Jennifer Lynn Matthews, Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbia, Maryland

Jennifer concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, dv defense, education, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jennifer handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Criminal Defense

  View other Criminal Defense attorneys

• DUI/DWI

  View other DUI/DWI attorneys

• DV Defense

  View other DV Defense attorneys

• Education

  View other Education attorneys

• Family Law

  View other Family Law attorneys

• General

  View other General attorneys

• Juvenile

  View other Juvenile attorneys

• Military

  View other Military attorneys

Jennifer's primary office is at 10400 Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD, 21044. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jennifer usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Jennifer discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

• How much does it cost to hire Jennifer for a criminal defense case?

  Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jennifer walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

• Does Jennifer offer a free consultation?

  Jennifer charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jennifer's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Jennifer's current terms during booking.

• How long do criminal defense cases in Maryland typically take?

  Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Jennifer gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Jennifer take my case if I'm outside Columbia?

  Jennifer is licensed in Maryland. Matters governed by Maryland law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jennifer will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

• What should I bring to my first meeting with Jennifer?

  Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Jennifer will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Jennifer accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

  Jennifer's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.