FrizWoods Blog | Maryland Criminal Law Insights

What Is an ABA Plea in Maryland?

March 10, 2026

If you have a criminal case in Maryland, particularly a felony in Circuit Court, you may hear your attorney mention an "ABA plea." It's one of the most important tools in criminal defense, and understanding how it works can help you make a more informed decision about how [...]

What Is an Open Plea in a Maryland Criminal Case?

March 10, 2026

An open plea is the most common way criminal cases are resolved in Maryland. If your attorney tells you the State has made a plea offer, chances are they're describing an open plea. Despite how frequently it happens, most people walking into court for the first time have [...]

How Do Plea Deals Work in District Court in Maryland?

March 10, 2026

If you're facing criminal charges in Maryland District Court, there's a good chance your case might resolve through a plea deal rather than a trial. Most cases in District Court end this way. But not all plea deals are the same, and understanding the difference between the two [...]

Maryland District Court Appeals: How De Novo Appeals Work

March 4, 2026

If you were found guilty in Maryland District Court, you might think the case is over. It's not. Maryland law gives every defendant the right to appeal a District Court conviction to the circuit court, and the process is far more powerful than most people realize. At FrizWoods, we [...]

How Much Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Cost in Maryland?

March 3, 2026

If you're calling around for a criminal defense lawyer, you'll hear a huge range of numbers. That's normal. 'Criminal case' can mean anything from a first-time misdemeanor in District Court to a serious felony in Circuit Court with experts, body cam, forensics, and weeks of preparation. Below is a [...]

Can You Go to Jail for Driving Without a License in Maryland?

March 3, 2026

It starts with a routine traffic stop. Maybe you have a broken taillight, or you were driving a little over the speed limit. The officer asks for your license, and you realize you don't have it—or worse, you never had one. Suddenly, you are facing a criminal charge. A common [...]

What Really Happens During a Maryland DUI Traffic Stop

February 25, 2026

--- If you've been pulled over for a DUI in Maryland, the situation can feel overwhelming and intimidating. But knowing what happens during a traffic stop can help make the experience less stressful. In this post, we'll break down the typical steps that happen during a DUI traffic stop [...]

My Wife Was Just Arrested - What Do I Do Now?

February 23, 2026

Your phone rings. It's your wife, and she's calling from jail. Or maybe a detective called you. Or a neighbor told you the police just took her away in handcuffs. Whatever the scenario, you're standing there trying to figure out what to do next. Take a breath. You have [...]

What Happens at a DUI Trial in Maryland?

February 19, 2026

If you are charged with DUI in Maryland, the trial itself is only part of the story. A lot happens before anyone calls witnesses or argues to a judge or jury. This post breaks down the DUI trial process step by step, including the pretrial “paperwork and evidence” phase, [...]

How to Beat a Peace Order Violation in Maryland

February 13, 2026

If you are charged with violating a peace order in Maryland, your case just became a criminal case. A peace order starts as a civil matter. But once someone claims you broke the order, you are facing possible jail time, a permanent criminal record, and serious consequences. This article explains: - [...]

Free Consultation

Locations

Howard County Baltimore County Baltimore City Prince George's County Anne Arundel County Charles County Calvert County Saint Mary's County Carroll County