St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense Attorney
Facing criminal charges in St. Mary’s County is a serious matter that demands experienced legal representation. SoMD Criminal Defense serves clients throughout St. Mary’s County, including Leonardtown, Lexington Park, California, Great Mills, Mechanicsville, Hollywood, Ridge, and every surrounding community. Our partners, Jeremy Widder and Kathryn Batey, bring extensive trial experience to every St. Mary’s County case.
Available 24/7 for emergency consultations. If you’ve just been arrested, call (301) 818-0389 now.
Local Knowledge That Makes a Difference
St. Mary’s County criminal cases are heard in the District Court of Maryland in Leonardtown and the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. Our attorneys have handled cases in these courtrooms and understand the local procedures, plea practices, and sentencing tendencies that shape outcomes in St. Mary’s County. That firsthand knowledge allows us to prepare stronger motions, negotiate more effectively, and present more compelling arguments at trial.
Many of our St. Mary’s County clients also have connections to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. We understand the additional consequences that military personnel and civilian employees face when charged with criminal offenses, and we factor those concerns into every defense strategy.
Criminal Charges We Handle in St. Mary’s County
We defend the full spectrum of criminal charges in St. Mary’s County courts, from minor traffic offenses to the most serious felonies. Our practice areas include:
- DUI and DWI Defense — Challenging traffic stops, breath and blood tests, and officer testimony. Learn more about what to expect after a first DUI in Maryland.
- Drug Offenses — Possession, distribution, manufacturing, CDS paraphernalia, and prescription fraud charges.
- Assault and Violent Crimes — Domestic violence, first and second-degree assault, robbery, and weapons offenses.
- Homicide — Murder, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide charges requiring immediate and aggressive defense.
- Sex Offenses — Sexual assault, rape, and related charges defended with discretion and thorough investigation.
- Theft and Property Crimes — Burglary, shoplifting, motor vehicle theft, arson, and fraud.
- Major Felonies — Armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and other high-stakes felony charges.
- Non-Violent Felonies — Embezzlement, forgery, identity theft, and large-scale drug offenses.
- Protective Orders — Defense against temporary, interim, and final protective orders.
- Post-Conviction and Expungement — Probation violations, sentence modifications, appeals, and clearing your record.
How St. Mary’s County Criminal Cases Work
After an arrest in St. Mary’s County, you will see a District Court commissioner for an initial appearance and bail determination. Misdemeanors are generally tried in District Court, while felonies move to the Circuit Court. At every stage—bail review, preliminary hearing, pre-trial motions, plea negotiation, and trial—having an attorney who knows the local system is essential.
We handle each phase of your case from start to finish. If a conviction has already occurred, our post-conviction attorneys can pursue appeals, sentence modifications, or expungement to help you move forward.
Defending Clients Across St. Mary’s County
Our clients come from all corners of St. Mary’s County: Leonardtown, Lexington Park, Great Mills, California, Mechanicsville, Charlotte Hall, Hollywood, Piney Point, Ridge, Park Hall, Chaptico, and beyond. Wherever your charges arose, we provide the same dedicated and thorough defense.
We also represent clients across Southern Maryland. If you need a defense attorney in Calvert County, Waldorf, La Plata, or Prince George’s County, we can help.
Facing a DUI or DWI charge in St. Mary’s County? Our attorneys understand the local court procedures and have a strong track record of defending DUI cases in the Leonardtown courts. Visit our St. Mary’s County DUI defense page for more information about how we can help.
Contact a St. Mary’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Every day you wait after an arrest is a day your defense could be getting stronger. Call SoMD Criminal Defense at (301) 818-0389 for a free consultation or reach out online. We will review your case, explain your options, and begin building a defense designed to protect your future.
Practice Areas in St. Mary’s County
SoMD Criminal Defense handles a wide range of criminal matters in St. Mary’s County. Explore our specialized practice areas and local service pages:
- St. Mary’s County DUI Lawyer
- St. Mary’s County Drug Lawyer
- St. Mary’s County Domestic Violence Lawyer
- St. Mary’s County Gun Charges Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer in Leonardtown
- Criminal Defense Lawyer in Lexington Park
- Bail Hearing Lawyer in Maryland
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am arrested in St. Mary’s County?
Exercise your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney immediately. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer. You will be seen by a commissioner who will determine bail conditions. Contact SoMD Criminal Defense at (301) 818-0389 as soon as possible — we can represent you at your bail review hearing and begin building your defense right away.
Where are criminal cases heard in St. Mary’s County?
Criminal cases in St. Mary’s County are heard at the District Court and Circuit Court in Leonardtown. Misdemeanors and traffic cases go through District Court, while felony cases and jury trials are handled in Circuit Court. Military personnel from Patuxent River Naval Air Station who face charges in St. Mary’s County should be aware that a criminal conviction can also affect their military career and security clearance.
Can a criminal charge affect my military career at Pax River?
Yes. A criminal charge — even before conviction — can trigger a security clearance review, command notification, and potential administrative action. Military members stationed at Patuxent River Naval Air Station face dual consequences: the civilian criminal case and the military response. Having a defense attorney who understands both systems is critical.
