DUI / DWI Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland
A DUI arrest in Montgomery County triggers two separate legal actions: a criminal case in the District Court of MD for Montgomery County and an administrative license suspension case with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Maryland DUI/DWI Law
Maryland law defines driving under the influence (DUI) as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 21-902). Driving while impaired (DWI) applies when a driver’s BAC is between 0.07% and 0.079% or they are impaired by alcohol or drugs to a degree that renders them incapable of driving safely. The firm, founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, provides full representation in these cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Maryland’s DUI statute, see Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 21-902 (official Maryland General Assembly). For court information, visit the District Court of MD for Montgomery County website.
Montgomery County DUI Court Process
Montgomery County District Court hears all DUI and DWI cases. Maryland uniquely has a dual-track system — the criminal case is heard in Montgomery County District Court while the administrative license case is handled by the MVA.
- Request MVA Hearing: You must request an MVA administrative hearing within 10 days of your arrest to challenge the license suspension.
- Prepare for District Court: Your criminal case will be heard at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County in Rockville. Gather all evidence and police reports.
- Consider PBJ Option: Discuss Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) with your attorney. It avoids a conviction but still results in 12 points on your driving record.
- Address Ignition Interlock: If eligible, enroll in the ignition interlock program to potentially reduce your license suspension period.
DUI Penalties in Montgomery County
In Montgomery County, a first DUI carries up to 1 year in jail, a $1,000 fine, 12 points, and a 6-month license suspension. A DWI carries up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DUI (1st, BAC ≥0.08) | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | 6-month suspension, 12 points | Ignition interlock, alcohol education |
| DWI (1st, 0.07-0.079) | Misdemeanor | Up to 60 days | Up to $500 | 8 points | Possible alcohol education |
| DUI (2nd within 5 years) | Misdemeanor | Up to 2 years (5 days mandatory) | Up to $2,000 | 1-year suspension | Mandatory ignition interlock |
| Test Refusal (1st) | Administrative | N/A | N/A | 270-day suspension | Separate from criminal case |
Results may vary. The penalties listed are maximums; actual outcomes depend on case details.
Our Experience in Montgomery County Courts
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to DUI defense. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide full representation focused on the specific procedures of the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
Case Results in Montgomery County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate for local clients. These results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions in DUI cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local DUI Defense in Montgomery County
Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at Montgomery County courts, accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355 (Rockville Pike). As a DUI lawyer near Montgomery County and the Rockville Town Square area, we represent clients throughout Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (301) 363-4040 | (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a first DUI in Montgomery County, Maryland?
First DUI in Montgomery County (BAC ≥0.08): up to 1 year jail, $1,000 fine, 12 points, 6-month suspension. DWI (0.07-0.079): up to 60 days/$500, 8 points. PBJ available — avoids conviction but 12 points still assessed. MVA hearing must be requested within 10 DAYS of arrest. Cases at District Court of MD for Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate).
What is the 10-day rule for DUI in Maryland?
After a DUI arrest in Montgomery County, you have only 10 days to request an MVA administrative hearing or the license suspension becomes FINAL. This is separate from your criminal case at District Court of MD for Montgomery County. Maryland’s dual-track system requires an attorney who handles both the MVA and criminal proceedings simultaneously. 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate).
Can I get PBJ for a DUI in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ avoids a DUI conviction on your criminal record in Montgomery County. However, 12 points are still assessed to your driving record. PBJ is a critical outcome because it preserves your criminal record while addressing the driving consequences. Cases at District Court of MD for Montgomery County (191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850). 21 total documented case results across all practice areas (95% favorable outcome rate).
What happens after a DUI arrest in Montgomery County, MD?
After a DUI arrest in Montgomery County you face criminal charges and a separate DMV/MVA license hearing. You must request the hearing within days. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. immediately — (888) 437-7747 — by appointment.
How does an ignition interlock device work in Maryland?
An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle. It prevents the car from starting if it detects alcohol. In Maryland, participating in this program can reduce your license suspension period. The device costs approximately $70-$100 per month to maintain.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, see our Maryland DUI/DWI lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in nearby areas like Prince George’s County and Howard County. If you need assistance with other matters in Montgomery County, consider our criminal defense lawyer or reckless driving lawyer services. Learn more about attorney Kristen Fisher or visit our Maryland office page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
A breath test refusal case is one part of a wider personal injury practice, and our page on traffic lawyer Maryland covers how these claims are handled.