Howard County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Howard County is generally considered one of the tougher jurisdictions to fight a criminal case, but this reputation is not necessarily warranted. It is certainly true that cases do not get lost in the shuffle as they commonly do in Baltimore or other large jurisdictions such as Prince George’s County, but with a competent lawyer a defendant will be treated fairly relative to other counties. Benjamin Herbst has been a resident of Howard County and has successfully handled hundreds of criminal cases in and around Ellicott City. He understands the way the police and prosecutors work, and will provide unbiased advice on the difference in judges sitting in the District Court versus the Circuit Court. He handles all types of offenses in Howard County ranging in severity from DUI to murder, and has successfully fought the State in robbery charges, animal cruelty and accessory to murder after the fact. If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, contact Howard County criminal defense lawyer Benjamin Herbst anytime for a free consultation.

Howard County has a huge amount of diversity in demographics. The areas out west such as Clarksville are less densely populated and thus the overall crime is lower, while Columbia, Jessup and Elkridge or more densely populated and have more crime. Other more populated areas include Ellicott City, where the government office and courthouse are located, and Savage, Scaggsville, and Fulton, which are closer to Interstate 95. The overall crime rate in Howard County has actually been on a steady decline over the last decade for both violent crime and property crime. In 2021 there were 419 reported incidents of violent crime, which includes robbery, aggravated assault (first degree assault), rape murder and human trafficking. This number is slightly higher than 2020 (likely due to COVID) but far less than the 785 incidents in 2017. Property crime is also on the decline, as there were 3637 reported incidents of burglary, theft, arson and motor vehicle theft in 2021 compared to 5553 incidents in 2017. Calls for service also declined considerably, so it’s safe to say crime is down in Howard County. These statistics do not include traffic offenses such as DUI, failure to remain at the scene of an accident driving without a license. These offenses carry the possibility of jail time, but are not considered criminal for statistics purposes.

Howard County has multiple large highways and interstates including I70, The BW Parkway, Route 100, Route 32, Route 29 and I95. These highways are patrolled by the Howard County Police, the State Police and in some cases by federal police officers. DUI and traffic citations are common, as millions of people drive through Howard County each year. If you have been charged with a traffic offense or a criminal offense in Howard County, Benjamin has the experience and knowledge to fight for the best outcome in your case. He is available 7 days per week and takes call on nights and weekends when he is not in the office. Benjamin has taken on the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office in both district and circuit court trials and will fight tooth and nail to make sure you receive the best possible outcome. He is also and experienced Howard County juvenile lawyer who represents clients charged as adults as well as those who’s cases start out in juvenile court. Contact Benjamin today at 410-207-2598.