Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
Being charged with a crime in Maryland, whether a misdemeanor in District Court or a serious felony in the Circuit Court, can change your life overnight. The stakes are real: your freedom, your record, your livelihood, and your family. At Walsh-Little Law, criminal defense attorney David Walsh-Little provides experienced, direct representation for people facing criminal charges throughout Maryland's state courts.
David has spent his entire career on one side of the courtroom, the defense. After starting with the Legal Aid Society in the Bronx, he spent over a decade with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, including three years as Chief of the Felony Trial Division in the Baltimore City Office. He then served for over four years as an Assistant Federal Public Defender. He now brings that same commitment to every client at Walsh-Little Law.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime anywhere in Maryland, contact Walsh-Little Law today at 410-205-9337 for a free, confidential consultation.
How Maryland's Criminal Court System Works
Maryland's criminal courts operate on two levels, and understanding which court your case is in and what that means is the first thing a defense attorney needs to establish.
District Court
Maryland's District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and certain lower-level felonies at the preliminary stage. There are no juries in District Court, cases are decided by a judge alone. District Court proceedings often move quickly, and having an attorney prepared from the first appearance can make a significant difference in how a case resolves.
Circuit Court
The Circuit Court handles all felonies, serious misdemeanors, and cases transferred up from District Court. Circuit Court proceedings move more slowly and involve grand jury proceedings, formal discovery, pre-trial motions, and, in many cases, jury trials. The Circuit Court for Baltimore City sits at the Clarence Mitchell Courthouse and related courthouse buildings on Calvert Street. Baltimore County Circuit Court sits in Towson.
The Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Maryland
In Maryland, misdemeanors are generally punishable by imprisonment of two years or less, though some misdemeanors carry higher maximums. Felonies carry potential sentences of more than two years and often come with mandatory minimums, loss of firearm rights, immigration consequences, and long-term impacts on employment and housing. Even a misdemeanor conviction can have consequences that follow a person for years. The right defense matters at every level.
Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Walsh-Little Law defends clients charged with a wide range of criminal offenses in Maryland's state courts. David handles every case personally, from the initial consultation through the resolution of the matter. Current practice areas include:
DUI/DWI Defense
Maryland's DUI and DWI laws are complex, and the consequences of a conviction extend well beyond the criminal case to your license, your insurance, and your livelihood. A 10-day MVA hearing deadline runs from the day of your arrest. See our DUI/DWI page for detailed information.
Drug Defense
Maryland drug charges range from misdemeanor simple possession to felony possession with intent to distribute (PWID) and trafficking. Under Md. Criminal Law §§ 5-601 and 5-602, the distinction between possession and PWID depends heavily on circumstances that an experienced defense attorney can challenge. See our Drug Defense page for more.
Gun Crimes
Maryland has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Illegal carry, transport, or use of a firearm, including use of a handgun in a crime of violence under § 4-204, can result in mandatory minimum sentences that cannot be suspended. Federal firearms charges are also possible.
Homicide
Homicide charges, from manslaughter to first-degree murder, are among the most serious a person can face in Maryland. First-degree murder carries life in prison, with or without the possibility of parole. Maryland abolished the death penalty in 2013. Every homicide case requires immediate, focused legal attention.
Violent Crimes
Maryland's violent crimes statutes cover assault in the first and second degree, robbery, armed robbery, carjacking, and related offenses. First-degree assault is a felony carrying up to 25 years under Md. Criminal Law § 3-202. Robbery with a dangerous weapon carries up to 20 years under § 3-403.
Fraud Defense
Maryland fraud charges include identity theft, credit card fraud, insurance fraud, and theft by deception. Fraud cases often involve digital evidence, financial records, and complex factual disputes that require careful preparation.
Reviews
I recommend David's criminal defense and DWI defense services.
Baltimore criminal defense lawyer David Walsh-Little first came to my attention over 25 years ago, when I learned about his legal assistance to Plowshares activists. Since that time, I have occasionally communicated with him and then talked with David in depth on my podcast.
