Catonsville Criminal Defense Attorney
Protecting Your Future in Baltimore County
At Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake, we take a practical, personal approach to criminal defense. Since 2005, our firm has represented people in Catonsville and throughout Baltimore County who are trying to protect their future after an arrest or criminal charge. Our attorneys bring over 50 years of collective legal skill to the table, much of it spent right here in local courtrooms, allowing us to advocate for our clients with a deep understanding of the Maryland legal system.
Our office is located only about 10 miles from Catonsville. Because we sit on the Howard-Baltimore County line, we handle cases crossing this jurisdictional boundary daily. We understand the "Towson way," including the specific tendencies of local prosecutors and judges. We use that familiarity to help shape a defense strategy tailored to the circumstances of each case. By intentionally keeping our client list smaller, we provide more direct communication and personalized attention throughout the legal process.
We also believe people should be able to access strong legal representation without feeling overwhelmed by the process. For qualifying cases, we offer in-house payment plan options. Over the years, our work has earned recognition including Superb Avvo Ratings and rankings from U.S. News & World Report as Best Lawyers, reflecting the reputation our firm has built.
Need immediate legal help? Call (410) 927-5137 today. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions.
Direct Answers to Your Immediate Concerns
When the police get involved, the first thing most people want is clarity. Before we dive into the specifics of your defense, here are the answers to the questions we hear most often from our community.
Where will my case be heard?
Even though the incident happened in Catonsville, your case will be heard in Towson. This is where the Baltimore County District and Circuit Courts are located. While the arrest might have been made by local law enforcement at the Wilkens Precinct, the legal resolution happens at the county seat.
What should I do if the police want to "hear my side"?
Whether you are being questioned about a property crime, an assault, or a traffic incident, the most important step is to politely decline to answer questions until you have an attorney present. Statements made in the heat of the moment, even those intended to clear your name, are often used by the state to build a case against you.
Will I lose my driver’s license immediately?
If you were cited for a DUI or DWI, the officer likely confiscated your plastic license and gave you a paper temporary permit. This permit allows you to drive for 45 days. The suspension officially begins on the 46th day. To protect your privilege to drive, the timing of your response is critical.
- Within 10 days. You must request an MVA hearing within 10 days of the stop to provide the opportunity for your license to remain active while your hearing is pending.
- Within 30 days. This is your final deadline to request a hearing. If you miss this, you lose the right to a hearing entirely.
What is the difference between DUI and DWI in Maryland?
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is the more serious charge, typically triggered by a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. A DWI (Driving While Impaired) is a lesser but still very serious offense, often charged when a BAC is .07. Both carry the risk of jail time, fines, and points on your record.
Can this stay off my permanent record?
For many first-time offenses in Maryland, we often aim for a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). If granted, the conviction is struck from your record as long as you follow the court's requirements. This is a primary goal for many of our clients, especially students at CCBC or professionals, as a PBJ often allows you to later petition for a full expungement of the legal entry.
Identifying Local High-Enforcement Areas
Catonsville’s geography often plays a role in how charges are brought. The town's location makes it a crossroads for different law enforcement agencies, and our team frequently handles cases originating in these areas:
- The Route 40 and Frederick Road Corridors. These areas see high police visibility, often leading to stops that escalate into vehicle searches, drug-related allegations, or serious traffic violations.
- CCBC Catonsville Campus. We frequently represent students facing their first legal interaction. Whether it involves alcohol-related charges, drug possession, or campus disputes, we focus on helping them protect their future career and educational standing.
- The Baltimore City Border. Jurisdiction matters. Because Catonsville sits right against the city line, we verify that the police had the authority to act where they did. An arrest that happens on the wrong side of the city/county line can lead to significant legal challenges for the prosecution.
Comprehensive Defense for the Community
We handle a wide range of criminal matters with a focus on minimizing the impact these charges have on your life.
- DUI and DWI defense
- Assault and violent crimes
- Theft and property crimes
- Domestic violence
- Drug offenses
- Sex crimes and offenses
- Felony charges of all classifications
- Traffic and 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.
What Makes Our Team Different
What sets us apart is the atmosphere we have cultivated since 2005. We aren't a massive law firm where you are handed off to a junior associate. When you hire us, you get a dedicated team of advocates who treat your case as a priority.
Collaborative Strategy
We believe a strong defense is a collaborative one. Our team-led approach means we lean on the unique strengths of each attorney. This is especially beneficial when we are deconstructing the prosecution's case. Having former prosecutors on our team gives us a unique perspective; we have sat in those seats and know how the State builds its arguments.
Focused Representation
By keeping a short client list, we provide a level of service that is increasingly rare.
We take the time to:
- Listen to your story. We want to hear the details the police report left out.
- Analyze the evidence. We look for procedural errors or violations of your constitutional rights.
- Explain your options. We speak plainly, avoiding legal jargon so you can make informed decisions.
Start Your Defense Today
A criminal charge is a hurdle, but it doesn't have to be the end of the road. With a team that understands the Baltimore County courts and values you as an individual, you can find a way forward. Whether you are dealing with a traffic matter or a serious felony, the sooner we begin looking at the facts, the more options we have to protect your future.
Don't wait for your court date to get closer. Reach out to Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake by calling (410) 927-5137 for a free, no-pressure consultation and let's get to work on your defense.
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.