Criminal Defense Lawyer in Charles County, Maryland

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Charles County, Maryland

If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in Charles County, Maryland, the weight of the situation can feel overwhelming. From the moment of an arrest or investigation, every decision matters — and having the right defense attorney by your side can make all the difference in how your case unfolds. At SoMD Criminal Defense, we represent individuals throughout Charles County who are confronting charges ranging from misdemeanors and traffic offenses to serious felonies.

Our founding partners — former Charles County prosecutor Jeremy Widder and former Southern Maryland Public Defender Kathryn Batey — bring both sides of the courtroom to your defense. With our office located at 10665 Stanhaven Pl., Ste. 3117, White Plains, MD 20695, we are deeply rooted in the Charles County legal community and understand how the local courts, prosecutors, and judges operate.

We believe that everyone deserves a vigorous defense. Whether you are a first-time offender or someone dealing with a prior record, we approach every case with the same level of dedication and preparation. If you are facing charges in Charles County, contact us today for a free consultation or call (301) 818-0389.

Criminal Charges We Defend in Charles County

SoMD Criminal Defense handles a wide range of criminal matters in Charles County District Court and Charles County Circuit Court. Our practice areas include:

• DUI & DWI Defense — Drunk driving, drugged driving, refusal cases, and MVA hearings
• Assault Defense — First and second degree assault, reckless endangerment
• Domestic Violence Defense — Protective orders, peace orders, and DV-related charges
• Gun Charges — Illegal possession, wear and carry, felon in possession, ghost guns
• Drug Charges — CDS possession, distribution, fentanyl, marijuana offenses
• Homicides & Violent Felonies — Murder, manslaughter, armed robbery
• Property Crimes — Theft, burglary, fraud, embezzlement
• Misdemeanors & Protective Orders — Disorderly conduct, trespassing, minor offenses
• Sexual & Domestic Violence Crimes — Sex offenses, child abuse charges
• Expungement — Clearing your criminal record in Maryland
• Post-Conviction Relief — Appeals, resentencing, sentence modification

No matter what you have been charged with, we will listen to your story, investigate the facts, and build the strongest defense available under Maryland law.

Charles County Courts and the Local Legal Process

Understanding the courts where your case will be heard is an important part of preparing your defense. Charles County has two trial courts, each handling different types of cases.

Charles County District Court is located at 11 Washington Ave, La Plata, MD 20646. District Court handles most misdemeanors, traffic offenses, DUI/DWI cases, protective order hearings, and initial appearances for felony charges. There is no jury in District Court — a judge decides both the facts and the law. Many criminal cases in Charles County are resolved at the District Court level through plea negotiations, probation before judgment, or trial before a judge.

Charles County Circuit Court is located at 200 Charles St, La Plata, MD 20646. Circuit Court is where serious felonies are tried, including drug distribution, violent crimes, and sex offenses. Circuit Court is also where jury trials take place. If your case is indicted by the grand jury or you pray a jury trial from District Court, your case will be heard here. Jeremy Widder tried over 60 jury trials in Charles County Circuit Court during his nine years as an Assistant State’s Attorney — experience that gives our clients a significant advantage.

The Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes criminal cases at both levels. Our attorneys have longstanding professional relationships with the prosecutors, which allows us to engage in effective plea negotiations when that serves our clients’ interests — while always being prepared to take a case to trial when it does not.

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency in the county, responsible for most arrests, investigations, and traffic enforcement. Maryland State Police also operates in Charles County, particularly on Route 301 and other major highways.

If you are facing criminal charges in Charles County and need experienced representation, call us at (301) 818-0389 for a free consultation. We offer straightforward advice about your case and what to expect in the local courts.

Why Choose a Local Charles County Defense Attorney

Criminal defense is local. The prosecutors, judges, and court culture in Charles County are different from those in neighboring Prince George’s County, Calvert County, or St. Mary’s County. Hiring an attorney who practices in Charles County every day gives you advantages that an out-of-area lawyer simply cannot provide.

Jeremy Widder served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Charles County for nine years, from 2009 to 2018. During that time, he prosecuted cases ranging from DUI to first-degree murder, tried over 60 jury trials, and worked alongside the same judges, clerks, and law enforcement officers who are still active in the courthouse today. When he transitioned to criminal defense, he brought that insider knowledge with him — an understanding of how the State builds its cases, what evidence prosecutors rely on, and where the weaknesses in those cases lie.

Kathryn Batey served as Deputy District Public Defender for Southern Maryland, defending clients in Charles County, Calvert County, and St. Mary’s County courts. She knows the defense side of the courtroom just as thoroughly — the procedural requirements, the motion practice, and the strategies that work in Southern Maryland courts. Together, our founding partners offer a perspective that few firms in the region can match.

When you hire SoMD Criminal Defense, you are not getting a large firm that treats you like a case number. You are getting attorneys who know the local system, who will answer your calls, and who will fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Areas We Serve in Charles County

We represent clients throughout Charles County, Maryland. Our White Plains office is centrally located and convenient to communities across the county. We regularly defend clients from:

• Waldorf (20601, 20602, 20603) — The largest community in Charles County
• La Plata (20646) — The county seat, home to both courthouses
• White Plains (20695) — Location of our office
• Indian Head (20640) — Including the Naval Support Facility
• Bryans Road (20616)
• Hughesville (20637)
• Port Tobacco (20677)
• Nanjemoy (20662)
• Bel Alton (20611)
• Cobb Island (20625)
• Welcome (20693)
• Newburg (20664)
• Pomfret (20675)
• Marbury (20658)
• Issue (20645)

We also serve clients in neighboring counties including Prince George’s County, Calvert County, and St. Mary’s County. Wherever your case is being heard in Southern Maryland, we can help.

Contact a Charles County Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you are facing criminal charges in Charles County, do not wait to get legal help. The earlier you involve a defense attorney, the more options you may have. We offer free consultations and will give you an honest assessment of your situation.

Call (301) 818-0389 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Our office is open Monday through Friday, and we are available for after-hours and weekend consultations by appointment. We are here to listen, advocate, and protect your rights.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Charles County?

Attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of the charges. Misdemeanor cases typically cost less than serious felonies. SoMD Criminal Defense offers free consultations where we can discuss your case and provide a clear understanding of legal costs. We believe quality defense should be accessible to everyone in Charles County.

What should I do if I am arrested in Charles County?

Remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and ask to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Do not make statements to police without a lawyer present. After booking at the Charles County Detention Center, you will see a District Court Commissioner who will set bail. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately — we can begin working on your case right away.

Can a former prosecutor really help my defense?

Absolutely. Jeremy Widder spent nine years prosecuting criminal cases in Charles County. He understands how the State builds its cases, what evidence they prioritize, and where their arguments may be weakest. This perspective allows our defense team to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy and build a more effective defense for clients throughout Southern Maryland.