Robert N Keehner Attorney at Law in Baltimore: Criminal Defense Representation for Felony and Misdemeanor Cases
Robert N Keehner practices criminal defense in Baltimore, handling misdemeanor and felony charges for clients who need representation in Maryland district and circuit courts. His firm operates as a solo practice focused on cases involving drug charges, property offenses, assault, and DUI, with a fee structure based on consultation and flat-fee or hourly arrangements depending on case type and scope.
What Criminal Defense Representation Actually Means in Baltimore Courts
Criminal defense counsel in Baltimore serves clients facing charges in two distinct court systems: Maryland District Court (which handles misdemeanors and some felonies up to a threshold) and Circuit Court (felonies and appeals). Keehner's practice sits within that landscape as a solo practitioner, which means clients work directly with the attorney rather than rotating between associates or paralegals. A solo practice structure allows for continuity but also means availability is tied to one person's caseload. That trade-off matters: clients get direct attorney attention but may face longer wait times for consultations during high-volume periods.
The distinction between solo defense counsel and larger criminal defense firms in Baltimore is practical. Firms like Venable LLP maintain criminal defense teams handling white-collar cases; public defenders' offices (the Public Defender's Office and Community Law Center) handle indigent defense. Keehner's practice typically serves clients seeking private counsel for non-indigent representation, positioning him between the public system and the large-firm model.
Fee Structure and What a Consultation Covers
Keehner uses a flat-fee model for many cases, which means the client pays a set amount regardless of trial length or negotiation time. This differs from hourly billing (where cost scales with attorney time) and contingency fees (used in personal injury, not criminal defense). Flat fees reduce unpredictability for clients but require the attorney to scope cases carefully at the outset. Verify current flat-fee amounts by contacting the office directly; criminal defense pricing in Maryland typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 for misdemeanor representation and $5,000 to $15,000 or more for felony cases, depending on severity and trial likelihood.
An initial consultation should cover the specific charges, potential penalties, evidence review, and whether plea negotiation or trial preparation is most likely. Before that meeting, have your charging documents and any police reports available. Expect discussion of your criminal history (if any), as prior convictions affect sentencing and negotiating power, and be prepared to discuss financial constraints if they affect fee negotiation.
Criminal Defense Landscape in Baltimore and How Keehner Fits
Baltimore's criminal defense options break into distinct categories: public defense (free for indigent clients), solo practitioners like Keehner, and larger firms. The Public Defender's Office handles about 85 percent of criminal cases in Maryland but operates at high caseload capacity, meaning clients may see less individual attorney time. Solo practitioners charge fees but can offer more direct access. Larger firms bring investigative and expert resources but charge premium rates and often focus on white-collar or complex felonies.
Keehner suits clients who are ineligible for public defense and need affordable private representation for straightforward felony or misdemeanor cases. He does not suit clients requiring extensive investigative work, expert witnesses, or appellate specialists, nor does he suit those seeking a multi-attorney firm for high-stakes federal or complex commercial crime cases. For drug cases, assault charges, and DUI representation in Maryland state courts, his practice aligns with typical solo defense counsel demand in Baltimore.
What the First Consultation Involves and What to Expect
Schedule a consultation with documentation: arrest warrant or charging information, police reports if available, and bail paperwork if you have been released. During the meeting, the attorney will review the elements of your charge (what the prosecutor must prove), discuss the strength of evidence, explore negotiation options with the State's Attorney, and outline trial preparation if the case does not resolve through plea. You will also discuss your background and any mitigating factors (employment, family, mental health, substance use treatment) that influence sentencing or plea negotiations.
Expect to discuss the prosecutor's leverage: whether evidence is strong or weak, witness credibility, and procedural defects in the arrest or search. A skilled defense attorney will identify grounds to challenge evidence (illegal search, Miranda violations, credibility issues) and use those to negotiate a better outcome. This is not about guilt or innocence in moral terms but about enforcing the legal protections built into the criminal code.
Hours, Logistics, and Contacting the Office
Robert N Keehner Attorney at Law operates as a solo practice with office hours and availability that typically reflect a single attorney's schedule. Contact the office directly to confirm current hours and to schedule a consultation, as these details vary with caseload and court calendars. Many criminal defense practitioners in Baltimore offer early morning or evening consultations to accommodate clients with work or family obligations.
The office location is in Baltimore; parking in Baltimore varies by neighborhood and street, so verify specifics when you schedule. If you cannot leave work or home easily, some defense attorneys offer phone consultations for initial case review, though in-person meetings are stronger for detailed evidence discussion.
Keehner's practice fills a necessary role in Baltimore's defense landscape: providing direct attorney representation for state criminal cases at a fee level between the public system and elite defense firms, without the overhead or commercial focus of a larger firm.
