm, your cause truly is our cause. This is why we do what we do, rather than spending the week drafting securities prospecti, reviewing real estate plans, and writing wills. Instead, we go to battle for justice, for you. 

    Until we update our office to have a soothing fountain in the reception area and some other welcoming physical touches, at first blush our office looks like so many other law offices, aside from such distinguishing points as the wall tributes to Martin Luther King, Jr., and Cesar Chavez; and the American Indian Movement mug on my desk, some Asian wood carvings and metalwork behind my desk, and a howling coyote ironwork created to order by a Wyoming craftsperson with artistic carte blanche; and aside from every single lawyer and staff member at our office, who deeply care about you. Similarly, we put our personal touch into the work we do, because our work is an extension of ourselves, because we care deeply for our clients, because it is essential for the path towards victory, and because it charges and recharges our batteries. 

    When you visit me, often I'll be sitting right alongside you rather than behind my desk if the desk is going to be an unnecessary barrier to our fighting together as a team. I might suggest taking a walk in the park across the street on a nice day, to clear our heads of any clutter and to focus on your case and what you have to say. You will find me integrating my assistants into your case and introducing them to you from the beginning, so that when you call when I am in court, you will have a welcoming and caring voice on the other end of the phone who knows about your case. 

    One day a client expressed surprise that I would entertain taking his "small criminal case." To me, no case is too big or too small, because, in the end, an often substantial piece of my client's life is connected to that case, and I take seriously the responsibility my client places in me to fight for justice alongside my client. There is no such thing as just another drunk driving case, just another drug case, just another weapons case, or just another any kind of case. Each case is critical for each client, and each case comes alive through the human drama surrounding the case and with our fighting on the right side of justice. I do my best to convey my client's story, my client's humanity, and how this indeed, is not just another case on the docket, to judges and juries in a compelling and persuasive way in our fight for justice for each client, one at a time. 

    As a counterpoint to the drama of my clients' cases, often my clients and I are able to inject some appropriate humor into our discussions -- sometimes it is a self-deprecating comment by me, and sometimes it is a relevant reference to Seinfeld -- to ease the edge of the prosecution and to recharge our onward battle for justice. I endeavor to share my best warmth with each client as I battle to give my client my best fight. 

    I listen deeply to what you are saying and not saying; and to your concerns, fears and hopes. I use that as ammunition to fight on your behalf and to help give you harmony and to reduce the pressure on your shoulders as we proceed forward. I endeavor to bill honestly and to give full value to my clients. I will always be honest and fair with you, not only because the lawyers' ethics rules mandate it, but also because that is the only way I have known how to live. 

    This approach we take to serving our clients does not stem from any touchy-feely new age view. In fact, I grew up ready for verbal contests, and never joined the new age set. We take this approach because this is who we are and because we believe from years of experience that this is the most effective and beneficial way to serve you. 

    We are easy to reach and easy to talk to. We welcome your inquiries. Jon Katz

"Jon Katz is the greatest lawyer on the face of the planet.  I say so because he dealt with not only my criminal case, but my rattled emotional state of mind as well.  Without his guidance and brilliance I don't know what would've happened.  I highly recommend Mr. Katz, and if I ever make the mistake of getting arrested again he will be the first person I call." From a former criminal defense client. See other client views here.

Practicing law as a harmonious whole.

JON REPEATEDLY GOES TO BATTLE FOR JUSTICE, INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS, AND THE UNDERDOG:

Our Criminal Defense and Constitutional Law partner Jon Katz goes to court all the time to fight for justice. Since 1991, Jon has represented well over two thousand clients in court, and has taken well over 200 cases to trial as first chair -- including over thirty jury trials -- and numerous federal and state appeals. He has defended clients as high-profile as Phil Berrigan and the other Plowshares defendants against depleted uranium (along with Ramsey Clark), a prison guard fired after appearing nude on the Internet (as local counsel with attorney Larry Walters), a high-profile church spouting messages abhorred by just about all but with the First Amendment's protection, and a gentleman accused of leading an alleged drug ring with substantial news media coverage. While high-profile cases require Jon's experienced skill in dealing with the media (where silence often is golden), his usual days are consumed with applying his experience, passion, and skill to defending ordinary people against the landmines of injustice towards the promise of justice, from murder defense to drug defense to weapons defense to drunk driving defense, and everything in between and beyond. Like Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, Jon will go "anytime, anywhere" to fight for justice in the state and federal courts throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