I can confidently recommend criminal defendants to David for Maryland matters for which I do not offer assistance.
David is a great lawyer to work with. He's very attentive and on top of things. He cares about his clients and is very knowledgeable. Thank you, David
What to Do After a Criminal Arrest in Maryland
The period immediately after an arrest is critical. Here is what you should know:
- You have the right to remain silent; exercise it. Do not speak to police about the alleged offense without an attorney present.
- You have the right to an attorney. Invoke it clearly and immediately.
- Bail or bond conditions will be set at your initial appearance, often within 24 hours of arrest. An attorney can argue for appropriate release conditions.
- If you are charged with DUI or DWI, a separate 10-day deadline runs for requesting an MVA hearing. Missing it can cost you your license before your criminal case is even decided.
- Evidence: witnesses, video footage, digital communications, begins disappearing quickly. The sooner your attorney can begin investigating, the better.
Why Choose David Walsh-Little as Your Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney
David Walsh-Little brings a combination of state and federal public defense experience that is uncommon in private criminal defense practice:
- Over a decade with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, including as Chief of the Felony Trial Division in Baltimore City
- More than four years as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Maryland
- Foundational training under renowned civil rights attorney William M. Kunstler, instilling a commitment to zealous, client-centered defense
- Deep familiarity with Baltimore City District Court, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, and county courts throughout the Baltimore metro area
- A practice built on giving every client, regardless of the charge, the same quality of representation
David started Walsh-Little Law specifically to provide high-quality legal representation to people charged with crimes in Maryland's state and federal courts. When you hire Walsh-Little Law, you work directly with David, not a paralegal, not a junior associate.
Why Choose David Walsh-Little as Your Maryland DUI Attorney
Not all DUI lawyers have the same depth of experience in Maryland's courts. David Walsh-Little brings a background that is genuinely rare:
- Over a decade with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, including as Chief of the Felony Trial Division in Baltimore City
- More than four years as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in Maryland
- Foundational training under renowned civil rights attorney William M. Kunstler, instilling a commitment to zealous, client-centered defense
- Deep familiarity with Baltimore City District Court, the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, and county courts throughout the Baltimore metro area
- A practice built on giving every client, regardless of the charge, the same quality of representation
David started Walsh-Little Law specifically to provide high-quality legal representation to people charged with crimes in Maryland's state and federal courts. When you hire Walsh-Little Law, you work directly with David, not a paralegal, not a junior associate.
Frequently Asked Questions: Criminal Defense in Maryland
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Maryland?
In Maryland, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is the more serious charge and typically requires a BAC of 0.08% or higher, or substantial evidence of impairment. DWI (Driving While Impaired) is the lesser charge, typically based on a BAC between 0.07% and 0.08% or observable signs of impairment. DUI carries heavier penalties, including more points on your license and longer potential jail time.
How soon should I contact a criminal defense attorney after an arrest?
What happens at an initial appearance in Maryland?
Can criminal charges be dropped or reduced in Maryland?
Does Walsh-Little Law handle both state and federal criminal cases?
Serving Baltimore & Surrounding Counties
Walsh-Little Law represents clients throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area in both state and federal courts.
Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Today - Free Consultation
Early action matters; the sooner David reviews your case, the more options may be available. Do not face the Maryland court system alone.
Call Walsh-Little Law today at 410-205-9337 for a free, confidential consultation. David will review your case, explain your options, and help you understand what defense strategies may apply to your situation.
- Monday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Tuesday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Wednesday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Thursday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Friday 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Saturday Closed
- Sunday Closed
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Disclaimer: The Law Office of David Walsh-Little is a Maryland Limited Liability Company established for the practice of law. The information on this website is for general information only. The content on this site is not legal advice and should not be construed as such. Visitors to this site should not rely on its content when making legal decisions. Access to the information on this website is not intended to, and does not create, an attorney-client relationship between the Law Office of David Walsh-Little, LLC and any other person or entity.
