CRIMINAL DEFENSE

If you are facing a criminal charge, our Maryland criminal defense attorneys are here to help.  Our office is committed to providing the highest quality legal representations in criminal and serious traffic matters whether your case requires aggressive trial representation or skillful negotiation.  We will thoroughly explain the charges you face, the likely outcome of your case, pre-conditions for you to complete prior to your court date (e.g., Community Service, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs, Restitution Payments, a Parenting Course, etc.) to secure the best possible outcome.  We will also discuss the advantages of the specific defense strategies available and their range of possibilities and consequences. We listen carefully to your specific legal needs and concerns and work closely with you to obtain the best possible resolution.  We understand the profound effects a criminal charge can have on you and your love ones emotionally, socially and professionally.

When faced with a criminal charge, having an aggressive Maryland criminal defense lawyer on your side can make all the difference – it’s the difference between jail time, having a conviction on your record, injury to your reputation, a lost job opportunity, and walking away from the courthouse freely without a conviction.

You can trust that we never settle for the easiest outcome and will always provide you with an honest assessment from the beginning. Our attorneys litigate thousands of cases with a strong record of success in both bench trials and jury trials.  Check out our reviews to see what our clients have to say!

Our Maryland criminal defense and traffic violation attorneys are in court daily particularly in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and Frederick County.

We offer services in the following criminal law and traffic law areas:

  • alcohol related crimes (DUI, DWI, open container, minor in possession of alcohol, public intoxication, underage DUI, selling alcohol to minors, etc) 
  • assault and battery (assault in the first degree, second degree assault, reckless endangerment, etc.) 
  • domestic violence crimes
  • crimes against children (rape, child abuse, child endangerment, etc.)
  • driving and traffic crimes (driving on a suspended or revoked license, driving without a license, reckless driving, speeding, hit and run, etc.) 
  • drug crimes (possession and distribution charges)
  • fraud and financial crimes
  • gun crimes
  • car theft crimes
  • public nuisance crimes (public intoxication, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, public urination, obscenity, etc.)
  • various sex crimes
  • theft and robbery crimes (shoplifting, minor theft, embezzlement, motor vehicle theft, credit card fraud, etc.)
  • misdemeanors
  • felonies
  • violation of probation
  • criminal law appeals

