Law Offices of Richard D Mirsky in Baltimore: DUI Defense With Flat-Fee Options
Richard D Mirsky operates a solo criminal defense practice focused on DUI cases across Maryland state and federal courts. Based in Baltimore, the firm handles both misdemeanor and felony DUI charges, impaired driving related to drugs, and license suspension defense, serving clients charged under Maryland's DUI statute and those facing mandatory minimum sentencing.
What the firm actually does
Mirsky takes DUI cases from arrest through trial or plea, handling license suspension hearings before the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration separately from criminal charges. The practice covers first-offense DUI (typically misdemeanor), repeat offenses (felony charges after a second or third conviction within a set period), and cases involving serious injury or death. The firm also addresses breath test and blood test challenges, officer conduct during traffic stops and field sobriety testing, and plea negotiation strategies specific to Maryland's sentencing guidelines. Out-of-state clients facing DUI charges in Maryland courts are served through remote consultation where appropriate.
Services and pricing
The firm offers flat-fee representation for most DUI cases, a structure uncommon in Baltimore criminal defense where hourly billing ($200 to $400 per hour) or retainers remain standard. Flat fees vary by case complexity and charge level but typically range from $1,500 to $3,500 for misdemeanor first-offense DUI and higher for felony charges with potential jail exposure or prior convictions. Initial consultation is provided without charge. Clients should confirm current flat-fee ranges by contacting the office directly, as fee structures can adjust based on case load and statutory changes affecting defense preparation.
Compared to other Baltimore DUI defense options
Baltimore has two provider tiers for DUI representation: public defenders through the Baltimore City Office of the Public Defender, available at no cost to those who qualify financially, and private attorneys ranging from solo practitioners to larger criminal defense firms like Venable LLP or regional firms with DUI specialization. The public defender's office moves cases quickly but operates at high volume; cases typically resolve within 3 to 4 months. Mirsky's flat-fee model sits between the two: more affordable than hourly-billed large firms yet offering one attorney's sustained focus versus the public defender system's caseload constraints. Hourly-rate solo practitioners in Baltimore charge $200 to $350 per hour, often requiring $2,000 to $5,000 retainers; Mirsky's flat structure removes unpredictability if case preparation takes longer than initially estimated.
Who benefits and who does not
The flat-fee structure suits clients who want cost certainty and prefer not to worry about hourly billings as discovery and motions accumulate. Defendants facing first or second offense DUI, those seeking license suspension mitigation, and out-of-state individuals with a single Maryland charge find this arrangement straightforward. The model is less suitable for clients facing complex felony charges with multiple dismissal-worthy defense angles, as hourly representation with a larger firm may justify deeper pretrial investigation and expert witness expense. Clients already under representation by the public defender should confirm any conflicts before retaining private counsel.
What the first visit involves
Consultation covers the arrest circumstances, breath or blood test results (BAC level), officer observations of impairment, field sobriety test performance, and any video (dash cam, body cam) available. Mirsky evaluates potential defenses tied to traffic stop legality, test administration procedures, and equipment calibration records. Clients should bring the citation and any paperwork received from the court or MVA. The consultation determines fee category (first offense, repeat, felony) and outlines preliminary strategy, typically including whether a plea or trial is more favorable under Maryland's sentencing structure.
Hours, parking, and practical details
Confirm hours and parking by phone; solo practices often adjust availability based on court schedules and trial calendars. Many Baltimore solo practitioners, including criminal defense offices downtown, offer street parking near courthouse corridors in the 100 block of East Pratt Street, though lot parking availability varies. Remote consultation by phone or video is offered for out-of-state clients and those unable to travel during business hours.
Mirsky's flat-fee model removes a source of uncertainty in Baltimore's DUI landscape, where spiraling attorney fees have pushed many defendants into public defense systems already strained by volume. For a straightforward Maryland DUI charge, this office provides clear pricing and focused representation.
