Anne Arundel County Criminal Defense Attorneys
A criminal charge in Anne Arundel County can upend everything you have worked for. From the moment of an arrest, you are up against a system that moves quickly and a prosecution that is already building its case. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor in Glen Burnie or a serious felony charge in Annapolis, you need an attorney who knows this county, its courts, and its prosecutors. At Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake, we bring tenacity, experience, and a commitment to results to every client we represent.
Do not wait to get help. Contact Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake online or at (410) 927-5137 to schedule a consultation with one of our Anne Arundel County criminal defense attorneys.
Serving Clients Across Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County is one of Maryland's most densely populated jurisdictions, home to nearly 600,000 residents spread across urban, suburban, and waterfront communities. It is a county with distinct character in each of its communities, and criminal cases here reflect that diversity. Our clients come from all walks of life facing all types of charges and we are more than ready to handle them all.
We maintain a particular focus on the following communities:
- Glen Burnie – One of the county's largest and most active communities. Our firm handles a high volume of criminal defense cases originating in Glen Burnie, and we have a dedicated page covering this area in depth.
- Odenton – A rapidly growing community near Fort Meade with a diverse population. We represent clients from Odenton facing charges in both the District and Circuit courts.
- Severn – A large unincorporated community in the heart of the county. Residents of Severn facing criminal charges can count on Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake for skilled, local representation.
- Throughout Anne Arundel County – We serve clients from Pasadena to Crofton, Hanover to Linthicum. If you are in Anne Arundel County, we are your firm.
Navigating the Anne Arundel County Court System
Where your case is heard matters. Anne Arundel County has multiple courts handling criminal matters, and understanding how each one operates is essential to building an effective defense.
Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake regularly practices before all of these courts:
- Anne Arundel County Circuit Court (Annapolis): Located in the state capital, the Circuit Court handles the most serious criminal matters, including felonies, jury trials, and appeals from the District Court. This is where the stakes are highest, and where experienced representation is most critical.
- Anne Arundel County District Court, Annapolis: Handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, DUI cases, and preliminary hearings for felony charges originating in the Annapolis area.
- Anne Arundel County District Court, Glen Burnie: Serves the northern and central portions of the county, including Glen Burnie, Odenton, and Severn. This court sees a significant volume of drug charges, assault, and theft cases.
Knowing the local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures is not a luxury in criminal defense. It is a necessity. Our attorneys have appeared in Anne Arundel County courts on behalf of clients across a wide range of criminal matters, and we use that local knowledge to your advantage from day one.
Facing charges in Anne Arundel County? Call Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake at (410) 927-5137 for a consultation. We are ready to fight for you.
Criminal Defense Practice Areas We Handle in Anne Arundel County
At Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake, our criminal defense practice covers the full range of charges you might face in Anne Arundel County. Our clients are represented with the same level of preparation and commitment, whether the charge is a first-time misdemeanor or a serious violent felony.
We handle:
- DUI and DWI
- Drug crimes, including possession, distribution, and trafficking
- Assault and violent crimes
- Theft and property crimes
- Sex crimes and offenses requiring registration
- Domestic violence
- Felony charges of all classifications
- Traffic violations and serious motor vehicle offenses
See Why We're the Right Choice
Reasons to Choose Our Firm
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We approach every case as a team.
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Every initial consultation is free and no-obligation.
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We are available for you 24/7.
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We are a team of former prosecutors and know how the other side thinks.
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We have in-house payment plan options on qualifying cases.
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We are highly recommended and awarded by various associations.
Trusted by Clients Throughout Anne Arundel County
Our attorneys bring over two decades of experience and a background as a former prosecutor to every case. That means we do not just understand criminal defense theory. We understand how the other side thinks, how Anne Arundel County prosecutors build their cases, and where the weaknesses in those cases are most likely to be found. We have used that insight to deliver results for clients across the county time and again.
We purposefully keep a limited client list. By restricting our caseload, we make sure that you receive the close, personalized attention your future deserves. When you choose Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake, you are choosing a team recognized among the Best Law Firms in America, backed by Super Lawyers selections and elite 10.0 Superb Avvo ratings.
When your freedom, your record, and your future are on the line, you deserve an attorney who will fight for you with everything they have. That is exactly what you get at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake. Contact us today and let us get to work.
Call Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake at (410) 927-5137 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. There is always a way, and we will help you find it.
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
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"Mr. Lake's reputation for integrity, diligence and competence which he earned as a former Assistant States Attorney and while he has been in private practice aided him in achieving the result he did."I am a retired Attorney who recommended a personal friend to Justin Lake. I received his name by speaking with an old friend of mine who is still considered one of the top criminal lawyers in Maryland. My friend was clearly guilty of driving while impaired as was evidenced by a video taken at the scene by the investigating officer and the fact that he failed the breathalyzer test. A verdict of Probation Before Judgement or Guilty would have been life altering for him and his family in that it could have resulted in his deportation from this Country and the absolute prohibition of his being able to apply for admission of his family in to the United States. My friend had learned that he had been granted asylum three days before he was charged. Aside from that charge he had an impeccable record. He is employed by a continuing care community where his service is valued which is evidenced by the excellent job reviews he has consistently received. Mr. Lake was engaged to represent him and charged a fee customary for representing someone charged with such an infraction. I know from my experience that he expended far more time on the case than he was compensated for, but he did not ask for an increase in the fee. He spoke multiple times with an Assistant State's Attorney of the County as well as the States Attorney, removed the case to a higher Court and with the Assistant State's Attorney met with the Circuit Court Judge of the County. At that meeting Mr. Lake introduced a legal opinion prepared by my friend's immigration attorneys with whom he conferred which set forth the aforementioned consequences that would ensue were any judgment aside from a PBJ(C) entered. It is the only judgment that would not impact his and his family's immigration status. Such a judgment is extremely rare. I am of the opinion that Mr. Lake's reputation for integrity, diligence and competence which he earned as a former Assistant States Attorney and while he has been in private practice aided him in achieving the result he did.- Rosser
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"Will Be In Good Hands"I never hesitate to refer any potential clients with criminal defense needs to Justin Lake or David Zwanetz- Joe M.
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"Easy to work with"Prompt, professional, and easy to work with as a client.- Zach S.