CLIENT REVIEWS AND TESTIMONIALS

I would chose Sakhouy again!
Posted by Lindsey
August 25, 2021
Sakhouy came highly recommended and did not disappoint. I felt like she really cared about my case and she went above and behind to have every detail on the case, which resulted in a win for us. We spoke on the phone over ten times and many times right before my court date. I felt like I had the best of the best. Because I did! I would definitely recommend her and will use her again if necessary.
Grateful to Attorney Lay
Posted by Jackie P.
August 25, 2021
Attorney Lay is super dedicated towards bringing the best outcome for her clients. She kept on finding the best alternatives for me and helped me find a peace of mind when I was super stressed about my tickets so definitely reach out to her.
Pleasure to do business with
Posted by Rotem
January 7, 2020
I left United States for years ago I had a traffic violation that ended up me having a warrant for my arrest after coming back to United States after 4 years I found out that there were five bench warrants against me and I did not know what to do until I meant the best lawyer. I currently live outside United States but she was always on time always responding not like most lawyers that don’t even answer she is the best I recommend her to everybody she is a true fighter thank you so much
Extremely Competent
Posted by anonymous
February 17, 2019
Ms. Lay has been my attorney for roughly two years and I couldn’t be happier. She never over-promises, but she does over-deliver. She’s able to accomplish this by leveraging her mastery of the law and relationships with the State on her client’s behalf. Whether you walk out of the courtroom with all charges dropped (as I have done twice now), or proceed to trial, you can expect Ms. Lay to aggressively defend you and provide you with personalized service. I highly, highly recommend retaining her.
The Best in Montgomery County
Posted by Marc
January 31, 2019
The superlatives at my disposal do not begin to describe my experience with Ms. Lay. I have hired her on both Traffic and Criminal matters. The outcome exceeded my expectations, but were precisely as she predicted. Ms. Lay is patient, attentive to a client’s needs, knows the law inside and out, and is a very kind person, as well. I would not hesitate to recommend any and all to her firm; she is the best attorney in Montgomery Co., MD. Five stars
Best Lawyer in Rockville
Posted by Irene
August 30, 2018
Sakhouy is an excellent lawyer and a great person as well! I first met her when I was trying to resolve my traffic issues and she was able to represent me last minute. Since then I’ve used her for every single case, with excellent outcomes. She’s very professional, prompt with responses and willing do her best to protect you as a client. She walked me through and helped me through a very stressful legal process and continues to be available whenever I need her. She also gives great consultations so I can’t stress enough how helpful she is! I only go to her for any traffic/legal issues I have and she always handles it efficiently.
Minor Traffic Case
Posted by anonymous
October 20, 2017
Sakhouy was great and knowledgeable. She gave me all my options and reassured me with facts—exactly what I was looking for! She even gave me options post-case to deal with charges. Highly recommend her.
Traffic Ticket
Posted by Archie
October 13, 2017
I had the unfortunate fate of getting an excessive speeding ticket. I called the Law Office of Sakhouy Lay and her professional staff immediately put me through. I followed her advice and the outcome of my case was successful.
Top lawyer skills, friendly, and result oriented
Posted by anonymous
July 19, 2017
ATTORNEY LAY was very professional, thorough and gave highly experienced insights into our case involving an auto accident for which we were not at fault but got ticketed. She pleaded Not Guilty on our behalf and laid out our case in court with precise details and honesty, and the judge accorded a righteous decision as a result. She gave us much positive guidance throughout the process and her price is very low compared to other lawyers. She emailed us the results of the court immediately as well.
Highly recommend!
Posted by jenny
June 28, 2017
I had moved and missed a suspension letter, and didn’t know it until I was pulled over months later. She was able to file petitions to remove the bench warrant and when at court was able to get all charges and citations but one dropped. She was personable, quick to respond. Highly recommend!
Excellent Service
Posted by anonymous
June 19, 2017
I had hired her for my traffic violation ticket and she handled the case very professionally and successfully.
Amazing
Posted by anonymous
May 31, 2017
Sakhouy represented me for an auto-related issue. She was responded quickly to my inquiry and to additional questions in the same manner. She represented me and generated a positive outcome for my case. I highly recommend her services!
Car accident ticket
Posted by anonymous
April 5, 2017
I got in an accident and got a ticket for reckless driving and damaging public property. I called Sakhouy and even though it was right after the Christmas holidays, I was able to talk to her directly (not to a paralegal) and she was able to give me some legal guidance. Other places I called were not as responsive. Based on her quick response, I decided to hire her to have her represent me at court. She always responded quickly when I emailed her, and I didn’t even have to go to court and best yet, she was able to get my case dismissed. I would recommend working with her for any traffic violations.
Excellent Defense Attorney
Posted by anonymous
March 20, 2017
Sakhouy Lay was professional, courteous, and delivered a positive outcome. Her knowledge of the prosecution and defense strategies were a true asset to our case. Sakhouy kept everyone informed about the legal situation, and always replied to emails or phone calls in a timely manner. Very professional!
Excellent Defense Attorney
Posted by anonymous
March 20, 2017
Sakhouy Lay was professional, courteous, and delivered a positive outcome. Her knowledge of the prosecution and defense strategies were a true asset to our case. Sakhouy kept everyone informed about the legal situation, and always replied to emails or phone calls in a timely manner. Very professional!
Excellent legal services
Posted by anonymous
December 27, 2016
