St. Mary's County Criminal Lawyer
If you are facing criminal charges in St. Mary's County, you want a lawyer who knows the Leonardtown courthouse and the Southern Maryland bench. Luke Woods spent over a decade as a supervising public defender in Southern Maryland, and Max Frizalone is a former Prince George's County prosecutor. Criminal and DUI defense is the only thing we do. We handle DUI and DWI, assault, drug charges, theft, gun offenses, and felony cases.
Call us 24/7 at (877) 343-1031 or use our contact form for a free consultation. For the statewide picture, see our Maryland criminal lawyer hub.
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 St. Mary's County
Leonardtown is the county seat. Most cases begin in the Leonardtown District Court, and felonies or jury-trial cases move to the St. Mary's County Circuit Court, also in Leonardtown. St. Mary's sits in District 4 alongside Calvert and Charles Counties, so the same Southern Maryland judges rotate across all three. 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.
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 St. Mary's County
- DUI and DWI - First offenses, repeat charges, and the separate MVA hearing on your license. See our St. Mary's DUI lawyer page.
- Assault - Second degree, first degree, and domestic assault.
- Drug charges - Possession and possession with intent to distribute. See our St. Mary's drug lawyer page.
- 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. Luke Woods knows the Southern Maryland court system from the inside, and Max Frizalone brings a former prosecutor's perspective and a Super Lawyers Rising Stars selection. 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.
Communities We Serve in St. Mary's County
We defend criminal and DUI cases throughout St. Mary's County, including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, and Mechanicsville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's County Criminal Lawyer
If you are facing charges anywhere in St. Mary's County, contact us for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 and ready to start working on your case today.