Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Experienced Attorneys Ready to Fight for You

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 614 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   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
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   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!

Being charged with a crime in Howard County can put your freedom, your career, and your reputation at risk. Whether you were arrested in Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, or anywhere else in the county, the decisions you make in the hours and days after an arrest can shape the outcome of your entire case. At Krum, Gergely & Oates, our criminal defense attorneys represent clients throughout Howard County in both the District Court and Circuit Court, and we are ready to fight for you.

Criminal Courts in Howard County

Howard County has two courts that handle criminal cases, both located in Ellicott City, the county seat.

The District Court of Maryland for Howard County is located at 3451 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. This court handles misdemeanor offenses, motor vehicle violations, and preliminary hearings for felony charges. A judge decides cases in the District Court, and there are no jury trials at this level.

The Circuit Court for Howard County is located at 9250 Judicial Way in Ellicott City, having moved there in 2021. The Circuit Court handles felony charges, serious criminal matters, and any case where a defendant has requested a jury trial. If your case involves a serious charge, is elevated from District Court, or you exercise your right to a jury trial, it will be heard here.

Understanding which court will handle your case matters because the procedures, timelines, and strategies differ significantly between the two. Our attorneys understand how cases move through the Howard County court system and how the local prosecutors and judges approach criminal matters.

Criminal Charges We Defend in Howard County

Our Howard County criminal defense practice covers a wide range of charges. Each link below leads to a dedicated page with detailed information about the specific Maryland laws, penalties, and defense strategies that apply to your situation:

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

If your charge is not listed here, contact us directly. Our attorneys handle the full range of criminal matters in Howard County and throughout Maryland.

How Criminal Cases Move Through the Howard County Courts

Understanding the criminal process helps you make informed decisions at every stage. Here is a general overview of how cases proceed in Howard County:

Arrest and booking: After an arrest in Howard County, you will be processed and your charges recorded. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercise both immediately and do not answer questions from law enforcement without a lawyer present.
Initial appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, you will appear before a District Court commissioner who reviews the charges and sets bail conditions. Having an attorney involved at this stage can significantly affect whether you are released and under what conditions.
Arraignment: You will be formally charged and asked to enter a plea. Do not enter a plea without first consulting a criminal defense attorney, because what you say at this stage can affect your case going forward.
Discovery and pre-trial motions: Your attorney will review all the evidence the prosecution intends to use, identify weaknesses in their case, and file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges where the facts and the law support it.
Trial or plea negotiation: Depending on the strength of the evidence and your goals, your attorney will either negotiate a favorable resolution with the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office or take your case to trial.
Sentencing: If convicted, Maryland sentencing guidelines take into account the nature of the offense, your criminal history, and any mitigating factors your attorney presents on your behalf.

Why Local Experience Matters in Howard County

Every county in Maryland has its own court culture, prosecutorial tendencies, and procedural expectations. An attorney familiar with the Howard County courts in Ellicott City will understand how the local State’s Attorney’s Office approaches plea negotiations, how individual judges tend to handle sentencing, and how to build an effective defense within that system.

Our Hyattsville office is a short drive from Howard County, and we represent clients throughout the area including Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Laurel, Fulton, and Clarksville. We know these courts, and we know how to advocate effectively for our clients in them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will my criminal case be heard in Howard County?

It depends on the severity of your charge. Misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and preliminary hearings are handled at the District Court at 3451 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. Felonies and cases where a jury trial has been requested are heard at the Circuit Court at 9250 Judicial Way, also in Ellicott City.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge in Howard County?

Yes. Even a misdemeanor conviction in Maryland can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that appears on background checks for employment, housing, and professional licenses. The consequences are real regardless of how minor the charge may seem.

How long does a criminal case take in Howard County?

Misdemeanor cases in District Court can resolve within a few weeks to a few months. Felony cases in Circuit Court typically take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial.

Can a criminal charge be expunged in Maryland?

Many charges are eligible for expungement in Maryland, including dismissed cases, not guilty verdicts, and certain convictions after a waiting period. An attorney can review your record and advise whether you qualify.

What should I do if I have a warrant out for my arrest in Howard County?

Do not ignore it. Outstanding warrants do not expire and can lead to arrest at any time, including during a routine traffic stop. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately to discuss voluntary surrender, which typically results in better outcomes than a surprise arrest.

Charged With a Crime in Howard County? Call KGO.

Our criminal defense attorneys serve clients throughout Howard County from our nearby Hyattsville office at 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 610. Whether your case is in the District Court or Circuit Court in Ellicott City, we are ready to fight for you from day one. Call (301) 840-0080 for a free consultation.