Criminal Defense for Veterans in Howard County, MD
Supporting Active Duty Military & Veterans in Maryland
Helping veterans navigate some of the darkest, most challenging moments of their lives is one of the highest privileges of our practice at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake.
Our firm was founded on a simple premise: We do not just defend charges; we defend people. We take the time to learn who our clients are, what they have lived through, and what is at stake for them and their families.
For active-duty service members and military veterans facing charges in Maryland civilian courts, that background is not an afterthought. It is central to who you are, what brought you to our office, and how we fight for your future.
Reach us online or at (410) 927-5137 to schedule a free initial consultation with a criminal defense lawyer for veterans and active-duty service members in Howard County.
Our Legal Scope: Civilian Court Defense
It is vital to know where our advocacy takes place.
What we handle: We represent active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and veterans facing state and local misdemeanor and felony charges in Maryland civilian courts.
Whether your case is in Howard County or anywhere across the state, we handle charges including DUI/DWI, domestic disputes, assault, weapons violations, drug offenses, sex crimes, theft crimes, traffic violations, and violent crimes.
What we do not handle: Internal military justice matters (such as Courts-Martial, UCMJ proceedings, administrative separations, or VA benefits claims). Our focus is on providing service members with an uncompromising defense when they are entangled in the civilian criminal justice system.
What "Holistic Defense" Means for Veterans
In civilian criminal courts, prosecutors and judges often see only a police report and a charging document. They do not see the years of discipline, the combat deployments, the blast injuries, the physical wear, or the psychological toll of transitioning back to civilian life.
Our "everything matters" philosophy at Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake guides our approach to your case.
- Scrutinizing the evidence: First and foremost, we are trial-tested litigators. We evaluate the evidence, test the constitutionality of police stops, examine whether your rights were violated, and demand that the State prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Contextualizing the person: Even when the underlying facts of an incident are not in dispute, the context behind why and how it occurred is essential. We work closely with medical professionals, psychologists, and veteran support networks to document service-connected conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and substance dependency and self-medication.
- Pursuing humane outcomes: A successful defense is not just about winning an abstract argument; it is about protecting your freedom, your record, and your civilian career. Where appropriate, we advocate for diversion programs, Veterans Treatment Courts, specialized counseling, and mitigation strategies that prioritize treatment and rehabilitation over incarceration and lasting convictions.
See Why We're the Right Choice
Reasons to Choose Our Firm
-
We approach every case as a team.
-
Every initial consultation is free and no-obligation.
-
We are available for you 24/7.
-
We are a team of former prosecutors and know how the other side thinks.
-
We have in-house payment plan options on qualifying cases.
-
We are highly recommended and awarded by various associations.
A High-Quality Reputation
Read Reviews from Real People
-
"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
-
"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.
-
"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.
Our Service Member & Veteran Discount
Service members dedicate their lives to protecting our communities and country. Offering meaningful support when you return home is not just a policy; it is our duty.
Shapiro Zwanetz & Lake offers a legal fee discount to all active-duty military personnel, reservists, National Guard members, and retired veterans.
You Can Speak Candidly With Us
Reaching out for legal help can feel daunting, especially when pride, trauma, or fear of how a charge might affect your civilian life or clearance is involved.
We want you and your family to know:
- Your service will be respected.
- You can speak candidly without fear of judgment.
- Your case will be defended with urgency and meticulous care.
If you or a loved one served and is currently facing criminal charges in Maryland, we are ready to listen, stand by your side, and defend your future.
Call (410) 927-5137 or connect with us online for a free case review with a criminal defense attorney for veterans and military members in Howard County.
