Carroll Drake
The Law Office of Carroll Drake, LC
1036 Saint Nicholas Dr.
Suite 201
Waldorf, MD 20603-4757
Map
Phone: (301) 638-1280 | Fax: (301) 705-8968
http://www.lawofficeofcarrolldrake.com/
Quick, Personal, Professional Service
Legal Topic
Personal Injury
Preferred New Clients
We will advocate for people who have been injured due to the fault of someone else, including motor vehicle accidents or slip and fall cases.
Sub-Topics
Accidents & Personal Injury
- Slip & Fall
Car Accident
- Auto Accident
- Whiplash
Intentional Injuries
- Assault & Battery
- Child Abuse
- Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Assault
Medical Malpractice
- Birth Injuries and Defects
- Elder and Nursing Home Abuse
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Surgical Errors
- Wrong Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis
Motorcycle Accident
Serious/Catastrophic Injuries
- Burn Injury
- Paralysis
Wrongful Death
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
We handle misdemeanor and felony offenses, including assault, theft, drug possession, traffic violations, DUI/DWI and juvenile crimes.
Sub-Topics
Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
Automotive
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DUI / DWI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Open Container
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- Traffic Violations
Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
Criminal Records
- Expungement or Expunction
Drug Crime
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
Felonies
Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
Juvenile Crime
Military Crimes (UCMJ)
Misdemeanors
Plea Negotiation
Probation
Property Crimes
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
Search & Seizure
Sex Crimes
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
Violent Crimes
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
MD, Dec 2001
Other Court Admissions
District Court of Maryland all Maryland State Courts.
Association Memberships
Maryland State Bar, Charles County and Prince George's County Bar Associations.
Continuing Education
Maryland Institute for Continuing Education for Lawyers.
Example Cases
We just negotiated a settlement for an elderly woman whose car was "creamed" while she was stopped at a light. Although the client did not want to go to the trouble of a trial and had let that fact become know to the insurance company, we were still able to reach a settlement of $100,000.
Another case was going to be extremely problematic at trial. The client had not immediately gone to the doctor, was sporadic in her treatment, and had been less than forthcoming on her tax reports, although she was attempting to get lost wages at the rate of over $100,000 per year (combination would be a believability problem at trail). We were still able to get a $50,000 settlement for her by not going to trial and negotiating.
In general, we do represent a significant number of "not great" cases. (GREAT CASES are ones where the client has suffered tragically, such as the loss of limb or both eyes or even a loved one.) However, to a client that has had a "SMALL" case, but is behind on bills because he or she could not work, has had some pain and suffering, it is important to have a firm that will diligently work that case for them.
Education
University of Baltimore
Juris Doctor
Baltimore
MD
2001
Magna Cum Laude.
University of Baltimore
Masters in Business Administration
Baltimore
MD
2000
US Naval Academy
Bachelor of Science
Annapolis
MD
1971
Number of Attorneys
4
State Licensed In
Maryland
Firm Focus and History
Our firm is a bit like a country doctor - we offer personal service without boutique firm prices. In order to serve our clients, we have several full time paralegals on staff so if I am in court or with another client, there will be someone here to speak with you right away and be aware of the status of your case.
I started out as a solo practitioner after I got my degree, but my wife never got to spend time with me, so she became a paralegal and now assists me every step of the way!
Previous Employment Summary
I was a fighter RIO (Radar Intercept Officer), flying F-4 Phantoms and F-14 Tomcats, but retired from the Navy in 1991, then bought a real estate company but went back and became a weapons specialist contractor for the Navy and Air Force. I decided to go to law school, graduated with honors and then clerked for a Baltimore Circuit Court judge, then established my own practice.
Activities and Awards
Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
We like our clients to be informed, but when they come to me for expertise, we expect them to acknowledge our experience and listen to our recommendations. Also, the law is not the same in every state, so clients need to realize that something that happened in one situation may not apply to their case.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Willing to review, but sometimes it's easier to start from scratch and tailor the paperwork to fit our approach to the case.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We don't recommend that clients represent themselves in Personal Injury cases.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I've always been a problem solver. I enjoy trying to discover options for a client and then a solution. I've always enjoyed playing the role of guidance counselor, so the law fit that predisposition.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
In the Navy I learned a lot of management skills, and came to understand different cultures, and how important is it to respect those differences. The fact that I had another career before becoming a lawyer makes me a better advocate.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Personal Injury allows me to help clients who often have no one to represent their best interests (and because of the emotional nature of such cases, rarely can determine the realistic value of their case)!
What do you like best about your career?
Diversity - every day is different, working with new people and helping with all sorts of legal issues and problems.
Tell us about your law firm:
We have four attorneys and three paralegals, including my wife Linda. There is always someone at the office during business hours (and often after hours also) who is available to speak with you and who is aware of the details of your particular case.
What are your strengths and style?
My strength is organizing all the great people who work with me. I am also a very strong negotiator.
Personal Interests:
Playing bridge and taking cruises.
Office Manager/Assistant
Linda.
Fax
(301) 705-8968
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Evenings and Saturday by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
All of our Personal Injury cases are contingency based - if we do not achieve a settlement, there is no fee.
Hourly Rates
Not applicable.
Free Initial Consultation?
We offer a free initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
Except for a possible expense fund, there would not be a retainer for a personal injury case.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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