Joseph M. Pappafotis is a trial lawyer who focuses his practice on criminal defense, serious traffic matters, and appeals.  He worked as an Assistant Public Defender in Baltimore County and Queen Anne’s County prior to joining Alperstein & Diener. He also has experience working as a Trademark Examining Attorney at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”).  Mr. Pappafotis has successfully tried numerous court trials and jury trials to verdict with charges ranging from driving suspended to first degree murder. As a Trademark Examining Attorney, he examined hundreds of trademark applications for the USPTO.

Mr. Pappafotis has defended clients facing charges in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, all levels of Maryland State Courts, as well as the Office of Administrative Hearings.  As an Assistant Public Defender, he developed a reputation as a skilled trial attorney who excels at trial and also in pre-trial practice.

At the USPTO, Mr. Pappafotis gained exclusive training available only to Trademark Examining Attorneys employed by the USPTO as part of the Trademark Examining Attorney Legal Education training program.  As an examining attorney, he reviewed federal trademark applications, interfaced with counsel for mark applicants, and issued office actions. He is a top choice for anyone facing counterfeiting or criminal infringement charges as he is one of a limited number of attorneys in the United States that is able to combine extensive criminal trial experience with experience as a trademark examiner.

A graduate of the National Criminal Defense College Trial Practice Institute, Mr. Pappafotis brings a client centered approach to Alperstein & Diener and he understands that every person’s needs are different.   To meet those individual needs, Mr. Pappafotis combines his skills as a counselor and advocate who is as capable resolving matters quietly and discretely as he is fighting for his clients at trial.