Columbia Criminal Lawyer
If you have been arrested in Columbia, you need a defense built around how Howard County handles criminal cases. FrizWoods keeps an office in Columbia at 6304 Woodside Court, Suite 110, and our attorneys appear regularly in the Howard County courts just up US-29 in Ellicott City. We defend assault, drug charges, theft, gun offenses, and felony cases. For a statewide overview of how we work, start with our Maryland criminal lawyer hub, then come back here for the Columbia specifics.
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 Howard County
Columbia criminal cases are heard in the District Court of Maryland for Howard County and, for felonies and jury trials, the Circuit Court for Howard County, both in Ellicott City. Howard County shares District 10 with Carroll County, so the same group of judges rotates across both. Misdemeanors such as second degree assault, theft under $1,500, and drug possession are usually tried before a judge in District Court. Felonies, including first degree assault and serious gun charges, move to Circuit Court where you may have the right to a jury trial.
After an arrest in Columbia, the Howard County Police Department typically processes defendants at the Howard County Detention Center in Jessup. If a loved one is being held, we can appear at a bail review hearing to argue for release.
Current District 10 judges include Lisa L. Broten, Erin M. Danz, Claude de Vastey Jones, Cara Yvonne Lewis, and Allison M. Sayers, with Wayne A. Brooks serving as Administrative Judge.
What We Defend in Columbia
- 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 dedicated Columbia DUI lawyer page
- Probation violations - Violation of probation hearings and warrant recalls
Why Hire FrizWoods
Criminal defense is all we do, and Howard 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. We prepare every case for trial, which puts us in the strongest position whether we negotiate or litigate. See our case results and client reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard County?
Yes. Misdemeanors can carry real jail time. Second degree assault alone carries up to 10 years, and a conviction stays on your record unless you later qualify for expungement.
Can my charges be dismissed?
Often, yes. We look first at the legality of the stop, search, and any statements, then at the strength of the State's evidence. Suppressing key evidence can end a case.
How much does a criminal lawyer in Columbia cost?
Most cases are billed as a flat fee that depends on the charge and complexity. We quote it at your free consultation and offer payment plans.
Talk to a Columbia Criminal Lawyer
If you are facing charges in Columbia or anywhere in Howard County, contact us for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to start working on your case today.
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.