Joseph Saunders Johnston, Criminal Defense Attorney in Baltimore, Maryland
Over 19 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Health Care, and Litigation
PartneratGoodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP
Baltimore, MD
Practicing criminal defense in Baltimore since 2007.
- 19+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
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Quick answer
Joseph Saunders Johnston is a partner based in Baltimore, MD. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Health Care, and Litigation. Joseph has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP.
- Based in
- Baltimore, MD
- Experience
- over 19 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Health Care · Litigation
- Handles Criminal Defense, Health Care, and Litigation matters from Baltimore, MD.
- Over 19 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Joseph Saunders Johnston: Joseph Saunders Johnston is a partner based in Baltimore, MD. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Health Care, and Litigation. Joseph has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Joseph takes on
Joseph concentrates on criminal defense, health care, litigation, and medical malpractice. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joseph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Health Care
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Litigation
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Medical Malpractice
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Criminal Defense cases in Baltimore, Maryland
Joseph takes criminal defense matters in Baltimore, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Baltimore, Maryland
Joseph takes health care matters in Baltimore, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Baltimore, Maryland
Joseph takes litigation matters in Baltimore, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Medical Malpractice cases in Baltimore, Maryland
Joseph takes medical malpractice matters in Baltimore, Maryland. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Joseph Saunders Johnston — criminal defense lawyer in Baltimore
Joseph Saunders Johnston is a partner based in Baltimore, MD. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Health Care, and Litigation. Joseph has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP.
Joseph Saunders Johnston is a lawyer practicing medical institutions law, medical malpractice, litigation/defense. Joseph received a degree from Dean's Citation for Service, and has been licensed for 19 years. Joseph practices at Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP in Baltimore, MD.
Working with Joseph on a criminal defense matter
Joseph Saunders Johnston is a lawyer practicing medical institutions law, medical malpractice, litigation/defense. Joseph received a degree from Dean's Citation for Service, and has been licensed for 19 years. Joseph practices at Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP in Baltimore, MD.
Clients Joseph works with
Joseph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, health care, and litigation matters in Baltimore and the surrounding Maryland area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Baltimore, School of Law
J.D. · 2007
Dean's Citation for Service Editor in Chief, University of Baltimore Law Review National Moot Court Team Franklin & Marshall College
B.A. Brad · 2002
Jurisdictions
Joseph's state bar admissions
North Carolina Unite
2014 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
2009 · ACTIVE
Maryland
2007 · ACTIVE
Joseph studied at J.D. in University of Baltimore, School of Law and B.A. Brad in Dean's Citation for Service Editor in Chief, University of Baltimore Law Review National Moot Court Team Franklin & Marshall College.
Law school and academic background
Joseph completed J.D. in University of Baltimore, School of Law and B.A. Brad in Dean's Citation for Service Editor in Chief, University of Baltimore Law Review National Moot Court Team Franklin & Marshall College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joseph runs in Maryland is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Joseph's professional memberships and bar associations
Professional Associations •Maryland State Bar Association •District of Columbia Bar Association •Baltimore County Bar Association •Maryland Defense Counsel, Inc
membership
•DRI, Member
membership
Locations
Joseph Saunders Johnston's office in Baltimore
Joseph's primary office is at One South Street, 20th Floor, Baltimore, MD, 21202-3298. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Dann, LLP
One South Street, 20th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202-3298
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Joseph Saunders Johnston — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joseph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joseph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Joseph will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Baltimore, Maryland
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Joseph
Joseph 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.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Joseph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joseph's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Joseph Saunders Johnston
How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joseph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joseph offer a free consultation?
Joseph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph'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. Joseph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joseph take my case if I'm outside Baltimore?
Joseph 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 — Joseph 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 Joseph?
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. Joseph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joseph accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Joseph's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Baltimore, Annapolis and Rockville in Maryland
Joseph handles criminal defense matters throughout Maryland. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Joseph's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Baltimore handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





