Howard County Criminal Lawyer
No one wants to go to jail. No one wakes up in the morning and plans to be arrested. But sometimes we make choices that lead to our arrests, often choices we regret later. It’s at these times that you need an experienced criminal lawyer on your side-helping to ensure your rights are protected and working towards the best results possible in your case.
You could only be facing a few weeks in jail. But whether you are faced with misdemeanor charges or a felony with a lengthy prison sentence, the criminal defense attorneys with our firm can help.
Often, an arrest happens at the scene of a crime. The police are called and you end up in the back of a squad car. But in some situations, you are arrested after a lengthy investigation and an arrest warrant is taken out. Regardless of how the arrest happens, you are entitled to the same protections under the law. Your Constitutional Rights are there to protect you from unfair treatment and your criminal defense lawyer is there to ensure those rights are respected.
One of your rights, the right to remain silent and abstain from self-incrimination, should be invoked soon after your arrest. The police may seem friendly but they are working to build a case against you. Though you may be tempted to “tell them everything”, your best interests lie in keeping quiet. Simply telling the police you wish to speak with an attorney should stop their questioning altogether. Also, many people don’t understand this right is present before the police tell you about it. So, if you are being questioned and they haven’t advised you of your Miranda Rights, you can still refuse to answer their questions.
Understanding the depth of your case and all the variables present comes with years of experience. Our attorneys understand what you’re going through and know the best ways to represent you regardless of the charge. We’ve defended numerous clients against charges like:
When you are arrested or if you have reason to believe you are under investigation, contacting a criminal lawyer to help build your defense strategy should be a top priority. Our attorneys have experience handling cases in the District Courthouse on Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. The attorneys with our firm have experience representing clients who are in a similar position to where you find yourself today. Take advantage of their experience and contact them for a fee consultation where you can evaluate your situation.
If you are facing a criminal charge in Columbia, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Jessup, North Laurel, Savage-Guilford, Clarksville, Cooksville, Daniels, Dayton, Dorsey, Fulton, Glenelg, Glenwood, Granite, Hanover, Henryton, Highland, Ilchester, Lisbon, Marriottsville, Scaggsville, Simpsonville, Sykesville, West Friendship, Woodbine, Woodstock – please contact us as soon as possible to secure qualified representation against the charges you face.
If you need to appear before a judge at the Howard County Courthouse, the information contained on that page can help you feel more comfortable during what will undoubtedly be a difficult time in your life.
Ellicott City Criminal Lawyer
Aggressive Ellicott City Criminal Attorney
Being charged with a crime is intimidating because the criminal justice system is complex. This system has a confusing set of rules. In this situation, contacting an Ellicott City criminal lawyer can be your first step in protecting your rights and building a strong defense strategy for your case.
Choosing an attorney who is dedicated to his clients is important. No matter the charge or potential crime, the Elliot City criminal attorneys you pick must handle your case with discretion, and work to build the strongest defense possible.
Whether you face a misdemeanor or felony, it is crucial to hire a lawyer with experience. He must have the appropriate knowledge to defend against your specific charge, which can include:
- Assault
- DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
- DWI (Driving While Intoxicated)
- Gun or drug charges
- Theft
- Traffic violations
Ellicott City Criminal Convictions
A conviction for a Maryland crime carries severe penalties: this can include fines, probation, and / or incarceration. A qualified Elliot City criminal lawyer understands that in addition to legal consequences, criminal records affect your family and personal relationships, educational opportunities, and employment prospects. Losing immigration status, security clearance, and custody of children are all possible outcomes of such convictions – and they may last a lifetime.
To begin dealing with the charges against you, speak with a defense attorney as soon as possible after you are arrested, or as soon as you suspect you are being investigated. An Elliot City criminal attorney will see that your Constitutional rights are protected throughout the process, and his or her early involvement may help you avoid costly mistakes, such as saying the wrong things to police and investigators.
If you are charged with a crime in Ellicott City, your case will most likely be heard at the Ellicott City District Court, 3451 Courthouse Drive. With a qualified lawyer handling your case, you have can have the peace of mind know that your rights are protected and your side of the story gets heard in court.
Howard County Courthouse
The Howard County District Courthouse is located at 3451 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City, Maryland. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
The Howard county district court is accessible by personal vehicle and Howard Transit. The court has parking next to the building and is within walking distance of the Courthouse Dr. & Martha Bush SB bus stop.
Cell phones are currently not permitted in the court. Starting in 2011, Howard County District Court will allow cell phones into the courthouse. Cell phones must be either turned off or put on silent mode in the courtroom.
The Howard County Circuit Courthouse is located at 8360 Court Avenue in Ellicott City, Maryland. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Unfortunately, there is no public transportation that brings you close to the courthouse, but there is free parking on the east side of the building.
Cell phones are allowed in the courthouse, but they must be silenced while in the court room.
Driving Directions to District Court
3451 Courthouse Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043-4377
From 695 take Exit 15, Ellicott City. Follow Rt 40 West to Route 99, Rogers Ave. Make left onto Rogers. Courthouse is on left.
Parking at District Court
There is parking next to the building.
District Court Clerk
Nancy E. Mueller
Driving Directions to Circuit Court
8360 Court Avenue
Ellicott City, Maryland 21043
phone: 410-313-2111
From Baltimore: From Baltimore Beltway 695, take I-70 West towards Columbia. Take the left exit to 29 South. Exit at Route 40 East. At the second stoplight turn right at Rogers Avenue. Follow the signs to the Circuit Court.
From Annapolis: From I-97, take 100 West towards Ellicott City. Bear off to the right onto 29 North. Exit at Route 40 East. At the first stoplight turn right at Rogers Avenue. Follow the signs to the Circuit Court.
From Frederick: Take I-70 East towards Ellicott City. Take the exit to 29 South. Exit at Route 40 East. At the second stoplight turn right at Rogers Avenue. Follow the signs to the Circuit Court.
From Washington: Take I-95 North towards Baltimore (or take Baltimore/Washington Parkway 295). Take 100 West towards Ellicott City. Bear off to the right onto 29 North. Exit at Route 40 East. At the first stoplight turn right at Rogers Avenue. Follow the signs to the Circuit Court.
Parking at Circuit Court
Free parking is available. Handicap parking is available next to the court house.
Circuit Court Clerk
Margaret D. Rappaport
