Felony DUI Lawyer Somerset County — Defending Serious Drunk Driving Charges
A felony DUI in Somerset County is a serious criminal charge under Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 21-902, carrying up to 3 years in prison and a $3,000 fine for a third offense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense for felony drunk driving and third offense DUI charges in the District Court of MD for Somerset County.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Somerset County | Maryland General Assembly
Understanding Felony DUI Charges in Somerset County
In Maryland, a DUI is typically classified as a misdemeanor. However, certain aggravating factors can elevate the charge to a felony-level offense with severe penalties. A felony DUI lawyer Somerset County is essential when facing charges for a third or subsequent DUI offense within a five-year period, a DUI resulting in a life-threatening injury, or a DUI causing a death. These charges are prosecuted aggressively in the District Court of MD for Somerset County located at 30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne.
Statutes and Penalties for Felony-Level DUI
The primary statute governing DUI in Maryland is Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 21-902. A third DUI conviction within five years is a felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a $3,000 fine, with a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail. The court also imposes a license revocation for up to 18 months and mandates participation in the Ignition Interlock Program for a minimum of one year upon reinstatement.
In Somerset County, a felony DUI or third offense DUI charge carries a penalty of up to 3 years incarceration, a $3,000 fine, and an 18-month license revocation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third DUI (within 5 yrs) | Felony | Up to 3 years (10-day min) | Up to $3,000 | Revocation up to 18 months | Ignition Interlock (min 1 yr), Alcohol Assessment |
| DUI Causing Life-Threatening Injury | Felony | Up to 3 years | Up to $5,000 | Revocation | Possible restitution to victim |
| DUI Causing Homicide | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $5,000 | Revocation | Vehicular Manslaughter charges may apply |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Court Process and Defense Strategy
Somerset County District Court handles all DUI cases. Maryland operates a dual-track system where the criminal case proceeds in court while the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles an administrative license suspension separately. You have only 10 days from arrest to request an MVA hearing to challenge the suspension. For a third offense DUI charge lawyer Somerset County clients trust, early intervention is critical to protect both driving privileges and build a defense against the felony allegations.
- Secure Immediate Representation: Contact a felony DUI lawyer Somerset County immediately after arrest to preserve your rights and request the MVA hearing within 10 days.
- Case Investigation: Your attorney will obtain all evidence, including police reports, dash/body cam footage, and breathalyzer maintenance logs.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence obtained from an unlawful stop or improper testing procedures.
- Negotiation & Strategy: Explore possibilities for plea negotiations to reduce the felony charge or argue for alternative sentencing like home detention.
- Trial Preparation: If a favorable plea cannot be reached, prepare a vigorous defense for trial before a Somerset County District Court judge.
- Post-Trial & MVA: Handle any sentencing requirements and represent you at the separate MVA hearing to minimize license penalties.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Felony DUI Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of a felony DUI charge and provide a focused, aggressive defense.
Our team includes former prosecutor Kristen Fisher and firm founder Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with decades of experience. This perspective is invaluable when building a defense against the state’s case.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While every case is unique, our approach is consistently diligent. We investigate every detail, from the initial traffic stop to the arrest procedure and chemical testing. For a felony drunk driving defense lawyer Somerset County residents can rely on, we leave no stone unturned in seeking the best possible outcome, whether through dismissal, charge reduction, or mitigated sentencing.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact a Felony DUI Lawyer Serving Somerset County
Our Maryland office represents clients at Somerset County courts. We serve the communities of Princess Anne, Crisfield, Westover, Marion Station, and Deal Island.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
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.
Felony DUI in Somerset County FAQs
What makes a DUI a felony in Maryland?
It depends. A DUI becomes a felony in Maryland primarily if it is a third or subsequent offense within five years, or if it results in a life-threatening injury or death. These are serious charges requiring immediate help from a felony DUI lawyer Somerset County.
What is the penalty for a third DUI in Somerset County?
A third DUI within five years is a felony with penalties of up to 3 years in prison, a $3,000 fine, an 18-month license revocation, and a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail. Consulting a third offense DUI charge lawyer Somerset County is critical to challenge these severe consequences.
Can you avoid jail time for a felony DUI in Maryland?
It depends. While Maryland law mandates jail time for a third DUI, an experienced felony drunk driving defense lawyer Somerset County may argue for alternative sentencing like home detention or a treatment program, depending on the case facts and your history.
What is the 10-day rule for a DUI arrest in Maryland?
You have only 10 calendar days after a DUI arrest to request a hearing with the Maryland MVA to contest the automatic driver’s license suspension. This is a separate proceeding from your criminal case in Somerset County District Court.
Where are Somerset County DUI cases heard?
All DUI cases, including felony charges, are heard at the District Court of MD for Somerset County, located at 30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853. The court’s website is courts.state.md.us/district/directories/somerset.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.