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Jonathan A. Gladstone

Jonathan A. Gladstone

The Law Offices of Jonathan Gladstone
113 Ridgely Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401

Phone: (410) 974-6903  |  Fax: (443) 782-0224
http://www.gladstonelaw.com/

Contact Jonathan A. Gladstone

Aggressive and Effective Representation

Legal Topic

Criminal Defense

Preferred New Clients

I prefer clients who want to be active in their cases, who want to understand what is going on and be conscious participants.

Sub-Categories

Criminal Defense
  • Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
  • Appeals
  • Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
  • Environmental Violations
  • Felonies
  • Grand Jury Proceedings
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • False Identification
  • Truancy
  • Military Crimes (UCMJ)
  • Misdemeanors
  • Parole
  • Probation
  • Perjury
  • Plea Negotiation
  • Search & Seizure
  • Victims' Rights
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Abuse
  • Animal Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Elder Abuse
Automotive
  • DUI
  • Felony Auto Accidents
  • Parking Tickets & Towing
  • Traffic - Moving Violations
  • Open Container
  • Driving with a Suspended License
  • Driving without a License
  • DWI
Computer Crimes
  • Hacking
  • Malicious Code
  • Unauthorized Access
Criminal Records
  • Expungement or Expunction
Drugs
  • Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
  • Drug Possession
  • Intent to Distribute Drugs
  • Intent to Sell Drugs
  • Medical Marijuana
Firearms & Weapons
  • Constitutional Rights Defense
  • Illegal Possession or Transportation
  • Other Weapons & Devices
Fraud & Financial Crimes
  • Bank Fraud
  • Checks & Credit Cards
  • Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
  • Embezzlement
  • Extortion
  • Forgery
  • Identity Theft
  • Insider Trading
  • Insurance Claims
  • Money Laundering
  • Public Offerings
  • Racketeering & RICO
  • Securities Fraud
  • Smuggling
  • Tax Evasion & Fraud
  • Trade Secrets
  • Wire Transfer
Property Crimes
  • Arson
  • Burglary
  • Embezzlement
  • Larceny
  • Shoplifting
  • Theft
  • Trespass
  • Vandalism
Sex Crimes
  • Abduction
  • Child Abuse
  • Child Pornography
  • Indecent Exposure
  • Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
  • Rape
  • Sexual Assault
  • Stalking
  • Trafficking in Women
Violent Crimes
  • Assault & Battery
  • Domestic Violence
  • Extortion
  • Kidnapping
  • Manslaughter
  • Murder
  • Robbery

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

I prefer clients who want to be active in their cases, who want to understand what is going on and be conscious participants.

Sub-Categories

Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Collections & Repossessions
  • Credit Disputes
  • Debt Relief
  • Garnishments
  • Business Bankruptcy
  • Credit Repair
  • Credit Restoration
  • Creditor Harassment
  • Personal Bankruptcy
  • Foreclosures

Bar Admissions

MD,
Bar Number: 7/5/1995

Other Court Admissions

California, Wisconsin, Maryland, Washington D.C. State Courts; US District Courts in California, Wisconsin, Maryland, Washington D.C.; 4th and 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.

Association Memberships

California State Bar, Wisconsin State Bar, James Cawood Inn of Court and Anne Arundel County Bar Association.

Continuing Education

Maryland doesn't have mandatory CLE, but I participate in various seminars through groups I belong to.

Papers and Publications

I used to be a journalist, so I have written thousands of articles.

Example Cases

My experience ranges from handling hundreds of bankruptcy cases - to murder cases - to the representation of a Naval officer accused of being a call girl.

Education

Degree:

B.A. - Journalism

School:

University of Wisconsin

City:

Madison

State:

WI

Year:

1975

 

Degree:

Diploma in Auto Mechanics

School:

Madison Area Technical College

City:

Madison

State:

WI

Year:

1973

 

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

University of Wisconsin

City:

Madison

State:

WI

Year:

1985

Focus and Accomplishments:

International Law Journal.

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California, Wisconsin, Maryland, Washington D.C.

Firm Focus and History

I have been a solo practitioner since 1998.

I began my legal career as a deputy public defender in California almost 20 years ago. Upon moving to Maryland in 1986, I joined a small firm and expanded my practice areas to include Bankruptcy Law, Family Law and Administrative Law, areas where I continue to focus.

Previous Employment Summary

Practicing law is actually my third career. I was an auto mechanic for several years and then a journalist for ten years before settling on law.

Activities and Awards

I participate in the Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service and volunteer as a facilitator in domestic cases with the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

A client who understands what is going on is a better client and a more able participant in his or her case.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

My clients help prepare documents by providing the information needed, but the actual court documents for bankruptcies are created with computer software and filed electronically.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

The courts frown on lawyers who work on cases but don't make an appearance in the case. I'm responsible for the advice I give, so I need to implement it myself.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

For much of my youth, I was not particularly impressed with lawyers, believing that they were more likely to confuse and obscure the issues rather than help people. But then, I read a history of the Supreme Court which convinced me that the legal process can be helpful. At that time, I was working as a journalist and went to law school expecting to transition into legal journalism. That is what I did, but there came a time when I decided that actually practicing law would be a better fit for me. And that's what I did, and I'm glad of my decision.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

My years as a car mechanic and a newspaper reporter provided a great foundation in understanding people's day-to-day lives. Both careers entailed explaining complicated things to people in understandable ways without expertise in those areas. My approach is to try to make what I am doing understandable and not some magic that only lawyers can understand.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I practice primarily in the areas of criminal law, family law and bankruptcy law. I started out as a public defender, but when I went into private practice, I decided to branch out into other areas as well where I could help people. Unfortunately, there is often a lot of overlap, in that I frequently have bankruptcy clients who also have divorce issues.

What do you like best about your career?

What I like best is being able to help people, to help them understand what is going on and what they can do about it. Oftentimes, succeeding in law is akin to solving a puzzle. When I can make all the pieces come together to get my clients the results they want, it gives me great satisfaction.

Tell us about your law firm:

I am a solo practitioner, so my clients know that it will be me handling their case. I am assisted by my able paralegal Crystal Wood-Mentink who makes sure that clients are kept in the loop and know what is going on.

What are your strengths and style?

One of my greatest strengths is the ability to explain complex ideas and concepts in an understandable way. This is helpful in my dealings with clients but also in court where it is crucial that an advocate be able to explain things in a way that convinces the judge that my approach is the right one.

Personal Interests:

My first priority is my children. I also enjoy sailing and vegetable gardening. As an ex-mechanic, I still dabble under the hood.

Office Manager/Assistant

Crystal Wood-Mentink.

Fax

(443) 782-0224

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

Yes

Additional Offices

Glen Burnie, MD
7433 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

For a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, I charge $1,000. For a Chapter 13, I charge $3,000, but $2,000 can be paid over time.

Hourly Rates

$225, but bankruptcy cases are mostly charged at a flat-rate.

Free Initial Consultation?

I give free half-hour consultations.

Typical Retainer

See above.

Understanding Fees

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