What happens at a DUI arraignment in Wicomico County

If you were arrested for DUI in Wicomico County, you may be anxious about the first court date. That initial hearing—called an arraignment—is where the court formally tells you what charges have been filed and asks how you plead. For many people, this is an unfamiliar, intimidating experience. Understanding the process and having legal representation at your side from the very beginning can help you move forward with confidence. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., our attorneys appear regularly in Wicomico County courts and can guide you through the arraignment and every subsequent step. To discuss your situation, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On this page

Your strategy at the arraignment

An arraignment is not a trial. It is a brief hearing before a judge at the District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County. The judge will read the charges against you—usually a violation of Md. Code, Transportation Art. § 21‑902—and ask you to enter a plea. You have three options: plead not guilty, plead guilty, or, with the court’s permission, plead nolo contendere (no contest). If you plead not guilty, the court sets a trial date. If you have not yet retained a lawyer, the judge may ask whether you need a public defender and may continue the case to allow you to hire private counsel. Having an experienced DUI attorney with you at this early stage ensures that you understand the implications of your plea and that no procedural rights are waived inadvertently.

What to expect when you arrive at the courthouse

The arraignment takes place at the District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County, located at 201 Baptist Street in Salisbury. You should arrive early to allow time for security screening and to find the correct courtroom. Dress respectfully; your appearance matters. The prosecutor will be present, along with the judge, court staff, and other defendants. When your case is called, you and your lawyer approach the bench. The judge will confirm your identity, summarize the DUI charge, and ask for your plea. If you have private counsel, your attorney may waive a formal reading of the charges. The hearing usually lasts only a few minutes. After the plea is entered, the court will set a schedule: often a motions hearing, a pretrial conference, and ultimately a trial date. If you cannot appear, your attorney may be able to appear on your behalf for the arraignment.

What a DUI conviction can mean

Maryland takes DUI offenses seriously. A first-offense conviction can carry a jail sentence of up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, and 12 points on your driving record. A driver who accumulates 8 points faces an MVA hearing; 12 points results in license revocation. Even a first DUI can lead to a license suspension, mandatory alcohol education, and possible installation of an ignition interlock device. If aggravating factors are present—such as a high blood alcohol concentration or an accident—the consequences can be more severe. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is sometimes available for first offenders; if granted, it avoids a conviction and the associated points. Our firm works to achieve favorable resolutions, but every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Experienced representation for your Wicomico County DUI case

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, concentrates its practice in traffic defense, criminal law, and family matters across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris, the firm’s Owner and Founder, is a former prosecutor who built the firm on a commitment to thorough preparation and court-appearance experience. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include Kristen M. Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who now handles DUI and traffic defense throughout Maryland, including Wicomico County. Ms. Fisher’s firsthand knowledge of how the State builds its cases is a significant advantage when evaluating the evidence against you and negotiating with prosecutors. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

Frequently asked questions

What is an arraignment in Maryland?

An arraignment is the first court appearance after a DUI arrest. The judge formally advises you of the charge and asks you to enter a plea. It is not a trial. At the District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County, the arraignment often occurs on the same day as your first-scheduled hearing. Your attorney can speak on your behalf.

Do I have to appear at my arraignment?

In Maryland, your attorney can appear for you at an arraignment in a misdemeanor DUI case. However, the court may require you to appear for a later hearing, and in felony DUI cases personal attendance is mandatory. It is wise to discuss attendance with your lawyer beforehand. Missing a required court date can result in a bench warrant.

What plea should I enter?

Most people enter a plea of not guilty at the arraignment. That preserves your right to challenge the evidence, file motions, and negotiate with the prosecutor. A guilty plea should only be entered after discussing the full consequences with your attorney. A nolo contendere plea has limited use in DUI cases and should be carefully considered.

Can the arraignment be rescheduled?

Yes, the court may continue the arraignment for good cause—such as to allow you time to hire a lawyer or because of a scheduling conflict. A request for a postponement should be made in writing or by your attorney appearing in court on the original date.

How long does a DUI case take in Wicomico County?

The timeline varies. After a not-guilty plea, the court schedules a trial date, usually several weeks to a few months out. Motions, discovery, and plea negotiations can extend the process. If you request a jury trial, the case moves to the Wicomico County Circuit Court, which may add additional time. Your attorney can give you a more precise estimate after reviewing the specific facts.

Will I lose my license if I’m convicted of DUI?

A DUI conviction typically triggers license suspension or revocation. For a first offense, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration may suspend your license for up to six months. However, options such as the ignition interlock program may allow you to drive with restrictions. An attorney can help explore ways to maintain driving privileges.

What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) and can I get it?

Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a disposition in which the court places you on probation without entering a conviction. If you successfully complete probation, the charge is dismissed and you avoid points. PBJ is available for certain DUI offenses, particularly for first-time offenders. The judge decides whether to grant PBJ after considering the facts and any recommendations from the prosecutor.

How can a lawyer help at the arraignment stage?

A lawyer can appear with you or on your behalf, advise you on the right plea, and begin challenging the case immediately. At arraignment, your attorney can also request discovery, preserve crucial evidence like dash-cam video, and start negotiations with the prosecutor. Early involvement often improves the chance at a favorable resolution.

Can I get points removed from my Maryland driving record after a DUI?

Points for a DUI conviction stay on your record for several years. However, you can earn point credits by completing a driver improvement course. If your case is resolved through a PBJ, no points are assessed. It is important to check your point balance with the MVA; accumulating 8 points triggers a hearing, and 12 points leads to revocation.

How many points until I lose my license in Maryland?

In Maryland, 8 points on your driving record triggers a point‑system hearing; 12 points results in automatic license revocation. A DUI conviction adds 12 points, so it can cause immediate revocation. An attorney can help you pursue alternatives, such as a PBJ, that avoid point assessment entirely.

Do I need a lawyer for a first-time DUI in Wicomico County?

You have the right to represent yourself, but DUI law is technical and the stakes are high. A conviction can mean jail time, a suspended license, and a permanent criminal record. An experienced attorney can evaluate the evidence, identify procedural errors, and negotiate for a reduction or dismissal. The earlier you involve counsel, the more options you have.

What is the difference between DUI and DWI in Maryland?

In Maryland, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Impaired) are separate offenses. DUI requires a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher and carries stiffer penalties. DWI is a lesser charge for a BAC between 0.07 and 0.08 or when a driver’s ability is impaired but not to the DUI threshold. Both carry points, fines, and possible jail time.

For additional resources, visit:

To schedule a consultation about your DUI arraignment, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Last reviewed: July 2026

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.