Towson Criminal Defense Attorneys
When you are facing criminal charges in Towson, the weight of the situation can feel overwhelming. Whether it is a late-night call regarding a student at Towson University or a complex legal matter involving the Baltimore County Circuit Court, the uncertainty of what comes next is often the hardest part. At Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake, we understand that you aren't just looking for a lawyer; you are looking for a way to get your life back to normal.
We focus on quality over quantity, intentionally managing our caseload so that every client receives our full attention. This approach allows us to provide a level of personal service that is hard to find in larger, high-volume practices. When you work with us, you are gaining a team that has spent decades navigating the legal landscape of the community and the surrounding area. We prioritize transparent communication and a collaborative approach to build a defense tailored to your specific situation.
If you or a loved one are facing charges, timing is everything. Call (410) 927-5137 or contact us online for a free consultation and let’s discuss your options. We are available 24/7 if you need support.
What You Need to Know Right Now: Common Towson Legal Questions
When a legal issue arises, the first few hours are often filled with more questions than answers. Based on our years of practice in the Baltimore County courts, we’ve found that most people have similar concerns when they first reach out to us.
Where exactly is the court located in Towson?
Towson hosts both the District Court of Maryland and the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. Most traffic matters and initial criminal hearings take place at the District Court. If your case involves a felony or a request for a jury trial, it will move to the Circuit Court. Both are located in the heart of downtown, near the York Road corridor.
What should I do if the police want to talk to me?
The best course of action is to politely decline to answer questions until you have an attorney present. Even if you believe you have nothing to hide, statements made in the heat of the moment can be misinterpreted or used out of context later in the process.
Can you help with Towson University disciplinary hearings?
Yes. We frequently represent students facing two distinct challenges: the criminal court system and the university’s own disciplinary board. While these are separate processes, we understand the university's student code of conduct and work to protect your educational future alongside your legal rights.
How much does a defense attorney cost?
Every case is different, but we believe in transparency. During our free consultation, we will discuss the potential costs and see if your case qualifies for an in-house payment plan. We want you to feel confident in the value of the representation you are receiving without added financial stress.
Navigating the Legal Landscape of Baltimore County
Towson is a unique place. The District and Circuit courts see a high volume of cases every day. Because our firm has been operating since 2005, we have become familiar faces in these halls. We know the procedures, the local nuances, and the expectations of the judges who preside over cases here.
This local familiarity matters. Whether your case stems from an incident near the Towson Town Center or a traffic stop along the York Road corridor, having a team that knows the specific geography and legal climate of Towson provides a significant advantage. We use our collective experience to help you understand exactly what to expect when you step into the courtroom.
A Focused Team Approach
At Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake, we believe in the power of a team. Instead of one person handling everything in a vacuum, our lawyers collaborate, bringing their individual strengths to every file. We are former prosecutors, which means we have a clear perspective on how the state builds its case against you. We can anticipate their moves and identify the gaps in their evidence before the trial even begins. This proactive stance is a cornerstone of our practice.
Defense Services Tailored to the Towson Community
DUI & DWI Defense
Maryland takes drunk driving very seriously, and Baltimore County is no exception. A stop on Dulaney Valley Road or the Baltimore Beltway can lead to life-altering consequences, including the loss of your license and potential jail time. As a Tier 1 rated firm for DUI/DWI defense, we dig into the technical details of every stop. We review the calibration of breathalyzer equipment and the specific circumstances of field sobriety tests to see if your rights were respected.
Drug Offenses: Possession to Distribution
A drug charge doesn’t have to define your future. We handle cases involving possession, distribution, and trafficking. We focus on protecting your Fourth Amendment rights, challenging evidence obtained through illegal searches. Whether it is a student-related matter or a high-stakes felony, we look for every available defense.
Assault, Domestic Violence, & Violent Crimes
Accusations of violence are serious and often involve sensitive family dynamics. Domestic violence charges move through the Towson courts on an accelerated track. We provide a steady, professional presence to help you navigate these high-stress situations, helping your side of the story be told clearly and ensuring that one-sided allegations don't go unchallenged.
Theft & Property Crimes
From shoplifting allegations at Towson Town Center to serious felony theft or burglary, these charges carry long-term consequences for your career and reputation. We work to mitigate these impacts, often seeking alternatives to incarceration that focus on your future and the preservation of a clean record.
Felony Charges & Sex Crimes
When the stakes are at their highest, you need a team that isn't afraid of a trial. We handle all classifications of felony charges and sex offenses, providing a rigorous defense designed to protect your liberty and your standing in the community. These cases often involve long-term strategies and extensive discovery, and we have the stamina to see them through.
Why Our Boutique Structure Benefits You
Many people assume a larger firm automatically means stronger representation, but in criminal defense, personal attention and consistency often matter more. In a high-volume firm, cases are sometimes passed between multiple attorneys or staff members. At Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake, clients work directly with our team throughout the process.
Personalized Attention
Because we keep a shorter client list, we’re able to give each case more direct attention and maintain consistent communication from start to finish. We take the time to understand the circumstances behind the charges and the concerns each client brings into the case.
Transparency in Communication
One of the biggest frustrations people have during a criminal case is feeling left out of the process. We focus on keeping clients informed about hearings, case developments, and the next steps as the matter moves through court. Our goal is to provide straightforward guidance without unnecessary legal jargon.
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.
Experience That Moves the Needle
When we say we understand the "other side," we mean it literally. Having former prosecutors on our team gives us a unique perspective on how the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office builds a case. This background allows us to identify the "tipping points" in a case, those specific pieces of evidence or procedural errors that can lead to a dismissal or a significant reduction in charges. We are proactive, engaging with the facts immediately to position you for the best possible result.
Standing by Your Side in Towson
At Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake, we are proud of the recognition we’ve received over the years, including Superb Avvo ratings and being named among the Best Lawyers by U.S. News & World Report. These accolades reflect our commitment to the high standards of the Maryland legal community. More importantly, we understand that every case directly affects someone’s future, reputation, and daily life. We treat your situation with the seriousness it deserves, providing a level of local insight and dedication that is only possible through a focused, team-led approach.
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
The period following an arrest or criminal charge is often the most important stage of a case. Early decisions can influence how the matter develops moving forward. Whether you are dealing with a serious traffic offense, a DUI, or a felony charge, we are here to help you understand your options and what comes next.
Contact Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake today at (410) 927-5137 to schedule your free consultation. We are available 24/7 to help you when you need it most.
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.