DUI Lawyer Prince George’s County, MD

If you are facing a DUI charge in Prince George’s County, Maryland, you need an experienced defense attorney who understands the local courts, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration process, and the serious consequences a conviction can bring. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates part of its practice on representing drivers charged with driving under the influence throughout the Fifth Judicial District. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work with each client to challenge the evidence, protect driving privileges, and pursue favorable outcomes under Maryland law. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What DUI Means in Prince George’s County

In Maryland, a person may be charged with DUI (driving under the influence) if they operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, or if they are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. The primary DUI statute is found in the Maryland Transportation Code. A separate per se charge under § 21-901.1 applies when a chemical test registers a BAC of 0.08 or above. Prince George’s County law enforcement, including the Maryland State Police and county officers, actively patrol major roadways such as I-495, I-95, Route 301, and Route 5. A DUI arrest triggers both a criminal court case and an administrative action by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

The criminal case is heard in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County, located at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. The District Court handles all traffic and misdemeanor DUI charges; a defendant may request a jury trial, which moves the case to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court. The administrative side of a DUI arrest can be just as urgent: the MVA may impose a license suspension for a test refusal or a high BAC reading, and drivers have a limited window to request an administrative hearing. Because the timelines for requesting that hearing are short, it is important to speak with an attorney quickly after an arrest.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle DUI Cases

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys approach each DUI case by first examining the stop itself—whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion to initiate the traffic stop and whether any field sobriety tests or chemical tests were administered in accordance with Maryland implied-consent procedures. When procedural or evidentiary issues exist, the firm may move to suppress evidence or seek a reduction of the charge through negotiation with the State’s Attorney’s Office. If trial is the appropriate course, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to present a defense before the District Court or Circuit Court. Throughout the process, the firm also works with the MVA to protect the client’s driving record and to address any administrative license consequences.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who brings insight into how the State builds its DUI cases. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, Mr. Sris founded the firm in 1997. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Together with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, Mr. Sris provides experienced representation to drivers in Prince George’s County and across Maryland. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include litigators with backgrounds in Maryland prosecution, which strengthens the firm’s ability to navigate local court practices and negotiate with prosecutors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DUI in Maryland?

In Maryland, DUI (driving under the influence) is a criminal misdemeanor offense that generally applies when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or higher or when the driver is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both. The law also provides for a separate DWI (driving while impaired) charge when the BAC is between 0.07 and 0.08, or when other evidence of impairment exists. DUI is the more serious charge and carries heavier potential penalties. The case is prosecuted in District Court, and a defendant may request a jury trial in Circuit Court.

What happens if I am arrested for DUI in Prince George’s County?

After a DUI arrest in Prince George’s County, you will typically be taken to a police station for processing and chemical testing, then released with a citation that orders you to appear in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County. You have only a short period—usually 10 days—to request an MVA administrative hearing to challenge an automatic license suspension for a test refusal or a high BAC. An experienced DUI attorney can file that hearing request for you, advise you on your court date, and begin investigating your case immediately.

What are the penalties for a DUI conviction?

A DUI conviction in Maryland can result in jail time, fines, license suspension, and points on your driving record. The exact penalties depend on whether it is a first offense, whether there was an accident or injury, and the driver’s BAC level. A DUI can also lead to higher insurance rates, a permanent criminal record, and employment consequences. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel works to challenge the evidence and, whenever possible, to obtain a reduction or dismissal of the charge. Results may vary.

Can I refuse a breath or blood test in Maryland?

You have the right to refuse a chemical test, but refusal triggers an automatic MVA administrative license suspension of up to 270 days for a first offense, even if you are later found not guilty of DUI. Law enforcement will read you an Advice of Rights form explaining the consequences. The suspension for a refusal runs separately from any suspension imposed by a court after a conviction. An attorney can request an administrative hearing to challenge the refusal suspension, but that hearing must be requested quickly.

How many points will a DUI put on my Maryland license?

A DUI conviction in Maryland carries 12 points, which results in an automatic license revocation under the state’s point system. A DWI conviction carries 8 points, which triggers an MVA hearing that can lead to suspension. Points remain on your record for two years after the conviction. The MVA also offers a driver improvement course that can remove points under certain circumstances. Avoiding points through a favorable outcome in court is often the most important goal in a DUI case.

Do I need a lawyer for a DUI charge in Prince George’s County?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer, but the administrative deadlines, the criminal penalties, and the collateral consequences of a DUI make representation by an experienced DUI attorney advisable. An attorney can identify weaknesses in the State’s case, challenge the legality of the traffic stop, question the reliability of field sobriety or chemical tests, and negotiate with the prosecutor. Without counsel, a person may miss the MVA hearing deadline or plead to a charge that could have been reduced. To discuss your situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Learn more about traffic defense in nearby counties: Montgomery County traffic lawyer, Howard County traffic lawyer, Anne Arundel County traffic lawyer.

For additional information, consult the Maryland Transportation Code § 21-902, the District Court of Maryland for Prince George’s County, and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.

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