The Law Office of Leon A. Geller in Baltimore: Felony Defense at a Neighborhood Scale

Leon A. Geller operates a solo criminal defense practice from a downtown Baltimore office, handling serious felonies and some misdemeanors for clients who cannot afford or prefer not to use public defenders. The practice is modest in size and overhead, which often translates to lower retainers than larger Baltimore firms, but the attorney personally handles each case rather than delegating to junior associates.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Scope and Fee Structure

Geller takes felony cases as his primary focus, including drug offenses, theft, assault, DUI/DWI, and weapon charges. He also accepts misdemeanor matters, though felony representation is the core work. The fee structure is retainer-based, typically ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 for misdemeanor representation and $4,000 to $10,000 or more for felonies, depending on complexity and expected court timeline. Unlike hourly billing, the retainer absorbs a defined scope of work: initial case review, bail hearings, motions, and negotiation through trial preparation. Additional work beyond that scope is billed hourly at rates competitive with solo practitioners in the Baltimore criminal bar, but this should be confirmed when you call.

For cases requiring extensive expert witness testimony, forensic analysis, or multiple co-defendants, expect the retainer to sit at the higher end or for a separate fee agreement to cover specialist costs. Geller does not typically work on contingency in criminal defense (contingency is standard in personal injury law, not criminal), and he requires payment before representation begins.

How Geller Compares to Other Baltimore Criminal Defense Options

Baltimore's criminal defense landscape divides into three tiers. Large firms like Silverman, Thompson, Baker, Sorkin & Nolletti (Downtown) and Venable LLP handle complex, high-stakes felonies and white-collar crime with teams of senior attorneys; retainers start at $10,000 and climb quickly. Public defenders through the Maryland Public Defender's Office handle serious felonies free of charge if you qualify by income, but caseload pressure can limit individual attention. Geller sits between: lower cost than private firms, personal representation unlike PD's office, and no income test.

Choose Geller if you want an experienced solo practitioner who does his own work, can negotiate a reasonable retainer, and will return your calls directly. Choose a large firm if you need extensive resources or expect trial with multiple expert witnesses. Choose the Public Defender if your income falls below the threshold and you want no upfront cost. Geller suits clients with moderate means and cases that do not require a full litigation team.

What a First Consultation Covers

The initial consultation typically runs 30 to 45 minutes and covers the facts of your arrest or charge, prior criminal history, employment and family circumstances, and your bail status. Geller will explain the charges, likely outcomes under Maryland sentencing guidelines, and what negotiation with the State's Attorney might yield. He will ask pointed questions about police procedures, search legality, witness reliability, and any defenses. Expect a straightforward assessment, not false reassurance. The consultation fee is usually waived if you retain him; call ahead to confirm.

Hours, Location, and Logistics

Geller's office is in Downtown Baltimore, within walking distance of the District Court at 100 North Calvert Street and the Circuit Court at 101 West Fayette Street. This proximity matters: it reduces travel time for hearings and motion arguments, and you can often meet him near the courthouse if you have a same-day hearing. The office hours are standard business hours, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking in Downtown is metered street parking or paid lots; the Courthouse Garage on North Paca Street is nearby and typically $2 per hour for up to eight hours. Call ahead to confirm current hours; like many solo practices, Geller may adjust for trial schedules or attend cases at District Court locations in Essex or Towson during morning dockets.

Who This Practice Suits and Who It Does Not

Geller is the right fit if you are facing a felony charge or serious misdemeanor, prefer an attorney with a personal relationship to your case, have a modest budget compared to large-firm retainers, and want someone embedded in the local criminal bar who knows the judges and prosecutors. He is not the best choice if you expect a multi-defendant conspiracy requiring coordinated defense, a federal case in U.S. District Court, or if you cannot afford any upfront fee and must use the Public Defender.

Leon A. Geller's practice fills a specific niche in Baltimore's criminal defense market: competent, affordable felony representation without the overhead or distance of a larger firm.