Automobile Accidents:
Any motor vehicle accident can result in significant damages and serious or catastrophic injury, including wrongful death. Even at low speeds, motor vehicles can roll over, collide with pedestrians and bikers, or leave passengers severely injured. At the Law Office of Keatts & Horton, LLC., we know how to help our clients pursue fair compensation after an accident. Our goal is to help you and your family take appropriate steps towards your financial and physical recovery. We will conduct an immediate investigation to collect and secure necessary evidence for your case, including police reports, accident reports, hospital records, and witness statements. Attorneys from our firm will aggressively pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Personal Injury
Medical Malpractice:
When an individual or entity acts negligently, the harms can be lasting and severe. Anyone who has suffered an injury or lost a loved one knows the deep impact caused by their absence. Our goal is always to maximize compensation and help victims and their families move forward. Immediately after an accident OR injury, we will begin a thorough investigation to preserve the evidence needed to build your case. We know that the burdens of injuries caused by negligence can be severe. That is why we aggressively pursue the compensation your family needs to move forward after a catastrophic injury or wrongful death.
Premises Liability:
When you enter a grocery store, a neighbor's home, or a business, you expect that you will be safe from any known hazards. If you have suffered a serious injury caused by a slip and fall or another accident on a commercial or residential property, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injury. At the Law Offices of Keatts & Horton, LLC., we have the skill and experience to take strong action on your behalf. We will initiate an immediate investigation to identify the cause of your accident or injury and hold all appropriate defendants accountable. At all times, we will remain attentive to your individual needs. We seek to provide you with maximum compensation through focused, results-oriented representation.
Divorce:
Making the decision to obtain a divorce can be the first step toward a better future for you and your family. But many more actions, including legal, financial, and personal are needed before you can achieve that goal. We help clients resolve the many issues arising out of divorce, so that they can move forward in a positive way.
Wills, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills:
At The Law Office of Keatts & Horton we prepare various life planning documents to improve our clients' futures. With our firm, you will receive insightful and creative services from a lawyer who understands how to draft wills, powers of attorney and advanced medical directives that convey your unique wishes. Wills are the most common way for people to state their preferences about how their estates should be handled after their deaths. Many people use their wills to express their deepest sentiments toward their loved ones. A well-written will eases the transition for survivors by transferring property quickly and reduces an already stressful situation. Despite these advantages, many estimates figure that at least seventy percent of Americans do not have valid wills. While it is difficult to contemplate mortality, many people find that great peace of mind results from putting their affairs in order.
Family Law
Child Custody/Child Support:
Handling a child custody matter effectively requires more than just experience and legal knowledge. It also means understanding that people going through a custody battle or other emotional domestic matter need and deserve a compassionate ear. At The Law office of Keatts & Horton we are ready to assist you through your most pressing and emotional family law problems. Child custody and visitation matters can cause intense emotions. Our legal office provides mechanisms for resolving these disputes. In Maryland, the amount of child support is determined by statutory guidelines. The support level depends on a number of factors, including: number of children; amount of time the children spend with each parent; parents' incomes; costs of the children's day care, health insurance; and other various factors. Over time, there can be changes in the income of the parents, the child's needs, and the child's living arrangements. In these cases, a modification in the support level can usually be obtained.
Separation Agreements:
Prior to a recent change in Maryland law, a couple seeking a divorce based on voluntary separation must have been separated for a year before an absolute divorce decree was granted. Now, where a couple has resolved all property issues and there are no minor children, a divorce may be granted without being separated for a year. If the parties can come to a separation agreement concerning these issues at any time after they are physically separated, it can greatly expedite a final resolution. At the time of the divorce, the terms of the separation agreement are incorporated into the decree and become enforceable by law. A separation agreement contains exactly what the parties want it to contain. It can cover virtually the complete range of matters arising out of divorce, including child custody and visitation, division of assets and debts, alimony, child support, and other matters. Other than issues pertaining to custody, visitation, and child support which are always subject to court modification, a separation agreement can fully resolve the case. Our firm will first seek to understand the client's needs, their objectives, and the practical realities of the situation. In discussions with the attorney for the other party, we will uncover areas of agreement and areas of contention. Then we will seek to negotiate a fair and workable separation agreement on your behalf.
