Drunk Driving Lawyer Anne Arundel County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A DUI/DWI charge in Anne Arundel County is a serious misdemeanor under Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 21-902, carrying up to 1 year in jail, a $1,000 fine, and 12 points on your license. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced defense for clients at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County.
Maryland Drunk Driving Law
In Maryland, driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are distinct offenses defined by statute. DUI per se, under Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 21-902(a), is operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. DWI, under § 21-902(b), is operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof, regardless of the specific BAC level. The penalties escalate for repeat offenses and for drivers with a BAC of 0.15 or higher.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Maryland’s drunk driving statutes, refer to the official Maryland Code, Transportation Article (official Maryland General Assembly). For court-specific procedures and forms, visit the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County website.
Local Court Process for DUI in Anne Arundel County
All DUI/DWI cases in Anne Arundel County begin at the District Court at 251 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis. The court hears these cases on specific traffic dockets. Prosecutors from the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office handle these charges. A key local procedural fact is that the court often sees a high volume of cases, making early and strategic defense critical. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) may be available for first-time offenders, which can avoid a conviction and points on your driving record.
- Receive your citation and schedule a court date at the District Court in Annapolis.
- Consult with a defense attorney immediately to review the evidence, including breathalyzer calibration records and officer reports.
- Appear for your arraignment, where you will enter a plea of not guilty to preserve all defense options.
- Your attorney may file pre-trial motions to challenge the stop, arrest, or test procedures.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a potential reduction, PBJ, or alternative disposition.
- Proceed to a bench trial before a District Court judge if a favorable plea cannot be reached.
Potential Penalties for DUI/DWI in Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, a DUI conviction carries up to 1 year in jail, a $1,000 fine, and 12 points, while a DWI carries up to 2 months, a $500 fine, and 8 points.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DUI (1st Offense) | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | 12 points; 6-month revocation | Ignition Interlock required for 6 months upon relicensing. |
| DWI (1st Offense) | Misdemeanor | Up to 2 months | Up to $500 | 8 points; 6-month suspension | Possible alcohol education program. |
| DUI (2nd+ Offense) | Misdemeanor | Up to 2 years | Up to $2,000 | 12 points; 1-year revocation | Mandatory ignition interlock for 1 year; possible vehicle forfeiture. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Anne Arundel DUI Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive, client-focused representation. We have a documented track record of favorable outcomes in traffic and DUI cases across Maryland. Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State builds its cases, allowing us to anticipate strategies and identify weaknesses from the start.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific results are confidential, our firm-wide practice has achieved over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. In Anne Arundel County, our defense strategies for DUI charges have included successful motions to suppress evidence, negotiations for reduced charges like negligent driving, and securing Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) to avoid convictions and license points. Mr. Sris, our firm founder, provides strategic oversight on complex cases, leveraging his decades of experience.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Anne Arundel County Drunk Driving Defense Team
Our Maryland office in Rockville serves clients throughout Anne Arundel County, including Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, and Odenton. We are a drunk driving lawyer near me Anne Arundel County residents can rely on for accessible representation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Anne Arundel County DUI
What is the difference between DUI and DWI in Maryland?
Yes, there is a difference. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is charged when a driver’s BAC is 0.08 or higher, or they are substantially impaired. DWI (Driving While Impaired) is a lesser charge for BAC between 0.07 and 0.08, or showing signs of impairment below the “per se” limit. Penalties for DUI are more severe.
Can I get a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a first-time DUI in Anne Arundel County?
It depends on the specifics of your case and your prior record. PBJ is a discretionary disposition that avoids a conviction and points if you successfully complete probation. An affordable drunk driving lawyer Anne Arundel County can argue for PBJ, especially in cases with lower BACs or mitigating circumstances.
Will I go to jail for a first-time DUI?
Not necessarily. While the law allows for up to 1 year in jail, first-time offenders with no aggravating factors (like a very high BAC or an accident) often receive probation, fines, and license sanctions. An experienced attorney can work to minimize the risk of incarceration.
How many points is a DUI in Maryland?
A DUI conviction adds 12 points to your Maryland driving record. A DWI conviction adds 8 points. Accumulating 8 points triggers an MVA hearing, and 12 points results in license revocation.
Should I take a breath test if stopped for DUI in Anne Arundel County?
Maryland’s implied consent law requires you to submit to a test if arrested. Refusal can lead to an automatic 270-day license suspension, separate from any criminal case penalties. This is a complex decision with significant consequences; you should immediately consult a drunk driving lawyer Anne Arundel County.
If you are searching for a drunk driving lawyer near me Anne Arundel County, contact us for a confidential case review. We also assist with related matters like criminal defense in Anne Arundel County and traffic violations. For a broader view of our Maryland practice, visit our Maryland DUI lawyer hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your DUI/DWI charge in Anne Arundel County.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.