Ms. Lay provide legal services to me regarding an embarrassing incident that resulted in three citations. She is easy to communicate with, which helped regarding a personal medical issue I have; and she got the three citations dropped. I would recommend Ms. Lay without hesitation.
She will save you
Posted by anonymous
December 19, 2016
She is such a great Lawyer. She helped me to have my two traffic tickets (from the accidents) being dismissed. Me personally, I thought there was no where I could win. But, she showed multiples reasons why I wasn’t guilty.
Traffic
Posted by anonymous
December 17, 2016
Sakhouy did a great job, she helped me help a student from the Central African Republic deal with a traffic accident that resulted in two moving violations. we did it all over the phone.
Lovely service!! Highly recommended
Posted by anonymous
November 23, 2016
I reached out to Sakhouy, as a family friend referral, and decided to work with her after contacting several other attorneys. She was very informative and answered all questions I had, as this was my first time seeking counsel for a moving violation. On the line was a 90 in a 55 speeding ticket (5 points, $290 fine), and Sakhouy was able to work her magic to a very pleasing PBJ with 0 points and $200 fine. Understanding this may not be the case for everyone, Sakhouy used all the resources necessary and kept me in the loop on everything which made it very easy to work with her.
Sakhouy Lay is a great lawyer
Posted by anonymous
November 16, 2016
Sakhouy was a great lawyer had a wonderful experience with her. She helped me get out of a speeding ticket. She was great at communicating easy to get a hold of and helped me with any questions I had. Overall I had a great experience, and I would recommend her to everyone.
Sakhouy is the Best!
Posted by Peter
August 9, 2016
Sakhouy represented me in traffic court in a very professional manner. Her fee was very reasonable and she was able to get all three charges against me dismissed and expunged. If you’re looking for a first class attorney, Sakhouy is the one!
Traffic Tickets!!!
Posted by Ryan
June 22, 2016
Sakhouy did an excellent job defending me for the traffic tickets that I received. She was able to get all my traffic tickets dismissed without having to pay any fines! She really knows her stuff! If you are in need of an attorney don’t hesitate to call her! Seriously!!!!!
Sakhouy made going to court a fun, interesting experience
Posted by Michael
June 15, 2016
Sakhouy made my first experience with a lawyer extremely pleasant. For my traffic violation, she quickly understood what happened and what needed to be done, even offering advice on other violations I had. She dealt with a lot of the case without me being bothered at all, just giving me updates, it was great. At court, she walked me through everything and gave so much insight to me, it was clear she loves her job and gets excited about this stuff. I didn’t really have to do anything besides show up. Her prices were pretty much right in the ballpark of what I expected to pay for everything as well. The case outcome went as she originally predicted it would.
Here is a funny story too about how nice Sakhouy is – So when we were at court, a guy recognized her from her card (which was given to him from her mother). He was there without representation, and she quickly became curious about his case and then offered to help him right there on the spot. Within about 20 minutes she had filled out all this paperwork for him, got him a speedy trial and probably saved him a ton of time and money all because he happened to know her mom. It was a very fun experience that I did not expect in a court room, and I don’t think I’ve seen a happier guy because of the help she gave.
Excellent firm and passionate lawyer
Posted by anonymous
June 13, 2016
Sakhouy lay is a professional, compassionate, and determined attorney. She listened to all my concerns concerning traffic violations and worked to vindicate me in regards to the situation. It is refreshing to meet someone who works that hard to achieve your desired results despite what other cases she may have going on. The comfort of talking to her is only the beginning of what she is able to achieve. She does her homework and will absolutely give her all to ensure your legal concerns are heard and dealt with accordingly- judgment free. If you want the absolute best outcome in any situation you’re dealing with, she is your lawyer.
Best attorney
Posted by David Angeles
June 13, 2016
If you are looking for a lawyer for traffic, she is the best one. I got a ticket for driving without a license and only paid 50 dollars. Professional and a very nice person.
Best attorney
Posted by Katharyn Davies
May 5, 2016
I had a small initial problem which snowballed (largely thanks to my ignorance) into several citations and a court appearance. Ms. Lay talked me through the various steps I needed to take to ameliorate the problems. She also talked me through responses should I have to be questioned. I was terrified. Ms. Lay was a reassuring presence on the day. (Fortunately, largely thanks to the non-appearance of witnesses, the case was dropped – with no fines to pay, and no points on my driver’s record. It was well nigh miraculous).
Not relevant to Ms. Lay’s review, but a point I would like to make nevertheless: I am a white, late middle aged, middle class woman with a British accent. Fortunately, I had enough money to pay for a lawyer. Under the same circumstances, had I been younger, male, and black I doubt that the police would have been so lenient when they first caught up with me. I have heard of people being jailed for less serious offenses.
Best attorney
Posted by Katharyn Davies
May 5, 2016
I had a small initial problem which snowballed (largely thanks to my ignorance) into several citations and a court appearance. Ms. Lay talked me through the various steps I needed to take to ameliorate the problems. She also talked me through responses should I have to be questioned. I was terrified. Ms. Lay was a reassuring presence on the day. (Fortunately, largely thanks to the non-appearance of witnesses, the case was dropped – with no fines to pay, and no points on my driver’s record. It was well nigh miraculous).
Not relevant to Ms. Lay’s review, but a point I would like to make nevertheless: I am a white, late middle aged, middle class woman with a British accent. Fortunately, I had enough money to pay for a lawyer. Under the same circumstances, had I been younger, male, and black I doubt that the police would have been so lenient when they first caught up with me. I have heard of people being jailed for less serious offenses.