Annapolis Criminal Lawyer
Annapolis is the Anne Arundel County seat, so it carries the busiest court docket in the county: a District Court location and the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County both sit here. If you were arrested in Annapolis, FrizWoods defends assault, drug charges, theft, gun offenses, and felony cases in those courts. For the statewide picture of how we work, see our Maryland criminal lawyer hub.
Call us 24/7 at (877) 343-1031 for a free consultation.
Max Frizalone
Founding partner of FrizWoods LLC known for courtroom-first strategy and client-focused advocacy.
- Former Prince George's County State's Attorney and Maryland Public Defender.
- Handled serious cases including carjackings, attempted murder, armed robbery, and violent felonies.
- A thoroughly reviewed criminal lawyer with a track record of trial wins in high-stakes felony and misdemeanor cases.
Luke Woods
Veteran trial attorney with decades of criminal defense experience across Maryland courts.
- Over 20 years of experience in Maryland criminal courts
- Handled thousands of cases and 100+ trials.
- Extensive motion practice, jury/bench trials, and complex felony litigation.
How Criminal Cases Work in Annapolis
Most Annapolis cases begin at the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County, part of the court's District 7. The Annapolis courthouse is the Robert F. Sweeney District Court Building at 251 Rowe Boulevard. Misdemeanors such as second degree assault, theft under $1,500, and drug possession are usually tried before a judge there. Felonies, including first degree assault and serious gun charges, move to the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County in Annapolis, where you may have the right to a jury trial.
Arrests in Annapolis are typically made by the Annapolis Police Department, the Anne Arundel County Police, or the Maryland State Police. If a loved one is being held, we can appear at a bail review hearing to argue for release.
Current District 7 judges include Jennifer M. Alexander, Kemp Walden Hammond, Thomas V. Miller III, Danielle M. Mosley, Thomas J. Pryal, and Laura Marie Robinson, with Shaem C.P. Spencer serving as Administrative Judge.
What We Defend in Annapolis
- Assault - Second degree, first degree, and domestic assault
- Drug charges - Possession and possession with intent to distribute
- Theft and property - Shoplifting and felony theft and burglary
- Gun and firearm offenses - Wear, carry, and transport and felon in possession
- DUI and DWI - See our Annapolis DUI lawyer page
- Probation violations - Violation of probation hearings and warrant recalls
Why Hire FrizWoods
Criminal defense is all we do, and Anne Arundel County is one of the jurisdictions where we appear most often. Max Frizalone is a former Prince George's County prosecutor and a Super Lawyers Rising Stars selection. Luke Woods is a former Army JAG officer and supervising public defender with more than 20 years of trial experience. As a two-attorney team, both of them work your case. See our case results and reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Annapolis?
Yes. A charge like second degree assault carries up to 10 years, and even a misdemeanor conviction can follow you onto job and housing applications. A lawyer is often the difference between a conviction and a dismissal.
Can my charges be dismissed?
Often, yes. We look for an unlawful stop, search, or statement to suppress, and we test whether the State can actually prove each element. We map the realistic options after reviewing discovery.
Where will my Annapolis case be heard?
Most cases start in the District Court for Anne Arundel County in Annapolis. Felonies and cases where you request a jury trial are handled by the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, also in Annapolis.
Talk to an Annapolis Criminal Lawyer
If you are facing charges in Annapolis or anywhere in Anne Arundel County, contact us for a free consultation. We are available 24/7.
Charged Elsewhere in Maryland?
We defend criminal cases in courthouses across the state. For a full overview of how we handle charges from arrest to court, see our Maryland criminal lawyer page.
Our Severna Park Office Near Annapolis
The closest FrizWoods office to Annapolis is in Severna Park, serving all of Anne Arundel County:
FrizWoods LLC
540 Ritchie Hwy Suite 301
Severna Park, MD 21146
(410) 883-5667
View our Severna Park office on Google or leave us a Google review.
Serving Annapolis and Nearby Anne Arundel Communities
Annapolis is the Anne Arundel County seat, so its District and Circuit Courts handle cases from across the region. If your matter involves impaired driving, our Annapolis DUI lawyer page breaks down how those charges work. For the statewide view of our practice, see the Maryland criminal lawyer hub and our Anne Arundel County DUI lawyer page.
We also defend clients in neighboring Anne Arundel communities:
- Arnold criminal lawyer
- Crofton criminal lawyer
- Edgewater criminal lawyer
- Glen Burnie criminal lawyer