Juvenile Delinquency Lawyers in Howard County, MD
Legal Representation in Columbia, MD
Juvenile justice is the area of criminal law applicable to persons not old enough to be held responsible for criminal acts. Juveniles, or minors, are any individuals not yet 18 years of age.
When a minor child is accused of a criminal act, the process is initiated by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services and a hearing is held in their offices to determine whether the allegation can be handled on an informal level or whether the case needs to be referred to the criminal courts for prosecution.
Call Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake today and schedule your free consultation by dialing (410) 927-5137 or contacting our firm online.
At Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake, our Howard County juvenile delinquency attorneys have specific experience in handling all criminal matters through the Department of Juvenile Services, which will, in turn, help avoid formal prosecution.
If it is not possible to prevent a juvenile matter from reaching court, our attorneys stand ready to zealously defend our juvenile clients in any judicial proceeding.
Above all, however, we act as dedicated advocates for our juvenile clients’ rights and work relentlessly to ensure justice in every case we handle.
Drug Abuse Hits Hard in Rural Areas
Drug and alcohol abuse among youth in rural areas is equal to or more prevalent than metropolitan areas, including Howard County’s rural population.
Youth substance abuse and the criminal charges for such crimes and other crimes associated with illegal drug and alcohol use by minors in Howard County need rigorous defense from a skillful Howard County Attorney who knows the fine facets of law associated not only with substance abuse, but with the juvenile aspects of these ominous criminal charges that can so negatively affect a life before it ultimately has the chance to begin.
Whether or not you live in one of the rural areas of higher incidence of juvenile substance abuse, if your minor son or daughter has been charged with a crime involving possession or distribution of narcotics or has been involved in a motor vehicle accident while driving under the influence, it isn’t always enough to retain counsel with background in substance abuse cases or one with knowledge in DUI law in Howard County.
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.
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.
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.
Decades of Quality Advocacy
You also want to be sure that the Howard County Attorney you choose to represent your child has the knowledge of juvenile law that can make a big difference in the way the defense is presented which can result in a much more favorable impact on the way the case will be judged. The juvenile delinquency attorneys at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake have that niche knowledge.
When a minor faces criminal charges, the emotional strain and stress reverberate in each member of the entire family throughout what can be a lengthy litigation process. The family needs support in this time of grave emotional upheaval.
An attorney versed in juvenile law will be able to empathize with an involved family’s tensions and apprehension and will be able to guide the family to the best psychological counseling to address these problems, as well as to any applicable substance abuse treatment programs for the defendant that will benefit the child’s case and will also treat family issues.
