You’re reading this because you’ve been arrested for DUI or DWI in Baltimore, Maryland, and your mind is racing. You’re probably scared, confused, and worried about what this means for your job, your license, and your future. That’s a completely normal response. I’ve seen that fear in countless clients over my career, and I understand the weight you’re carrying right now.

Let me be clear: a DUI/DWI charge in Maryland isn’t just a traffic ticket; it’s a serious criminal offense with potentially life-altering consequences. But here’s what I need you to understand: a charge is not a conviction. You have rights, and you have defenses. My job, and the job of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is to stand with you, challenge the prosecution, and protect your future.

At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we have locations in Fairfax, Virginia; Ashburn (Loudoun), VA; Arlington, Virginia; Shenandoah, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; Pereira, Colombia; Rockville, Maryland; New York; and New Jersey. While this article focuses on Baltimore, Maryland, our legal experience spans across various jurisdictions, always grounded in a deep understanding of the human element of every case.

First-Person Insight: “Over my career, I’ve learned that a DUI arrest often feels like you’re caught in a current, pulling you further and further downstream. My first goal for every client facing this charge is to help them find their footing, to show them that there’s a shore, and we can get there together. It starts with understanding, not just the law, but the human story behind the charge.”

So, What Actually Happens After a DUI/DWI Arrest in Baltimore?

Once arrested for DUI/DWI in Maryland, you’ll likely face charges under the Transportation Article for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) or driving while impaired by alcohol (DWI).

The initial moments after an arrest are chaotic, filled with police questioning, breathalyzer tests, and booking procedures. The police are doing their job, but you need someone doing *your* job: protecting your rights. This phase is critical because anything you say or do can be used against you. Your mind is probably reeling, trying to piece together what happened and what comes next. That uncertainty can be paralyzing.

You’ll then have an initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner or judge, who will set conditions for your release. This isn’t just about getting out of jail; it’s about starting the process with strong legal guidance. Mr. Sris and our knowledgeable team understand the Maryland court system and can begin laying the groundwork for your defense from the very first step.

How Maryland Differentiates DUI and DWI

Maryland law distinguishes between DUI and DWI based on the level of impairment.

• DUI (Driving Under the Influence): This is the more serious charge. It typically means your blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.08% or higher, or you were under the influence of drugs to an extent that you could not safely drive.
• DWI (Driving While Impaired): This charge applies if your BAC is between 0.07% and 0.08%, or if you were impaired by alcohol or drugs to a degree that your normal coordination was affected, but not to the extent of being “under the influence.”

While DWI is less severe than DUI, both carry significant penalties. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking one is “no big deal.” They are both criminal charges that require a robust defense strategy.

The Penalties You’re Facing: What Could a Conviction Cost You?

The penalties for a DUI/DWI conviction in Maryland are severe and can dramatically impact your life.

For a first-offense DUI, you could face up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a 6-month license suspension. For a DWI, it’s typically up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. And for both, you’re looking at points on your MVA record, increased insurance rates, mandatory Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation, and substance abuse education programs. The fear of these consequences is entirely valid. Many people worry about losing their job, their financial stability, or even their freedom. It’s a heavy burden, and it’s why you need someone who knows how to lighten it.

These aren’t just legal abstract numbers; they represent real threats to your daily life. Your ability to drive to work, pick up your kids, or even grocery shop could be taken away. This can translate to job loss, financial strain, and immense personal stress. I’ve seen firsthand how a conviction can unravel someone’s life, and that’s precisely what we work tirelessly to prevent.

First-Person Insight: “I’ve had clients come to me, terrified they’d lose everything. They’re good people who made a mistake or were wrongly accused. My role isn’t just to argue law; it’s to protect their actual lives—their jobs, their families, their sense of dignity. That human connection to the outcome drives every decision we make.”

Your MVA Hearing: A Separate But Equal Battle

Immediately after your arrest, you also face an administrative battle with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) regarding your driving privileges.

If you refused a breathalyzer test or tested above the legal limit, the MVA will automatically suspend your license. You only have a limited window—**10 days from the date of your arrest**—to request an MVA hearing to challenge this suspension. Many people overlook this critical deadline, thinking the criminal case is all that matters. Miss it, and your license is automatically suspended before you even step foot in a criminal courtroom. This is a separate proceeding from your criminal case, with different rules and different outcomes, and you need legal guidance for both.

Think of it like this: your criminal case is the court trying to punish you, but the MVA hearing is the state trying to take away your driving privilege. You need to fight both battles simultaneously, and you need a seasoned attorney who prioritizes both. Missing that 10-day window is a common and devastating mistake we help clients avoid.

How We Start Building Your Baltimore DUI/DWI Defense Today

Facing a DUI/DWI charge can feel like an impossible uphill battle, but it’s far from it. My approach is to meticulously examine every detail of your arrest and build a robust defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. It’s about more than just showing up in court; it’s about aggressive advocacy and a deep understanding of Maryland DUI/DWI law.

Common Defense Strategies We Explore:

1. Challenging the Initial Stop: Was there a legitimate reason for the police to pull you over? If the stop was unlawful, any evidence gathered afterward might be inadmissible. This is often the first line of defense.
2. Questioning Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): These tests are subjective and can be affected by physical conditions, nervousness, or even the surface you’re walking on. We scrutinize their administration and your performance.
3. Attacking Breathalyzer or Blood Test Results: Machines malfunction, operators make errors, and proper protocols aren’t always followed. We investigate the calibration, maintenance, and administration of these tests.
4. Lack of Probable Cause for Arrest: Even if there was a valid stop, did the officer have enough evidence to believe you were impaired before arresting you?
5. Rising BAC Defense: Your BAC at the time of testing might have been higher than it was at the time of driving. This can be a complex but effective argument.
6. Violation of Your Rights: Were your Miranda rights read? Was there an illegal search? Any violation of your constitutional rights can be grounds for dismissal.

Building a strong defense is like assembling a puzzle. Every piece of evidence, every procedural step, every legal precedent matters. We look for inconsistencies, flaws, and opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s case at every turn. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you, whether that’s a dismissal, an acquittal, or a reduced charge.

First-Person Insight: “I always tell clients that fighting a DUI/DWI isn’t a magic trick; it’s diligent, hard-nosed legal work. We don’t just hope for the best; we prepare for the worst and fight for the optimal. It’s about taking the prosecution’s case apart, piece by piece, and finding the points of weakness. That’s what an experienced criminal defense lawyer does.”

Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Baltimore DUI/DWI?

Choosing the right attorney for your DUI/DWI case isn’t just about finding someone who knows the law; it’s about finding someone who understands what you’re going through and has the experience to guide you through it. When you work with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., you’re not just getting legal representation; you’re gaining a steadfast advocate.

We approach every case with a commitment to clarity and control. We explain the legal process in plain language, answer your questions directly, and ensure you understand your options at every stage. Our goal is to empower you, transforming fear into informed action. We pride ourselves on being a knowledgeable and experienced legal resource, not just a service provider.