David Zwanetz

David Zwanetz is an Owner and Co-Managing Partner of Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake. His practice has been devoted exclusively to criminal defense for more than twenty years. Since his admission to the Maryland Bar in 2005, he has built his career representing individuals accused of crimes and protecting the constitutional rights of people facing some of the most serious and stressful moments of their lives.

From the beginning of his legal career, David chose a singular professional path: criminal defense. He has never practiced in any other area.

Dial (410) 927-5137 now or contact Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake online to schedule a free consultation with our Columbia criminal defense lawyers.

Commitment to Criminal Defense

David grew up in Howard County, Maryland, in a hardworking family shaped by strong immigrant roots and a deep respect for opportunity. From an early age, he developed an interest in the justice system and the role of advocacy in protecting individual rights.

He attended Salisbury University before earning his law degree from Widener University School of Law. During his final semester, he was admitted early to the Delaware Bar so he could participate in Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, assisting victims of domestic abuse. He was admitted to the Maryland Bar in December 2005 and immediately began practicing criminal law full time.

For the past two decades, David has handled criminal matters throughout Maryland ranging from traffic offenses and DUI cases to serious felony trials. He has represented clients in courts across the state and built a reputation grounded in preparation, responsiveness, and relentless advocacy.

Over the course of his career, he has handled thousands of criminal cases and tried numerous jury and bench trials. His work includes the successful defense of clients facing the most serious allegations, including a rare case in which all charges—including First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder, and Manslaughter—were dismissed in their entirety.

Speed, Accessibility, and Client Commitment

Criminal charges move quickly, and delays can have real consequences. One of the defining characteristics of David’s practice is urgency. From the moment a client reaches out, he prioritizes immediate action—rapid investigation, early communication with prosecutors, urgent filings, and swift strategic decision-making.

Clients often contact the firm during moments of crisis. David believes responsiveness and accessibility are essential in criminal defense. His approach emphasizes clear communication, rapid follow-through, and staying ahead of the process at every stage.

Professional Leadership

David is an active member of the Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys’ Association, the National Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Howard County Bar Association. 

David has been reviewed by all major attorney-rating organizations and has received top-tier accolades. However, he will not buy awards, rankings, or promotional badges. Lawyer rating companies openly sell trophies, plaques, and “award” logos for marketing use—a pay-to-promote model he finds fundamentally inappropriate and refuses to participate in. Any recognition he displays was earned through the review process and accepted without payment, as a true award should be. 

Facing serious legal issues? Get the help of experienced professionals. Call Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake today by dialing (410) 927-5137.

Discipline Inside and Outside the Courtroom

For nearly two decades, David has trained and competed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Julius Park at Crazy 88. He is a black belt, competitor, and instructor. The discipline, preparation, and resilience required in martial arts closely mirror the mindset he brings to his legal practice every day.

Family and Firm

David married his wife, Cathy, in 2007, and they are the proud parents of two children. He became a partner in 2014 and helped form the current iteration Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake in 2016 alongside founding partner Jason Shapiro.

Early Years

Long before law school, David’s childhood and teenage years were defined by constant participation in structured, competitive sports that demanded discipline, repetition, and resilience.

Beginning around age six, he spent much of his time immersed in organized training and competition. In his early youth, he participated in competitive dance, horseback riding and jumping, ice skating, ultimately parlaying into competitive ice hockey. These early experiences required consistent practice, strict coaching, and a willingness to commit to long hours of preparation.

As he grew older, his interests shifted toward combat sports. He trained and competed in boxing and traditional martial arts before eventually discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Grappling, which remains a central part of his life today.

One early experience left a lasting impression. As a teenager, after being confronted by a police officer while skateboarding near the Columbia lakefront, his skateboard was purposefully shattered in two; he was told there was nothing he could do about it. The incident became a defining moment. What began as a stark reality check evolved into a determination to understand the legal system and to learn how individuals can protect themselves within it. That experience helped shape the career path he ultimately chose.

Years of structured training, demanding coaches, and the expectation of consistent effort instilled habits that continue to guide his professional life today: preparation, discipline, persistence, and the willingness to do difficult work long before it becomes visible to others are what drives Dave Z. 

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• Year Admitted to Bar: 2005
• Law School: Widener University School of Law
• Undergraduate: Salisbury University
• Born: Reading, Pennsylvania
• Licensed MMA Manager: NJ, MD, VA, PA, NV