Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Attorney
Prince George’s County has some of the busiest criminal courts in Maryland, and the stakes in every case are high. SoMD Criminal Defense represents clients throughout Prince George’s County, from our Oxon Hill office at 137 National Plaza, Suite 300. Our partners, Jeremy Widder and Kathryn Batey, bring aggressive and experienced representation to clients in Upper Marlboro, Oxon Hill, Fort Washington, Bowie, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Laurel, College Park, and every corner of the county.
Available 24/7 for emergency consultations. If you’ve just been arrested, call (301) 818-0389 now.
Experience in Prince George’s County Courts
Prince George’s County criminal matters are heard in the District Court in Hyattsville and Upper Marlboro, and the Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro. The volume of cases in these courts is enormous, and many defendants end up with attorneys who are stretched too thin to give individual attention. At SoMD Criminal Defense, we limit our caseload so every client receives focused, strategic representation.
Our attorneys understand how the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office handles various charges, which judges preside over particular dockets, and what arguments carry weight in local courtrooms. That knowledge directly shapes our defense strategies and plea negotiations.
Cases We Defend in Prince George’s County
We handle every type of criminal case in Prince George’s County, from first-offense misdemeanors to complex felony trials. View our full list of practice areas or explore specific charges below:
- DUI and DWI — Breath test challenges, rising BAC defense, field sobriety test disputes, and MVA license hearings. Read about what to expect after a first DUI.
- Drug Crimes — Possession, intent to distribute, drug manufacturing, CDS in a vehicle, and prescription fraud.
- Assault and Violent Crimes — First-degree assault, second-degree assault, domestic violence, reckless endangerment, and weapons charges.
- Homicide and Manslaughter — First-degree murder, second-degree murder, voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, and vehicular homicide.
- Sexual Offenses — Rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and sex offense charges handled with urgency and discretion.
- Theft and Property Crimes — Grand theft, burglary, robbery, motor vehicle theft, arson, shoplifting, and fraud.
- Major Felonies — Armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, conspiracy, and other charges carrying lengthy prison sentences.
- Non-Violent Felonies — White-collar offenses, identity theft, embezzlement, computer crimes, and felony drug charges.
- Protective Orders — Defense against peace orders, interim protective orders, and final protective orders in domestic and non-domestic matters.
- Post-Conviction Relief — Probation violations, expungement, record shielding, sentence review, and appellate matters.
Navigating the PG County Court System
The Prince George’s County court system processes thousands of criminal cases each year. After arrest, you will have an initial appearance before a commissioner, followed by a bail review hearing if you are held. Misdemeanors and minor offenses are handled in District Court, while felonies and jury trials take place in Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro.
From arraignment through sentencing, we manage every step of your case. We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenge the State’s witnesses, negotiate favorable plea agreements when appropriate, and take cases to trial when that is the best path. If you have a prior conviction, our post-conviction team handles appeals, sentence modifications, and expungement petitions.
Communities We Serve in Prince George’s County
From our Oxon Hill office, we serve clients across Prince George’s County, including Upper Marlboro, Fort Washington, Clinton, Brandywine, Bowie, Laurel, Greenbelt, College Park, Hyattsville, Bladensburg, Suitland, Temple Hills, Lanham, and District Heights. Whether your case is in the northern or southern part of the county, we are ready to defend you.
We also serve clients throughout Southern Maryland. If you are facing charges in Waldorf, La Plata, Calvert County, or St. Mary’s County, our attorneys handle cases across the region.
For DUI and DWI charges in Prince George’s County, visit our dedicated Prince George’s County DUI defense page. We also provide local defense in Upper Marlboro, Oxon Hill, and Bowie.
Contact a Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Prince George’s County, act quickly. The earlier you have a defense attorney involved, the more options you have. Call SoMD Criminal Defense at (301) 818-0389 for a free consultation or contact us online. We will evaluate your case and start building a defense to protect your rights, your record, and your future.
Practice Areas in Prince George’s County
SoMD Criminal Defense handles a wide range of criminal matters throughout Prince George’s County. Explore our specialized practice areas and local service pages:
- Prince George’s County DUI Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Drug Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Assault Lawyer
- Prince George’s County Gun Charges Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer in Upper Marlboro
- Criminal Defense Lawyer in Oxon Hill
- Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bowie
- Criminal Defense Lawyer in College Park
- Criminal Defense Lawyer in Hyattsville
- Bail Hearing Lawyer in Maryland
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am arrested in Prince George’s County?
Remain calm, do not resist, and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not make any statements to police without an attorney present. You will be brought before a commissioner who will set bail. Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately — the decisions made in the first 24 to 48 hours after an arrest can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Where are criminal cases heard in Prince George’s County?
Prince George’s County has multiple court locations. District Court cases are heard in Upper Marlboro and Hyattsville. Circuit Court cases, including felonies and jury trials, are heard at the courthouse in Upper Marlboro. The jurisdiction is one of the busiest in Maryland, and understanding how the local courts and prosecutors operate is essential for effective defense.
How can a criminal charge affect my government job or security clearance?
A criminal charge can trigger an immediate security clearance review, suspension of access, and potential termination from government employment. Even if the charge is ultimately dismissed, the arrest itself may need to be reported and can affect your clearance status. Federal employees and contractors in Prince George’s County should seek legal representation that understands the intersection of criminal defense and security clearance protection.