JON KATZ - DELIVERING OVER SIXTEEN YEARS OF IN-DEPTH AND PASSIONATE TRIAL 

EXPERIENCE /WELCOMING THE OPPORTUNITY TO ADVOCATE ON YOUR BEHALF:

GOING TO STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS THROUGHOUT MARYLAND, DC AND VIRGINIA: Jon is admitted to many state and federal courts, and is eligible for admission by reciprocity to many more. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court (1996-present); the state trial and appellate and United States District courts of Maryland (Maryland Court of Appeals, 1989-present; U.S. District Court (D.Md.), 1990-present), the District of Columbia (D.C. Court of Appeals, 1990-present (bypassing an examination, based on high score on Multistate Bar Exam for the Maryland exam); U.S. District Court (D.D.C.), 1991-present), and Virginia (Virginia Supreme Court, 1997-present; U.S. District Court (E.D. Va., 1998-present, and W.D. Va., 2004-present);  and the United States Courts of Appeal for the District of Columbia and Fourth Circuits (1996-present for both Circuits). Jon passed all bar exams (MD and VA) on the first sitting, including when the Virginia bar exam had a 45% pass rate (Feb. 1997). 

PUTTING HIS EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE TO WORK FOR JUSTICE: Jon graduated from the highly-competitive George Washington University Law School (J.D., 1989) (ranked among the top 25 by U.S. News & World Report) and the highly competitive Tufts University (B.A., cum laude, 1985) (ranked as one of the nation's top universities by U.S. News & World Report (see here)). Jon satisfied the highly competitive application process to be accepted to the first-rate two-week Trial Practice Institute of the  National Criminal Defense College (attended 1994) and the full-month Trial Lawyer's College (attended 1995). 

TAKING LEADERSHIP ROLES WHERE JUSTICE COUNTS. Jon is Chair of the Immigration Law Committee of the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association (2005-present ); an Advisory Board Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers' Champion magazine (1995-present), and Editor of the Constitutional Law Firm page of DMOZ's Open Directory Project (2001-present). He is a past founding President (2001-03) and officer (2003-04) of the Free Speech Coalition of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, a past Officer and Board Member of Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive (2002-2005), a past Vice President of the Philippine-American Bar Association (1998-2001), and a past Board Member of the American Civil Liberties Union of the National Capital Area (1992-95). 

DRAWING ON RICH WORK EXPERIENCE FILLED WITH HARD WORK AND KEY MENTORS: Before opening Marks & Katz, LLC, with law partner Jay Marks, Jon worked at the following places, benefiting tremendously from on-the-job experience and numerous mentors: Chaikin & Sherman (Trial Attorney, 1996-98), the Maryland Public Defender's Office (Trial Attorney, 1991-96), Weiner, McCaffrey, et al. (Associate Attorney, 1989-91, and Law Clerk, 1988-89), and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board (Law Clerk, 1987). Before law school:  Irving Trust Company (New York, NY) (Financial Examiner, 1985-86);Chubb Insurance (Bridgeport, CT, 1984); Shearson/American Express (Boston, MA, 1983); and the Center for Space Policy (Cambridge, MA, 1983).

STAYING ON TOP OF LEARNING AND BRAINSTORMING: Jon benefits extensively from his active membership with the following organizations: National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (1991-present), Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association, District of Columbia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws Legal Committee,  the First Amendment Lawyers Association, National Lawyers Guild (supporting its many good human rights actions, but opposing many of its policies), Media Law Resource Center, national Free Speech Coalition, American Civil Liberties Union (1986-present), Trial Lawyers Associations of Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia; and Tufts Lawyers Association.

KEEPING HIMSELF AND THE PUBLIC INFORMED ABOUT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LAW, LEGAL STRATEGY, AND THE NEVER-ENDING FIGHT FOR JUSTICE: Since 2006, on our Underdog Blog, Jon has blogged nearly every business day about critical legal issues of our time, as well as about legal and persuasion strategy and the constant fight for justice. He often speaks by invitation to the news media and lawyers' groups on criminal and Constitutional defense. 

