Criminal Defense Your Friends That Defend 

Criminal Defense Lawyers Howard County, MD

Award-Winning Criminal Defense Attorneys in Columbia, Maryland

When a person is charged with a crime, they are suddenly forced into facing many new possible consequences such as incarceration, fines, parole and/or probation obligations and limitations. Along with that, the person could end up with a criminal record which can hurt their ability to find employment, housing, loan opportunities, own a firearm, maintain family relationships, and uphold an honorable reputation in Maryland. If you were charged with a criminal offense in Howard County, you need the help of experienced Howard County criminal defense lawyers right away. Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake brings over 50 combined years of legal knowledge to each case we take.

What is a Defense Attorney?

A defense attorney is a legal professional who represents individuals or entities that have been accused of committing a crime or other wrongdoings. A defense attorney's primary goal is to defend their client against the charges carried by the prosecution while ensuring that their rights are protected during the course of the legal process.

Defense attorneys generally handle a wide range of criminal cases, from minor infractions like traffic violations to more serious offenses like drug trafficking. They work closely with their clients to gather and review evidence, develop a strong defense strategy, negotiate plea bargains, and argue on their client's behalf in court. At Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake, our Howard County criminal defense lawyers do just that. You can count on our team to help you fight the charges you may be facing and help you acquire the best possible outcome for your case.

Areas of Practice

When you work with the Howard County criminal defense attorneys at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake, you get the help of a team committed to upholding your best interests. We recognize that each case is different, and our priority is to obtain the best result every time by offering outstanding client service. Our criminal defense attorneys in Columbia, MD, and support staff have received the highest levels of training and have obtained years of experience handling criminal cases while providing the highest level of representation and professional standards. We defend criminal cases throughout Maryland including:

Howard County Criminal Defense Attorneys

Thanks to our continually high standards of performance and service, Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake has been recognized as one of the Best Law Firms in America, year after year. With two of our attorneys having earned a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating, our Columbia DUI/DWI defense firm being named among the Best Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report, and an attorney recognized by Best Lawyers, Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake is the Maryland criminal defense law firm you can count on to protect your future. Our commitment to open and clear communication has earned us a reputation as the firm clients can count on. Find out why by calling today.

If you are facing criminal charges in Howard County, it is important to start building your defense quickly. Schedule your FREE consultation to get started!

Criminal Lawyers Near Me in Maryland

Once you are arrested, your time is limited to assemble a case that protects your freedom. Let the Howard County criminal defense lawyers at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake help you tell your side of the story and avoid the devastating consequences that can come from a criminal conviction.

During our free initial consultation, we will go over the details of your case to help you better understand your situation and how to make the best use of the legal options you have available. The staff at our firm work as a team—as though you were our only client—to build a case in your defense.

We are here to help you! Call our Howard County criminal defense attorneys at (410) 927-5137 or complete our online form.

This Isn't a "Paycheck" 
This Is Our Calling

At Shapiro, Zwanetz & Lake (SZL) we believe in thinking differently from most lawyers and law firms. We help our clients understand and accept their legal situation; we work with them to confront and improve that situation, while seeking the best outcome available at law. We recognize that each client is a unique individual, each deserving of the highest client/customer service; and we just happen to get our clients excellent results while we deliver that exceptional service.

A High-Quality Reputation

Read Reviews from Real People
  • “I never hesitate to refer any potential clients with criminal defense needs to Justin Lake or David Zwanetz”

    - Joe M.
  • “Easy to work with”

    - Zach S.
  • “From my 8-month experience, Mr. Justin Lake is a great lawyer with ethics and morals. Even more a good man in a time there seems ...”

    - L.W.

See Why We're the Right Choice

Reasons to Choose Our Firm
  • We approach every case as a team.
  • Every initial consultation is free and no-obligation.
  • We are available for you 24/7.
  • We are a team of former prosecutors and know how the other side thinks.
  • We have in-house payment plan options on qualifying cases.
  • We are highly recommended and awarded by various associations.

Contact Our Team

Call (410) 927-5137 or Submit This Form
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