Maryland Felony Lawyer | Criminal Defense for Serious Charges in Maryland
If you're facing felony charges in Maryland, your future is on the line. Felony cases often land in Circuit Court and carry serious penalties, including prison time. FrizWoods handles everything from assault to fraud. You need experienced legal counsel�get a free case evaluation today.
Being charged with a felony in Maryland means facing life-changing consequences. These cases typically proceed in Circuit Court, with a few exceptions for charges like theft or identity fraud that might start in District Court. If you're charged in District Court, you can elect a jury trial through a jury trial prayer, moving your case to Circuit Court for greater protections.
At FrizWoods, we defend a wide range of felony charges, including:
- Drug Crimes
- First Degree Assault
- Sex Offenses
- DUI Manslaughter
- Theft & Property Crimes
- Robbery & Carjacking, Carjacking
- Gun Offenses
- White Collar Charges
- Burglary
- Kidnapping
- Attempted Murder
Luke Woods
Complex felony litigation: from violent crimes to serious property/drug offenses.
- Comprehensive discovery review and suppression litigation.
- Jury selection strategy and persuasive trial advocacy.
- Sentencing mitigation and post-verdict motion practice.
Max Frizalone
Trial-first felony defense with a record of acquittals and dismissals.
- Attacks weaknesses in forensic and digital evidence.
- Leverages pre-charge advocacy to avert filings when possible.
- Coordinates investigators and experts to build reasonable doubt.
Since January 2022, our firm has represented clients in more than 100 firearm-related cases, reflecting our extensive experience and unwavering commitment to strong, effective defense strategies. In a large portion of our felony cases, we've secured the dismissal of felony counts. Whether through suppression motions, plea negotiation, or pressure leading to nolle prosequi, we routinely get serious charges taken off the table. Over half of our felony cases have been entirely dropped—before trial, and sometimes before indictment. This reflects the strength of our pretrial advocacy, from filing evidentiary challenges to pushing prosecutors for early resolution.
What Penalties Do Felony Charges Carry in Maryland?
Felonies can result in long prison sentences, hefty fines, and lasting damage to your civil rights�like voting or owning a firearm. Many felony sentences follow Maryland�s Sentencing Guidelines, and jail terms over 18 months are typically served in state prison, not local jails.
You need a Maryland felony lawyer who understands sentencing laws, negotiates with prosecutors, and knows how to fight in court.
Why Circuit Court Is a Different Ball Game
Felony cases often land in Circuit Court, which involves:
- More court dates and longer timelines
- Access to full jury trials (12-person juries)
- Motion hearings to challenge evidence
- Advanced discovery requirements
- Speedy trial rights (Hicks Rule): trial within 180 days of your lawyer�s appearance
Even misdemeanors�like many gun charges�can be heard in Circuit Court. That�s why hiring experienced trial counsel is key.
Your Attorneys: Max Frizalone & Luke Woods
Luke Woods
Complex felony litigation: from violent crimes to serious property/drug offenses.
- Comprehensive discovery review and suppression litigation.
- Jury selection strategy and persuasive trial advocacy.
- Sentencing mitigation and post-verdict motion practice.
Max Frizalone
Trial-first felony defense with a record of acquittals and dismissals.
- Attacks weaknesses in forensic and digital evidence.
- Leverages pre-charge advocacy to avert filings when possible.
- Coordinates investigators and experts to build reasonable doubt.
Building Your Defense from Day One
Every strong defense starts with an aggressive investigation:
- Was the arrest legal?
- Did law enforcement mishandle evidence?
- Are the charges proportional to the facts?
We scrutinize every detail�from police conduct to forensic results. In many cases, we�ve negotiated felony reductions to misdemeanors, like downgrading a PWID drug charge to simple possession.
Fighting for You in Court
When you go to court, you need more than just someone in a suit�you need an advocate. Our criminal defense attorneys are in court every day, conducting jury trials and fighting for not guilty verdicts. We understand trial strategy, jury selection, and how to present a compelling defense in serious felony matters like first-degree assault.
Post-Trial Help: Clearing Your Record
Even after a not guilty verdict or dismissal, a felony charge can follow you. We can guide you through Maryland expungement to clean up your record and minimize future consequences.
More Than Just Legal Help
Facing felony charges affects more than just your case. It can disrupt work, family, and future goals. We assist with collateral issues�like how charges may impact child custody or employment.
Serving All of Maryland
From Anne Arundel County to Baltimore City, FrizWoods is ready to defend you. Our attorneys know the judges, prosecutors, and procedures in every courthouse we visit.
Don�t trust your future to a generalist. Trust the firm that handles felony defense�and only felony defense.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Further Reading
- DUI and felony overlap
- What happens after a felony arrest
- Understanding drug charges
- Jury trials in DUI and criminal cases
FAQs
Q: Can felony charges be dropped or reduced?
A: Yes. Our attorneys routinely negotiate reduced charges or pursue motions to dismiss, depending on the facts and legal issues in your case.
Q: What�s the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
A: Felonies are more serious crimes, typically punishable by over one year in prison. Misdemeanors carry shorter sentences and are often handled in District Court.
Q: Do I need a lawyer even if I�m innocent?
A: Absolutely. Innocent people get charged and even convicted. A skilled lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your story is heard.