Charged with a crime in La Plata, Maryland? SoMD Criminal Defense represents individuals facing criminal charges in La Plata and throughout Charles County. As the county seat, La Plata is home to both the Charles County District Court and Circuit Court — courtrooms where our attorneys have tried hundreds of cases.
Need a lawyer today? We offer same-day consultations at our White Plains office, minutes from La Plata. Call (301) 818-0389.
A criminal charge in La Plata can carry serious consequences including jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent record. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony, having a local defense attorney who knows the Charles County court system can make a meaningful difference in your case.
Local Experience in Charles County Courts
Our partner Jeremy B. Widder spent nearly a decade as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Charles County, prosecuting cases in the same La Plata courtrooms where he now defends clients. Partner Kathryn Batey served as Deputy District Public Defender for Southern Maryland. Together, they bring a rare combination of prosecution and defense experience that gives our clients a strategic advantage.
We know the judges, the prosecutors, and the procedural tendencies of the Charles County courts. This local knowledge allows us to tailor defense strategies to the specific dynamics of your case.
Criminal Charges We Defend in La Plata
Our La Plata criminal defense practice covers the full spectrum of Maryland criminal law:
- DUI/DWI defense — breath test challenges, field sobriety issues, license hearings
- Drug charges — possession, possession with intent to distribute, CDS violations
- Violent crimes — assault, robbery, weapons offenses
- Homicide charges — murder, manslaughter, attempted murder
- Sex offenses and domestic violence — sexual assault, protective order violations
- Property crimes — theft, burglary, fraud, shoplifting
- Post-conviction relief — expungement, sentence modification, appeals
How the La Plata Courts Work
All criminal cases in Charles County are heard at the courthouse complex in La Plata. The District Court handles misdemeanors, DUI/DWI cases, traffic matters, and preliminary hearings. The Circuit Court handles felony trials, jury trials, and appeals from District Court. If your case originated from an arrest anywhere in Charles County — including Waldorf, White Plains, Indian Head, or Bryans Road — it will be heard in La Plata.
Early legal representation gives us the opportunity to review police reports, challenge evidence, file pre-trial motions, and negotiate with the State’s Attorney’s Office before trial. In many cases, effective pre-trial advocacy leads to reduced charges or dismissals.
Serving La Plata and Surrounding Communities
We represent clients throughout the La Plata area, including Bel Alton, Port Tobacco, Nanjemoy, Potomac Heights, and all of Charles County. Our White Plains office is a short drive from the La Plata courthouse, and we are always accessible to our clients by phone.
Beyond Charles County, SoMD Criminal Defense also represents clients in Calvert County, St. Mary’s County, and Prince George’s County. Wherever your charges are in Southern Maryland, we have the experience to defend you.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you are facing criminal charges in La Plata or Charles County, do not wait. Contact SoMD Criminal Defense at (301) 818-0389 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and start building your defense immediately.
