Glen Burnie Criminal Defense Attorneys

Glen Burnie is one of the busiest hubs in Anne Arundel County, shaped by steady movement along major routes like Route 2 (Ritchie Highway), Route 100, and I-97. With BWI Marshall Airport nearby and heavy commuter traffic throughout the area, criminal charges often come out of ordinary moments: a traffic stop on the way home from work, a misunderstanding during a daily interaction, or a situation that escalates faster than expected.

At Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake, we understand what’s at stake when law enforcement gets involved. It’s rarely just about the charge itself. It is about your job, your license, your record, and the stability of everything built around it. Since 2005, our firm has focused on guiding people through these moments with steady, direct legal support and a team-based approach that keeps attention where it belongs: on the case in front of us.

Dealing with an urgent legal matter? Call (410) 927-5137 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. We are available 24/7.

How Glen Burnie Cases Move Through the Court System

Most criminal and traffic matters originating in Glen Burnie begin at the District Court location serving Anne Arundel County on Ritchie Highway.

However, the trajectory of a case depends on the severity of the charges:

• District Court (Glen Burnie). Handles most traffic violations, DUIs, and misdemeanors.
• Circuit Court (Annapolis). Serious felony charges, as well as cases where a defendant requests a jury trial, are moved to the Circuit Court in downtown Annapolis.

We regularly appear in both courts and understand how cases move through each stage of the process. That includes how prosecutors evaluate charges early on and how judges typically approach sentencing considerations. Having that familiarity helps bring clarity to what can otherwise feel like an unpredictable process.

Criminal Charges We Commonly See

Glen Burnie’s size and location mean we see a wide range of criminal matters, many tied to commuter traffic corridors, local disputes, and routine law enforcement encounters.

We handle:

• DUI and DWI defense. Criminal charges involving alcohol or drugs, along with related administrative license issues.
• Drug offenses. From simple possession to distribution and trafficking allegations.
• Assault and violent crimes. Cases that require a careful review of statements, context, and available evidence.
• Theft and property crimes. Including shoplifting, burglary, and other allegations that can affect employment and background checks.
• Domestic violence. Matters involving protective orders, arrest procedures, and sensitive family dynamics.
• Sex crimes and offenses. Serious allegations that require a detailed, careful defense approach from the outset.
• Traffic and motor vehicle violations. Including suspended license cases, reckless driving, and hit-and-run allegations.
• Felony charges across all classifications. High-stakes cases that require detailed analysis of the state’s evidence and legal strategy. 

Each case is different, but the early stages often determine how the matter develops. That’s where careful review and timely legal action matter most.

What We Focus on in a Criminal Defense Case

Every case begins with a simple question: what actually happened?

From there, we review police reports, available video, witness accounts, and the procedures used during the stop, search, or arrest. In many cases, the details that matter most are not obvious at first glance. Traffic stops, field testing, and searches often carry procedural questions that can affect how evidence is treated. We take the time to go through those details carefully so the full picture is clear before decisions are made.

Because we maintain an intentional and manageable caseload, clients can work directly with our attorneys throughout the process. That keeps communication consistent and avoids the disconnect that can happen in higher-volume firms.

The Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake Approach

We have built our practice around a simple idea: people facing criminal charges benefit from focused attention and clear communication. We operate as a team, drawing on more than 50 years of combined legal experience.

That includes attorneys with prior prosecutorial perspective, which helps us understand how cases are evaluated from the state’s side and where issues may arise in the evidence or process. That perspective isn’t about overcomplicating the case. It’s about understanding how the system works so we can respond in a practical and informed way.

Why People Work with Us

• We are here to answer the call when an emergency happens 
• We believe quality legal defense should be accessible, which is why we offer in-house payment plans for qualifying cases.
• You can discuss your case with us virtually or in person to understand your options without any upfront financial pressure.
• With consistent Superb Avvo Ratings and recognition from U.S. News & World Report as Best Lawyers, we bring a respected and seasoned presence into the courtroom.