College Park Criminal Lawyer

Experienced Attorneys Ready to Fight for You

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 614 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Charlie Novoa 
 September 2, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Esteban Gergely and his whole team are the best in the game hands down. His knowledge of the law, dedication to his clients and passion to win are simply unmatched. His staff are all super friendly, quick and thorough. Kelly was amazing through the whole process, the communication was above and beyond. Glenda is also someone I’ve worked with and she was nothing but pleasant as well. This team will give you a sense of confront regardless on the situation. When i first approached Esteban i was a mess but his first words were “relax, go on about your life as you normally would, leave the stresses of the case up to me, i got you” and he delivered. Not only did i have peace of mind the whole time but even if we hit any obstacles he overcame each one. Hired him on multiple occasions and will continue to do so if ever needed.
  
 
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   Wotzbeli Lopez 
 August 27, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excelente servicio
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dawn Wong 
 August 21, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Krum, Gergely and Oates, LLC. From the very beginning, I felt that I was in capable, caring, and dedicated hands. Everyone at the firm was professional, compassionate, responsive, and genuinely invested in my case.

David Krum went above and beyond to advocate for me and guide me through an incredibly difficult and emotional process. His knowledge, dedication, and persistence gave me confidence when I needed it most. I always felt that my best interests were truly his priority.

I am incredibly grateful for the hard work and commitment of the entire team and for the outcome they helped me achieve. After everything I went through, having an exceptional legal team in my corner made all the difference.

I highly recommend Krum, Gergely and Oates, LLC to anyone looking for attorneys who are knowledgeable, dedicated, compassionate, and truly committed to their clients.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Maikol Vicente 
 August 21, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excelente servicio
  
 
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   Vensh Kataria 
 August 17, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience working with my lawyer David Krum and would highly recommend him. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive. He took the time to explain every step of my case clearly, kept me informed throughout the entire process.

What I appreciated most was how confident and reassured I felt having him represent me. He was responsive, thorough, and genuinely seemed to care about achieving the best possible outcome for my case. His guidance made what could have been a very stressful experience feel much more manageable.

I’m extremely grateful for his hard work, dedication, and support.
  
 
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   keilyn miranda 
 August 14, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m truly grateful for everything this law office did throughout the case. From the beginning, they were professional, attentive, and genuinely caring. They took the time to explain things, answered every question, and kept us informed throughout the process. You could tell they really cared about helping and doing their best for their client. We felt supported and confident having them on our side. I would highly recommend this office to anyone looking for an attorney who is knowledgeable, professional, and truly cares about their clients!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Levi Raymundo 
 August 13, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Primera mente agradecido con Dios y después con mi abogado  xq  me ademostrado con echos   xq e ganado mi caso  con el  selos recomiendo  a cualquier persona   gracias abogado   x todo solo agradezco  de todo corazón Dios me lo vendiga
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jordan Brooke 
 August 13, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience working with the team at KGO. They made sure to keep an open line of communication and made sure I was informed about my case at every step of the way. Esteban was very reassuring and professional and ensured the best possible outcome when representing me in court. Truly a wonderful team!

College Park is home to the University of Maryland, one of the largest public universities in the country, and with a large student population comes a steady volume of criminal charges that can have consequences far beyond the courtroom. A misdemeanor conviction in College Park can affect your academic standing, your financial aid, your housing on campus, and your career before it even begins. At Krum, Gergely & Oates, our criminal defense attorneys are based in nearby Hyattsville and represent students, faculty, staff, and residents throughout College Park and Prince George’s County in both District Court and Circuit Court.

Where Your College Park Case Will Be Heard

Criminal cases from College Park are handled at the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County, located at 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro. Misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony charges are processed here. Cases in the District Court are decided by a judge without a jury.

If your charges are elevated to the felony level or you request a jury trial, your case will move to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court, also located at 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro.

Our Hyattsville office is less than 10 minutes from College Park. We appear regularly in the Prince George’s County courts and understand how local judges and prosecutors approach cases involving University of Maryland students and the broader College Park community.

Criminal Charges We Defend in College Park

We represent College Park residents, students, and visitors facing a wide range of criminal charges in Prince George’s County. Each link below leads to a dedicated page with detailed information about the specific Maryland laws, penalties, and defense strategies that apply:

DUI and DWI: first offense, repeat offenses, and felony DUI
Drug Charges: possession, distribution, and possession with intent to distribute
Domestic Violence: assault charges, protective orders, and violations
Theft: shoplifting, misdemeanor, and felony theft
Assault: first and second degree assault
Gun Charges: illegal possession and concealed carry violations
Bench Warrants: resolving outstanding warrants before they lead to arrest

For charges not listed here, contact us directly. Our attorneys handle the full range of criminal matters in College Park and throughout Prince George’s County.

