What happens at a DUI arraignment in St. Mary’s County
A DUI arraignment in St. Mary’s County is the first court appearance where a person formally hears the driving-under-the-influence charge against them and enters a plea. The hearing takes place at the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County, 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, Maryland. At the arraignment, the judge informs the defendant of the charge, the possible penalties, and the right to counsel. The defendant then enters a plea—guilty, not guilty, or, with the court’s permission, nolo contendere. In many DUI cases, the arraignment also sets the schedule for further proceedings, including pretrial motions and a trial date. Having an experienced traffic attorney present at this early stage is critical because the decisions made—especially the plea—can affect the ability to challenge evidence later. To discuss your upcoming arraignment with an attorney, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What to Expect at a DUI Arraignment in St. Mary’s County
When you appear for a DUI arraignment in St. Mary’s County, the proceeding will generally move quickly. The District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County hears all initial traffic and criminal matters in the county, including DUI. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. To 4:30 p.m., and arraignments are typically scheduled within a few weeks of the arrest or citation. A prosecutor from the Office of the State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County will be present, and the judge will ensure you understand the charges and your rights.
You will be asked to enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, the case will be set for trial. Because DUI carries the potential for jail time, a fine, and license consequences, the decision to plead guilty or not guilty should be made after consulting an attorney. If you request a jury trial, the case will be transferred to the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court—a step that can affect both the timeline and the strategy of the defense. Even at this early stage, the court can address bail or pretrial release conditions, and your attorney can begin to gather discovery and evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I plead not guilty at a DUI arraignment in St. Mary’s County?
If you plead not guilty, the District Court of Maryland for St. Mary’s County will schedule a trial date. The case remains in the district court unless you demand a jury trial, which moves it to the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court. An attorney can file pretrial motions, challenge the traffic stop, and negotiate with the State’s Attorney before the trial. To discuss potential defenses, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer at the arraignment for a DUI charge in St. Mary’s County?
You have the right to have an attorney at your arraignment, and having one present can be a significant advantage. An experienced traffic attorney can advise you on how to plead, ensure your rights are protected, and begin building a defense immediately. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in St. Mary’s County courts and understand local procedure. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can I get a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for a DUI in St. Mary’s County?
Probation Before Judgment, or PBJ, is available for many traffic offenses in Maryland, including DUI. If granted by the court, a PBJ avoids a conviction and the associated points on your driving record. The judge has discretion and will consider factors such as the facts of the case and any prior record. An attorney can present arguments in support of a PBJ. To discuss whether PBJ may be possible in your case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What are the penalties for a first-offense DUI in Maryland?
A first-offense DUI in Maryland carries up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and 12 points on a driver’s license. The Motor Vehicle Administration may also suspend driving privileges. The specific sentence depends on the circumstances, including any aggravating factors. An attorney can work to minimize the consequences and seek alternatives such as PBJ. To learn more about how the firm handles DUI cases, call (888) 437-7747.
How does the Maryland point system affect a DUI conviction in St. Mary’s County?
A DUI conviction adds 12 points to your Maryland driving record, which results in an automatic revocation. Accumulating 8 points triggers an MVA administrative hearing. Even lesser traffic offenses add points, and the impact on insurance can be severe. Speed camera tickets, by contrast, carry no points. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys focus on avoiding points whenever possible through strategic defense. To discuss your options, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Will I lose my license immediately after a DUI arrest in Maryland?
A DUI arrest triggers an administrative process with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) separate from the court case. You may face an immediate suspension unless you request an MVA hearing within a short window—typically 10 days. An attorney can represent you at the MVA hearing and at the criminal arraignment to protect your driving privileges. For assistance with both proceedings, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I bring to my arraignment at the St. Mary’s County courthouse?
You should bring a government-issued photo ID, a copy of the charging document or citation, and any bail paperwork. Arrive early to allow time to find parking and go through security. The District Court is located at 23110 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can a DUI charge be reduced to a lesser offense in St. Mary’s County?
In some cases, a DUI charge may be reduced to a lesser offense such as driving while impaired (DWI) or even a non-alcohol-related traffic violation, depending on the evidence. The negotiation of a reduced charge often depends on the strength of the prosecution’s case and the defendant’s record. An experienced traffic attorney can assess the viability of a reduction. To discuss your case, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How long does a DUI case take from arraignment to resolution in St. Mary’s County?
The timeline varies depending on whether the case stays in District Court or is transferred to Circuit Court for a jury trial, and on the complexity of the charges. A straightforward case may resolve in a few months, while complex litigation can take longer. An attorney can give you a better estimate once the specifics of your case are known. To schedule a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Why should I choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a DUI case in St. Mary’s County?
The firm has served clients across Maryland since 1997. Mr. Sris, the Owner and Founder, is a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney. This firsthand prosecutorial and court experience informs the defense strategy in every DUI case. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include practitioners with backgrounds as former state prosecutors and from law enforcement. Collectively, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented over 4,739 case results firm-wide, with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93 percent. Results may vary.
The firm’s Rockville, Maryland location serves clients throughout St. Mary’s County and all Maryland counties. To schedule a consultation about a DUI arraignment or any traffic matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Related traffic defense pages: Please also see our information for drivers in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.