Howard County Criminal Lawyer
If you have been charged with a crime in Howard County, the lawyer you pick matters as much as the facts of your case. FrizWoods keeps an office in Columbia and appears regularly in the Howard County courts in Ellicott City. Criminal and DUI defense is all we do. We handle DUI and DWI, assault, drug charges, theft, gun offenses, and felony cases. For the statewide picture of how we work, start with our Maryland criminal lawyer hub.
Call us 24/7 at (877) 343-1031 or use our contact form 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
Most Howard County 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, 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, often within 24 hours.
What We Defend in Howard County
- DUI and DWI - First offenses, repeat charges, and the separate MVA hearing on your license
- 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
- 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.
Cities We Serve in Howard County
We defend criminal and DUI cases throughout Howard County. Find your community below.
- Columbia - Columbia criminal lawyer and Columbia DUI lawyer
- Ellicott City - Ellicott City criminal lawyer and Ellicott City DUI lawyer
- Elkridge - Elkridge criminal lawyer and Elkridge DUI lawyer
- Fulton - Fulton criminal lawyer and Fulton DUI lawyer
- Jessup - Jessup criminal lawyer and Jessup DUI lawyer
- Savage - Savage criminal lawyer and Savage DUI lawyer
- West Friendship - West Friendship criminal lawyer and West Friendship DUI lawyer
- Clarksville - Clarksville DUI lawyer
Arrested in Howard County?
- Arrested in Howard County: steps to take right now
- How to bail someone out in Howard County
- Just arrested in Howard County
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 Howard County 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 Howard County Criminal Lawyer
If you are facing charges anywhere in Howard County, contact us for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to start working on your case today.
