West Friendship Criminal Lawyer
An arrest in West Friendship, the rural community in western Howard County near I-70 and MD-32, sends your case into the county courts in Ellicott City. FrizWoods defends assault, drug charges, theft, gun offenses, and felony cases across Howard County. For a statewide overview of how we work, see our Maryland criminal lawyer hub.
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
West Friendship cases are heard in the District Court of Maryland for Howard County (District 10, shared with Carroll County) and, for felonies and jury trials, the Circuit Court for Howard County, both in Ellicott City. 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, defendants are often processed 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 West Friendship
- 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 West Friendship DUI lawyer page
- Probation violations - Violation of probation hearings and warrant recalls
Why Hire FrizWoods
Criminal defense is all we do. 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. See our case results and reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor?
Yes. Second degree assault carries up to 10 years, and a conviction can affect employment and housing. An attorney can be the difference between a conviction and a dismissal.
Can my charges be dismissed?
Often, yes, through suppressing an unlawful stop, search, or statement, or by exposing weak evidence. We map the realistic options after reviewing discovery.
How much does a criminal lawyer in West Friendship cost?
Most cases are billed as a flat fee based on the charge and complexity. We quote it at your free consultation and offer payment plans.
Talk to a West Friendship Criminal Lawyer
If you are facing charges in West Friendship or anywhere in Howard County, contact us for a free consultation. We are available 24/7.
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.