Felony DUI Lawyer Kent County — What Are Your Defense Options?
A felony DUI in Kent County is a serious criminal charge under Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 21-902, carrying potential prison time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for felony drunk driving and third offense DUI charges in the District Court of MD for Kent County.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Felony DUI Law & Penalties
In Maryland, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is typically charged as a misdemeanor. However, certain aggravating factors elevate the charge to a felony, which carries significantly harsher penalties. A felony DUI lawyer Kent County is essential for these high-stakes cases. The primary statute is Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 21-902. A charge becomes a felony under circumstances such as causing a crash resulting in life-threatening injury or death, or if the driver has two or more prior DUI convictions (making a new charge a third offense DUI charge lawyer Kent County clients need).
- Arraignment & Attorney Entry: Your first court date at 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown. A felony drunk driving defense lawyer Kent County can enter their appearance and request discovery.
- Evidence Review & Motions: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence if police violated your rights during the stop, arrest, or chemical testing.
- Negotiation & Mitigation: We negotiate with the State’s Attorney’s Office, presenting mitigation to seek a reduction in charges or penalties where possible.
- Trial Preparation: If a plea agreement isn’t in your best interest, we prepare for a bench trial in District Court or a jury trial in Kent County Circuit Court.
- Sentencing Advocacy: If convicted, we advocate for alternative sentencing like probation, treatment programs, or home detention instead of incarceration.
- Post-Trial Actions: This includes managing license suspensions with the MVA and exploring appeals if legal errors occurred.
In Kent County, a felony DUI conviction can result in up to 5 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, a 3-year license revocation, and mandatory ignition interlock upon reinstatement.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felony DUI (Injury/Death) | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | Revocation + IID | Permanent criminal record, possible vehicle forfeiture |
| Third Offense DUI | Misdemeanor (Felony potential) | Up to 3 years | Up to $3,000 | Revocation + IID | Mandatory alcohol assessment, treatment |
| DUI Per Se (≥0.08 BAC) | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | Suspension + IID | 12 points on driving record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T: Our Firm’s Authority in DUI Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex DUI cases. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the local legal field, from the procedures at the District Court in Chestertown to the strategies of the Kent County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Case Results & Local Practice
While specific Kent County DUI results are protected by confidentiality, our firm’s approach is proven. For example, in other Maryland jurisdictions, we have secured dismissals based on illegal stops, won Not Guilty verdicts at trial by challenging breathalyzer calibration, and negotiated reductions from felony DUI to misdemeanor reckless driving for clients facing a third offense DUI charge lawyer Kent County residents trust. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Kent County Felony DUI Defense Team
Our Maryland office in Rockville serves clients facing charges in Kent County. We are accessible via Route 301 and represent individuals in Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton. If you need a felony DUI lawyer Kent County relies on, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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.
Kent County Felony DUI Lawyer FAQ
What makes a DUI a felony in Maryland?
It depends. A DUI becomes a felony if it causes a life-threatening injury or death, or if you have two or more prior DUI convictions. Other factors like having a minor in the vehicle can enhance penalties but may not alone create a felony charge.
What is the penalty for a third DUI offense in Maryland?
A third DUI conviction within 10 years is a misdemeanor with penalties up to 3 years in jail, a $3,000 fine, and a 3-year license revocation. It may be charged as a felony if it involves injury. You need an experienced felony drunk driving defense lawyer Kent County offers to handle these severe consequences.
Can I get a felony DUI reduced to a misdemeanor?
Yes, sometimes. A skilled felony DUI lawyer Kent County can negotiate for a reduction by challenging the evidence of injury severity or prior convictions, or by presenting strong mitigation like immediate treatment enrollment. Success depends on the specific facts of your case.
Where are felony DUI cases heard in Kent County?
Felony DUI cases begin in the District Court of MD for Kent County (103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown) for preliminary matters. A defendant can demand a jury trial, which transfers the case to the Kent County Circuit Court. The official court website is courts.state.md.us/district/directories/kent.
How long will a felony DUI stay on my record?
A felony DUI conviction results in a permanent criminal record in Maryland. It cannot be expunged. This underscores the critical need for an aggressive defense from a felony DUI lawyer Kent County from the outset to fight the charge or seek an alternative disposition that avoids a felony conviction.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing a felony DUI charge, you may also want to learn about criminal defense in Kent County or traffic violation defense. For a broader view of our Maryland practice, visit our Maryland DUI and traffic defense hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Montgomery County and Anne Arundel County.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.