Criminal Charges That Commonly Affect UMD Students

University of Maryland students face a distinct set of circumstances when charged with a crime in College Park. Beyond the legal penalties, a conviction can trigger academic and disciplinary consequences that affect your entire future. Here are the charges we most commonly handle for college students in this area:

Underage drinking and minor in possession: Maryland prohibits the purchase, possession, and consumption of alcohol by anyone under 21. A conviction for a minor-in-possession charge in Maryland carries fines and a potential license suspension. More significantly, it creates a criminal record that can affect internship applications, professional licensing, and graduate school admissions.

Drug possession: College Park sees a significant volume of drug possession cases, particularly involving marijuana, despite recent changes to Maryland law, as well as prescription drug offenses and other controlled substances. First-time drug possession charges in Maryland may be eligible for diversion or probation before judgment, which allows you to avoid a formal conviction.

Fake ID charges: Using a fake ID in Maryland is a misdemeanor under Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 8-301, which covers identity fraud. Students charged with fake ID offenses face fines, a criminal record, and potential academic discipline from the University of Maryland’s Office of Student Conduct.

Disorderly conduct: Charges in College Park often stem from large gatherings, house parties, and sporting events. While it may seem minor, a disorderly conduct conviction in Maryland is a misdemeanor that appears on background checks.

DUI and DWI: Drunk driving charges are common in college communities. For students under 21, Maryland has a zero-tolerance law that makes it illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.02 or higher, significantly lower than the standard 0.08 threshold.

University of Maryland Academic Consequences

A criminal charge or conviction does not just affect your legal record. The University of Maryland’s Code of Student Conduct requires students to report certain criminal charges and convictions to the Office of Student Conduct. Potential academic consequences include:

Suspension or expulsion from the university
Loss of on-campus housing
Suspension or termination of financial aid
Notation on your academic transcript
Bars to participating in certain programs, internships, or study abroad

Having an attorney who understands both the legal and academic dimensions of your situation is critical. The outcome of your criminal case can directly influence how the university’s disciplinary process unfolds.

What to Do After an Arrest in College Park

Remain silent: Do not answer questions from law enforcement without an attorney present. This applies whether you were arrested by University of Maryland campus police or Prince George’s County law enforcement.
Contact a criminal defense attorney before speaking to anyone at the university: Statements made to university administrators, resident advisors, or student conduct officials are not protected by attorney-client privilege and can be used in both the criminal and academic disciplinary processes.
Do not assume a first offense will be dismissed automatically: Many students believe a first offense will simply go away. It will not be without the right legal representation. An attorney can pursue diversion, probation before judgment, or other outcomes that protect your record, but these outcomes are not guaranteed without advocacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a criminal charge at UMD affect my financial aid?

Yes. A drug conviction while receiving federal financial aid can result in loss of eligibility for federal student loans and grants. The impact depends on the type of conviction and whether you were receiving aid at the time. An attorney who works to minimize or avoid a conviction protects your financial aid eligibility as well as your record.

Will the University of Maryland find out about my criminal charge?

Not automatically in every case, but the University of Maryland’s Code of Student Conduct requires students to report certain criminal charges and convictions. Campus police also share information with the university. Assuming the university will not find out is a risk you should not take without first consulting an attorney.

What is probation before judgment, and can I get it for a first offense in Maryland?

Probation before judgment, or PBJ, is a disposition where the court withholds a formal conviction even though you pleaded guilty or were found guilty. It is available for many first-time offenses in Maryland and can often be expunged after a waiting period. A PBJ is generally far preferable to a conviction on your record, and your attorney can advise whether you qualify.

What is Maryland's zero tolerance law for underage DUI?

Maryland’s zero tolerance law makes it illegal for drivers under 21 to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.02 or higher. This is significantly lower than the standard 0.08 DUI threshold. A violation results in an automatic license suspension and can lead to criminal charges. An attorney can challenge the stop, the BAC testing procedure, and other aspects of the case.

Can I expunge a criminal charge from my record after graduation?

Many charges are eligible for expungement in Maryland, including dismissed cases, not guilty verdicts, and certain convictions after a waiting period. Expungement removes the charge from your public record, which is important for employment and professional licensing after graduation. Contact us to find out whether your specific charge qualifies.

Facing Criminal Charges in College Park? Call KGO.

Our criminal defense attorneys serve students, faculty, and residents throughout College Park and Prince George’s County from our Hyattsville office. We understand the academic and professional stakes involved in a criminal charge at or near the University of Maryland. Call (301) 840-0080 for a free consultation.