Ellicott City Criminal Defense Lawyer
Ellicott City is the Howard County seat and home to the county's District and Circuit Courts. FrizWoods defends assault , drug , theft , gun , DUI , and felony cases heard there. The firm's Howard County office is in Columbia, not Ellicott City. Ellicott City is the Howard County seat and home to the county's District and Circuit Courts. FrizWoods defends assault , drug , theft , gun , DUI , and felony cases heard there. The firm's Howard County office is in Columbia, not Ellicott City.
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Our attorneys answer calls day and night.
Call us 24/7 at (877) 343-1031 for a free consultation.
Max Frizalone
Founding Partner | Former Assistant State's Attorney
Founding partner of FrizWoods LLC known for courtroom-first strategy and client-focused advocacy.
- Former Prince George's County Assistant 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
Founding Partner | Former Supervising Public Defender
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.
Shane Nolan
Attorney | Former Anne Arundel County Prosecutor
Former Anne Arundel County prosecutor with District and Circuit Court experience.
- Handled hundreds of misdemeanor prosecutions before moving to serious Circuit Court felony cases.
- Jury-trial experience involving homicide, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other serious charges.
- United States Coast Guard veteran and former certified federal boarding officer.
How Criminal Cases Work in Ellicott City
Both of Howard County's trial courts sit in Ellicott City. Misdemeanors are heard at the District Court of Maryland for Howard County at 3451 Courthouse Drive, while felonies and jury trials go to the Circuit Court for Howard County at 9250 Judicial Way. Howard County shares District 10 with Carroll County, so the same group of judges rotates across both. Charges 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, the charging papers and hearing notice identify the controlling court and time. If a loved one is being held, start with our Howard County bail guide and bail review representation.
What We Defend in Ellicott City
- Assault - Second degree, first degree, and domestic assault
- Drug charges - Local Howard County drug defense for possession, searches, laboratory evidence, 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 countywide DUI defense in Ellicott City page
- Protective orders - Separate petitioner and respondent representation
- Probation violations - Violation of probation hearings and warrant recalls
Why Hire FrizWoods
Criminal defense is the firm's focus. Max Frizalone is a former Prince George's County prosecutor and Maryland public defender. Luke Woods is a former Army JAG officer and supervising public defender with more than 20 years of trial experience. Shane Nolan is a former Anne Arundel County prosecutor. We prepare from the reports, video, statements, searches, witness accounts, and other case-specific evidence. 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.
Where will my Ellicott City case be heard?
Misdemeanors are handled at the District Court for Howard County on Courthouse Drive. Felonies and cases where you request a jury trial go to the Circuit Court for Howard County on Judicial Way, both in Ellicott City.
Talk to an Ellicott City Criminal Lawyer
If you are facing charges in Ellicott City 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.
Our Columbia Office Serving Ellicott City
The closest FrizWoods office to Ellicott City is in Columbia, serving all of Howard County:
FrizWoods LLC
6304 Woodside Ct Suite 110
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 346-9384
View our Columbia office on Google. Meetings are available by appointment.
Serving Ellicott City and Nearby Howard Communities
Ellicott City is the Howard County seat and home to the District and Circuit Courts. For an impaired-driving charge, our Howard County DUI lawyer page has the local details. The Howard County criminal defense hub gives the wider view.
We also defend clients in neighboring Howard communities:
- Columbia criminal defense lawyer
- Elkridge criminal lawyer
- Fulton criminal lawyer
- West Friendship criminal lawyer