Jon first met his law partner Jay S. Marks at a six-year-old birthday party in 1969, when the turmoil and war of the time seemed lifetimes away. By junior high school in Fairfield, Connecticut, Jon and Jay had numerous classes together. Jay quickly took to Republican activities, while Jon quickly became disenchanted by the political establishment, and got involved with such civil rights activities as Amnesty International and the American Civil Liberties Union. After graduating law school, Jay and Jon discovered that -- despite their very different political paths -- they shared much in common about their vision of serving justice through the practice of law. Jon focuses his free time with his family; physical fitness (biking, kayaking, and t'ai chi); arts and literature that intellectually challenge and push the edge; and stimulating and caring friends. 

For more about Jon, see Jon Katz - Radical Lawyer in a Suit.

CLIENT FEEDBACK ON JON KATZ (more here)

"Your courage, fearlessness, and commitment to the little guy serves as the last bastion of goodness in a legal system gone awry. You are a rare find, a legal warrior, a philosophical giant among those with no other agenda than power over others." (From a criminal defense client).

"Jon, you are the best attorney in the world as far as I'm concerned. Thanks again for your work on my behalf and your optimistic energy." (From a criminal defense client).

"I want to take this opportunity to highly commend Jon Katz for his hard work and sincere dedication for defending me in my DWI charge several years ago. Prior to, during and after the trial, Jon made me feel comfortable, at ease and provided me with the sense and comfort of having an experienced and professional leading attorney by my side. With Jon defending me, I did not once feel, doubt or have any hesitation about the outcome of my trial. I would like to give Jon a million thanks once again and highly recommend him to anyone in need of a real criminal trial attorney."  (From a criminal defense client). 

"Jonathan Katz is compassionate and understanding to his people and to his clients. He did not treat me like a number or a dollar sign but instead he is always present and pays attention and he is very professional. I would certainly recommend him to anyone else ." (From a criminal defense client).

PUBLISHED APPELLATE VICTORIES.

- Dring v. Sullivan, Dring v. Sullivan, 423 F. Supp. 2d 540 (D.Md. 2006). Marks & Katz, LLC, convinces federal court to eject defamation suit brought against our client. See here for complete details and for Marks & Katz's court filings.   

- Maryland v. Taylor, et al., 371 Md. 617, 810 A.2d 964 (2002). Marks & Katz, LLC, wins landmark victory for criminal defendants' rights. See here for complete details. 

- Pack Shack v. Howard County, Maryland, 377 Md. 55, 832 A.2d 170 (2003). Marks & Katz, LLC, jointly advances amicus argument that contributes to invalidation of unconstitutional county adult entertainment zoning ordinance. See here for complete details. 

JON KATZ's WRITINGS:

- UNDERDOG BLOG

- SAMPLE OF PUBLISHED WRITINGS

     Marks & Katz fights tirelessly for justice for our clients, with 34 years of combined experience. We are driven to win, put our clients ahead of money, and are ever-passionate for our clients and their causes. Our law partners Jay Marks and Jon Katz serve our clients directly, with caring and understanding. Jay and Jon met in 1969, attended public school together, trust each other deeply, revel in the thrill of victory, and fight side by side. We opened in 1998, and look forward to many more years of doing good for our clients and society. The highly regarded Martindale-Hubbell legal directory has given Marks & Katz, LLC, a rating indicating "very high to preeminent legal ability and very high ethical standards as established by confidential opinions from members of the Bar" We are dedicated to justice, welcome tough cases, and never shy away from controversy. 

WE WELCOME YOUR INQUIRIES 

How We Bill

(301) 495-4300/FAX (301) 495-8815 justice@markskatz.com

Jon Katz's direct e-mail address is jon@markskatz.com . 

Jon Katz's messages are checked during regular business hours, after hours and on the weekends. 

WE SHORTEN THE DISTANCE TO YOU BY OFFERING THE OPTION OF PHONE AND IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS.

WE TRAVEL EVERYWHERE IN MARYLAND, DC, AND VIRGINIA FOR JUSTICE

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Marks & Katz, LLC

1400 Spring Street, Suite 410

Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland 20910

(301) 495-4300/FAX (301) 495-8815

justice@markskatz.com

Visit our homepage at www.markskatz.com.  Copyright 1999-2008 Marks & Katz, LLC.