DWI Lawyer Howard County, MD

Facing a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge in Howard County, Maryland, is a serious matter. Cases are heard at the District Court of Maryland for Howard County, located at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, and for more severe charges or jury trials, at the Howard County Circuit Court. A conviction can bring license suspension, fines, points on your driving record, and potential jail time. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrate on traffic defense, including DWI, across Maryland. The firm, founded in 1997, serves Howard County clients from its Rockville location. To request a consultation, reach us at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Last reviewed: July 2026

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What DWI Means in Howard County

In Maryland, a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered per se intoxicated.

Source: Maryland General Assembly

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

Under Maryland’s point system, accumulating 8 points triggers an MVA administrative hearing, and 12 points results in license revocation.

Source: Maryland General Assembly

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.

Howard County District Court handles all initial DWI proceedings. Maryland’s implied consent law means a driver is deemed to have consented to a chemical test; refusal can lead to separate administrative penalties. A DWI conviction adds points to your record—points that can accumulate quickly and lead to a loss of driving privileges. However, in many cases, an experienced attorney can work toward a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition, which avoids point assessment entirely. Speed camera and red light citations, by contrast, are civil infractions and carry no points. The court at 3451 Courthouse Drive serves communities including Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, and Laurel.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle DWI Cases

When you engage Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a Howard County DWI matter, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by reviewing the stop, the chemical test, and all procedural steps. They examine whether law enforcement had reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle and probable cause to arrest. Field sobriety tests and breath or blood test results are scrutinized for compliance with Maryland standards. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, one of whom is a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, bring a perspective informed by both sides of the courtroom.

The firm’s approach focuses on challenging the evidence and, where appropriate, negotiating with the State’s Attorney to seek a reduction or dismissal. In Howard County, the availability of PBJ for first-time offenders can be a significant opportunity. The team also prepares for trial if a favorable resolution cannot be reached. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel explain the potential penalties, the timeline as set by the court, and your options at each stage. The outcome depends on the specific facts of your case; Results may vary.

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 established the firm in 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, a former Virginia State Trooper, and other experienced litigators. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm meets clients by appointment at its Rockville location in Montgomery County. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for a DWI in Howard County, Maryland?

A DWI conviction in Maryland can result in fines, jail time, license suspension, and points on your driving record. The specific penalty depends on factors such as your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), whether it is a first or subsequent offense, and whether any aggravating circumstances exist. First-time DWI offenses may be eligible for Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a conviction and point assessment. An experienced attorney can explain the potential range of consequences based on the facts of your case.

How many points until I lose my license in Maryland?

In Maryland, accumulating 8 points triggers an MVA administrative hearing, and 12 points results in license revocation. A DWI conviction in Howard County District Court adds points to your record. Speed camera tickets carry no points because they are civil fines. For many traffic offenses, including DWI, securing a PBJ avoids point assessment entirely. The firm’s attorneys can advise on strategies to protect your driving privileges. Results may vary.

What should I bring to a DWI consultation?

You should bring any citation, bail paperwork, and any documents you received from law enforcement or the court. Also bring a list of any medications you were taking at the time of the stop, and contact information for any witnesses. The more information you provide, the better Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the State’s case. Your initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss the facts and learn about your options.

Do I need a lawyer for a DWI in Howard County?

While you have the right to represent yourself, the consequences of a DWI conviction—including potential jail time, loss of license, and long-term insurance increases—make legal representation important. An experienced DWI lawyer can challenge the state’s evidence, negotiate for a reduced charge or PBJ, and ensure your rights are protected at every stage. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have concentrated their practice on traffic defense, including DWI, for years.

Can a DWI charge be reduced or dismissed?

Yes, under certain circumstances a DWI charge can be reduced or dismissed. For example, if the stop was unlawful, the breath test was improperly administered, or the evidence is otherwise insufficient, the state may be unable to prove its case. Even when the evidence is strong, an attorney can often negotiate a reduction to a lesser traffic offense or secure a PBJ. Each case is unique; results vary.

What is the legal limit for DWI in Maryland?

The per se legal limit for DWI in Maryland is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. A driver can also be charged with DWI or DUI even with a BAC below 0.08% if the officer observes impairment. Commercial drivers are subject to a lower limit of 0.04%. The firm’s team carefully reviews the chemical test results for accuracy and compliance with Maryland procedures.

Howard County DWI Resources

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients throughout the Baltimore-Washington corridor. In addition to Howard County, the firm provides traffic defense in neighboring jurisdictions:

Official court and legislative resources for Howard County DWI matters:

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Rockville Location: 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 — (888) 437-7747

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.