Maryland Criminal Defense Overview
If you are facing criminal charges in Maryland, you need more than just general advice, you need a defense strategy tailored to Maryland law and courts. This page breaks down the types of cases we handle, how the system works, and why FrizWoods is trusted across the state.
What Does a Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?
At its core, criminal defense is about protecting your freedom, record, and rights. A Maryland criminal defense attorney:
- Explains the charges and possible penalties under the Maryland Criminal Law Article.
- Investigates the evidence and challenges illegal searches, unreliable witnesses, or improper police procedures.
- Negotiates with prosecutors for reduced charges, diversion, or dismissal.
- Defends you in jury or bench trials using strategies grounded in the Maryland Pattern Jury Instructions.
At FrizWoods, criminal defense isn't a sideline. It's all we do.
Types of Criminal Charges in Maryland
We defend clients in all types of cases, including:
- DUI and DWI - From first offense DUI to repeat offender cases.
- Assault charges - Including first-degree assault and second-degree assault.
- Drug charges - Possession, distribution, and intent to distribute.
- Theft and property crimes - From shoplifting to felony theft.
- Domestic violence - Including protective order defense.
- Felony cases - Serious charges carrying long prison terms.
- Traffic offenses - Reckless driving, suspended license, CDL violations.
See also: protecting your privilege to drive at our MVA Hearing Lawyer page.
For quick legal explainers, see:
Understanding Maryland Courts
Criminal cases can be heard in:
- District Court - Handles misdemeanors, certain felonies, traffic offenses, and initial appearances.
- Circuit Court - Felonies and jury trials.
- Appellate Courts - Reviewing legal errors in trial court decisions.
Your choice between a bench trial or jury trial can be critical. We guide clients through this decision with strategies rooted in Maryland;s criminal procedure.
Penalties and Consequences
Penalties depend on the charge and prior record, but may include:
- Jail or prison time (from days to decades)
- Fines and court costs
- Probation Before Judgment (PBJ)
- Probation with strict supervision
- Loss of driving privileges in DUI cases
- Collateral consequences like job loss, immigration issues, or security clearance problems
We fight to minimize or eliminate these outcomes whenever possible.
Common Defense Strategies
Every case is different, but common defenses include:
- Illegal traffic stops or searches in violation of the Maryland Declaration of Rights
- Mistaken identity or unreliable witness testimony
- Challenging scientific evidence like DNA, breath, or blood tests
- Negotiating for reduced charges, diversion, or treatment-based alternatives
Why Choose FrizWoods for Maryland Criminal Defense?
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.
- Focused exclusively on criminal and DUI defense - We don;t split our attention with other practice areas.
- Trial experience across Maryland - From Annapolis to Laurel.
- Reputation for results - Dismissals, acquittals, and favorable plea deals.
- Client-centered service - Direct access to your attorney throughout your case.
If you are charged with a crime in Maryland, you don't need generic advice - you need experienced trial lawyers who know Maryland law inside and out.
Contact FrizWoods today for a free consultation and start building your defense. For clearing eligible records after your case ends, visit our Expungement Lawyer.
The Criminal Process & Rights Library
Everything on this site about how a Maryland criminal case actually works, organized by stage.
Arrest and bail
- Arrested in Maryland: what to do and recent arrest help
- What to do after an arrest and if you're charged with a crime
- How to find an inmate in Maryland
- How to bail someone out and Maryland bail laws
- Bail review hearings, what happens at a bail hearing, and the bail review process
- Miranda rights and "read me my rights"
- On-view arrests and out-of-county officers
Warrants
- What is a bench warrant? and bench warrant defense
- How to get a warrant dropped without going to jail
- Body attachments, fugitive from justice, and criminal summonses
Court process and outcomes
- The big four: PBJ, STET, nolle pros, and Maryland Case Search
- Plea bargaining, ABA pleas, open pleas, and District Court pleas
- Bench vs. jury trials, praying a jury trial, and Circuit vs. District Court
- Preliminary hearings, preliminary inquiries, and indictment vs. information
- Speedy trial rights and missed court dates
- Suspended sentences, home detention, probation, and probation violations
- Maryland sentencing guidelines and multiple counts
- Who can file charges, state picked up my charges, and statutes of limitations
- District Court appeals and discovery rules
Search, seizure, and your rights
- Motions to suppress and due process
- Car stops: searches without a warrant, ordered out of the car, plate readers
- Homes: police entry without a warrant
- Doctrine: unlawful search and seizure, challenging searches, search incident to arrest, inventory searches, Terry frisks, wiretaps
- Evidence: statements of probable cause, body-worn cameras, informants, confessions, failure to collect evidence
Defenses
- Self-defense, alibi, entrapment, duress
- Mistake of fact, ignorance of the law, voluntary intoxication
- Good Samaritan protections and the shelter rule
- Competency and competency Q&A
- Trial concepts: burden of proof, character evidence, expert witnesses
- Liability concepts: crimes of violence, conspiracy, attempted crimes, accessory after the fact, criminal negligence
Clearing your record
- The expungement guide and expungement services
- 10-110 expungements, the 2025 Expungement Reform Act, and juvenile expungement
Hiring a lawyer
- Criminal defense lawyer and public defender vs. private attorney
- What a defense lawyer costs and how to find the best one
Charges without a better home
- Disorderly conduct and first-time disorderly conduct
- Public intoxication and open container
- Resisting arrest and obstruction of justice
- Misdemeanor defense, felony defense, and felony vs. misdemeanor
- Mental health court and veterans court
FAQs
Q: Do I need a lawyer for my first offense?
A: Yes. Even "minor" charges can have serious long-term consequences. See our page on first-time DUI.
Q: Can I avoid jail time in Maryland criminal cases?
A: Often, yes - through defenses, PBJ, or diversion programs. Outcomes depend on the case facts and your record.
Q: Where does FrizWoods handle cases?
A: We handle cases across the state, including Anne Arundel, Howard, and Prince George's County.