Cheryl Mitchell Gaines, Criminal Defense Attorney in Silver Spring, Maryland

Cheryl concentrates on criminal defense, entertainment, family law, general, and juvenile. Each area below outlines the kind of case Cheryl handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Criminal Defense

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• Entertainment

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• Family Law

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• General

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• Juvenile

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• Litigation

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Cheryl's primary office is at 1806 11th St., N.W., Ste. 201, Silver Spring, MD, 20918. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Cheryl usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Cheryl discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

• How much does it cost to hire Cheryl for a criminal defense case?

  Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Cheryl walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

• Does Cheryl offer a free consultation?

  Cheryl charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cheryl's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Cheryl's current terms during booking.

• How long do criminal defense cases in Maryland typically take?

  Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Cheryl gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Cheryl take my case if I'm outside Silver Spring?

  Cheryl is licensed in Maryland. Matters governed by Maryland law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Cheryl will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

• What should I bring to my first meeting with Cheryl?

  Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Cheryl will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Cheryl accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

  Cheryl's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.