Assault Charges:
An assault conviction can result in serious penalties, including fines, jail time and a criminal record. In addition, you may be prohibited from possessing a firearm. It may lead to future employment difficulties or penalties in a domestic or other civil matter. That is why it is so important to know your rights and to work with an attorney who can protect your liberty. Defending against assault charges starts with gathering the facts. It is important that your attorney begin an immediate investigation to collect and preserve all necessary evidence. Attorneys from our firm will pursue witness statements, police documentation, video surveillance and other documentation that can help to sustain your version of what happened. We will explore all of your options, including self-defense, where appropriate.
Drug Charges:
If you have been charged with a drug crime in Maryland, you are up against prosecutors who are determined to obtain convictions. In this situation, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will provide a strong and effective defense for you.
The Law Office of Keatts & Horton, LLC. has successfully defended numerous clients facing misdemeanor and felony drug charges. We defend against drug charges involving all types of drugs and illegal controlled substances. We will work to protect your rights and preserve your freedom.
Our firm defends persons facing all types of drug crime charges in Maryland state courts, including:
Possession of drugs
Mandatory minimum drug sentences
Possession with intent to sell drugs
Drug distribution
Drug trafficking
Manufacture of drugs
Prescription drug fraud
Weapon Charges:
Weapons charges will often arise with other criminal allegations involving assault or drug crimes. Whether you are under investigation for a weapons charge or you have recently been arrested, it is important to know your rights. At The Law Office of Keatts & Horton, LLC., we will clearly explain your legal situation to you. Our firm has extensive experience in handling a multitude of weapons charges, including cases involving conspiracy, mandatory minimum penalties, and felonies that are often coupled with weapons allegations.
Traffic Violations/DUI:
A DUI/DWI charge can seriously affect your life. It will cost you money, you could lose your driver's license, and you could even go to jail. If you have been arrested for DUI/DWI, you need an experienced DUI lawyer working to protect your rights and preserve your freedom.
The Law Office of Keatts & Horton, LLC., has extensive experience in the defense of drunk driving and traffic violation charges.
A DUI arrest triggers two separate legal actions. There will be a trial on the criminal charge, which carries potential jail time, and an administrative hearing which, can result in the loss of your driver's license. The Law Office of Keatts & Horton, LLC. can represent you in both proceedings, and will work diligently to minimize the effect these charges have on your life and do everything necessary to preserve your ability to drive.
In some cases, a DUI/DWI charge can be defeated. The arresting officer may not have had reasonable suspicion/probable cause to stop your vehicle. The officer may not have had cause to continue the investigation and the various tests may not have been conducted properly. In these situations, our firm will vigorously mount a defense on your behalf. In other cases, the State may have sufficient evidence against you and we will work out a suitable agreement for you.
Sex Offenses:
Are you charged as a sexual offender? Sexual offenses are extremely serious charges that can adversely affect you for the rest of your life. Probation or any other type of conviction could require lifetime registration as a sex offender and brand you as a sexual predator. A sexual assault charge can be an embarrassing charge to have on an individual’s criminal record and may prevent you from gaining employment or being accepted into the community. Avoid this charge by speaking with an experienced attorney.
The Law Office of Keatts & Horton, LLC. can assist clients with the following charges:
Sexual assault
Rape
Child pornography
Child molestation
Indecent exposure /Lewd conduct
Failure to register as a sex offender
Statutory rape
Criminal Defense
Domestic Violence/Protective Orders
Many people fail to fully grasp how an allegation of domestic violence can adversely affect their life. In fact, it not only jeopardizes their freedom, but also adversely affects their family, professional reputation, and social image. You should not take allegations of domestic violence lightly; contact The Law Office of Keatts & Horton for a free initial consultation. It is important to understand that an arrest for domestic violence and a request from the alleged victim can lead the court to issue a protective order, which prohibits you from going within a certain distance of the victim. If you live with the victim, the order will prohibit you from returning home until the order expires or the court lifts it. If you violate a protective order, the state can charge you with an additional crime. If a court convicts you of domestic violence, the penalties you face can be severe, including jail time, probation, and damage to your reputation. These are serious allegations that can affect the rest of your life. It is important to work with an experienced legal team that will properly defend you, consult with witnesses, collect statements, review police reports, and gather evidence that will improve your case.
