Felony DUI Lawyer Anne Arundel County, MD
A felony DUI charge in Anne Arundel County, Maryland is far more than a traffic ticket—it is a serious criminal offense that can result in incarceration, the loss of your driver’s license, and a permanent conviction on your record. The District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County, located at 251 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis, hears all initial traffic and DUI cases in the county. The court applies Maryland’s point system, which means a conviction adds demerit points to your driving record, and the Motor Vehicle Administration may take action after as few as 8 points. When a DUI is charged as a felony, the stakes rise dramatically, and understanding the procedural steps and potential consequences is essential before you appear in court. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team represent clients in the District Court, the Circuit Court, and before the MVA. To request a consultation about a felony DUI charge in Anne Arundel County, reach the firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Traffic Law Means in Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Anne Arundel County is Maryland’s seventh judicial district and includes Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville. The District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County is the first stop for every traffic citation and misdemeanor DUI. If a defendant requests a jury trial, the case transfers to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. Major roadways—Interstate 97, Route 50, Route 2, and Route 3—run through the county, and daily commuters and visitors traveling to landmarks such as the U.S. Naval Academy and BWI Airport make traffic enforcement a constant reality.
Maryland’s traffic code, particularly Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 21‑901.1 (DUI per se) and § 21‑902 (DWI/DUI), defines drunk‑driving offenses and the associated penalties. A first‑offense DUI with a BAC of 0.08 or higher is generally a misdemeanor, but repeat offenses or DUI charges involving serious injury or death can be prosecuted as felonies. Under Maryland’s point system, a DUI conviction adds points to a motorist’s record, and accumulating 8 points triggers an MVA hearing while 12 points leads to license revocation. One critical procedural mechanism available in Anne Arundel County traffic cases is Probation Before Judgment, commonly known as PBJ. When the court grants PBJ, it avoids the entry of a conviction and prevents the assessment of points, although the record of the citation remains. The prosecutor’s decision to charge a DUI as a felony instead of a misdemeanor depends on the offender’s prior record, the severity of any accident, and other aggravating circumstances.
Because the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office handles felony DUI prosecutions with the same seriousness as other felony offenses, anyone facing such a charge benefits from beginning to build a defense as soon as possible. Court dates are set by the court’s own calendar, and the timeline varies by docket congestion and case complexity.
Under Maryland law, a DUI conviction adds points to a driver’s record, and the MVA may hold an administrative hearing at 8 points and revoke a license at 12 points.
Source: Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 27‑101 (point system). Md. Transportation § 27‑101
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Traffic Cases
When a client contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about a felony DUI charge in Anne Arundel County, the first step is a careful review of the citation, the police report, and the circumstances of the stop. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine whether the initial traffic stop was supported by reasonable suspicion, whether field sobriety tests or chemical tests were administered in compliance with Maryland’s implied‑consent law, and whether any procedural errors may support a motion to suppress evidence. The defense strategy is tailored to the specific facts of the case—every detail from the breath‑test result to the officer’s observations matters.
The team handles all court appearances, including bond hearings, pretrial motions, and trial or suppression hearings at the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County. If a jury trial is demanded, the matter moves to the Circuit Court, where the procedural rules are more formal and the potential sentencing exposure is greater. At every stage, the goal is to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, seek a reduction or dismissal of the charge when the facts support it, and, when appropriate, advocate for PBJ to avoid a conviction and points.
Because a felony DUI conviction can affect employment, professional licensing, insurance rates, and even immigration status, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel consider the full collateral consequences when advising a client about possible resolutions. The team also assists with license‑suspension hearings before the MVA, because the administrative consequences of a DUI arrest can begin long before the criminal case concludes.
Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is available for many traffic offenses in Maryland and avoids the entry of a conviction and the assessment of points when granted.
Source: Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 27‑101 (point system), interpreted through Anne Arundel County District Court practice. Anne Arundel County District Court
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997. He is a former prosecutor who brings that insight to every criminal and traffic defense matter the firm handles. His Of Counsel team includes attorneys who are also former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorneys, giving the firm deep familiarity with how the State’s Attorney’s Office builds a felony DUI case. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since the firm was founded. Results may vary.
Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm serves clients in all 24 Maryland counties, including every community in Anne Arundel County, from Annapolis and Glen Burnie to Severna Park and Crofton.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a felony DUI in Maryland?
A DUI becomes a felony in Maryland when the driver has prior qualifying DUI convictions within the last five years or when the DUI causes serious injury or death. The specific charge depends on the offender’s record and the facts of the incident. Because a felony conviction can lead to state prison time and a lifetime ban on firearms possession under federal law, the procedural and evidentiary issues in a felony DUI case are examined with the attention given to any serious felony. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., reviews the charging documents, the prior‑conviction allegations, and the evidence to determine whether the felony grade is supported under Maryland law.
How can a lawyer help fight a felony DUI charge in Anne Arundel County?
An experienced defense attorney examines the legality of the traffic stop, the validity of the breath or blood test, and whether the prosecution has met its burden of proving a prior qualifying DUI conviction within the statutory lookback period. In Anne Arundel County, the case is set for trial or hearing at the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County or, if a jury is demanded, in the Circuit Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, file suppression motions when appropriate, and, where the evidence allows, negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced charge or PBJ to avoid a conviction and points.
Can I get points removed from my Maryland driving record?
Yes, completing a Maryland‑approved driver improvement course removes 3 points from a driving record, and points for most offenses expire after two years. More importantly, PBJ avoids points altogether for many offenses. The Motor Vehicle Administration may also offer a point‑reduction program that removes points upon course completion. Because license suspension or revocation can follow a DUI conviction, clients often benefit from a coordinated strategy that handles both the criminal case and the administrative proceeding. To discuss your specific point total and the steps available, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
What happens if I am charged with a felony DUI while driving on a suspended license in Maryland?
Being charged with a felony DUI while your driver’s license is suspended exposes you to enhanced penalties, including additional jail time and mandatory minimum sanctions. The Anne Arundel County District Court takes these aggravating factors seriously, and the prosecutor may oppose a PBJ. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine the basis for the original suspension, the grounds for the new stop, and any evidence that the driver was unaware of the suspension. A tailored defense may reduce the consequences or avoid an additional conviction that would further complicate license reinstatement.
How many points until I lose my license in Maryland?
In Maryland, the MVA can hold a hearing at 8 points and will revoke a license at 12 points. Traffic convictions in Anne Arundel County add points to a motorist’s record at the rate set by statute. A DUI conviction typically adds a significant number of points, and a felony DUI conviction adds even more. PBJ avoids the entry of a conviction and therefore avoids the points. Cases are heard at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County, 251 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have represented thousands of clients in Anne Arundel County traffic matters. Firm‑wide, the firm has documented 4,739+ case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary.
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.