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Arrested for DUI in Anne Arundel County - What to Do Right Now

If you or someone you love was just arrested for DUI in Anne Arundel County, there are two separate processes that start immediately: the criminal case and the MVA license suspension. Both have strict deadlines. Missing either one can result in jail time, a suspended license, or both. FrizWoods handles DUI cases in Anne Arundel County every week and can guide you through both processes starting right now.

What to Do in the First 24 Hours After a DUI Arrest

Time-sensitive decisions start the moment the arrest happens. Here is what to do:

  1. Stay calm. A DUI arrest is scary, but panic leads to mistakes.
  2. Do not make statements to police. If your loved one has not already been questioned, they should say: "I want a lawyer." Any admissions about drinking, drug use, or driving behavior become evidence.
  3. Find out where they are being held. Most DUI arrests in Anne Arundel County lead to the Jennifer Road Detention Center in Annapolis. Search VineLink to confirm custody status.
  4. Do not discuss the case on recorded jail calls. All calls from the detention center are recorded. Prosecutors can use them.
  5. Locate the DR-15A form. This is the temporary paper license issued by the officer after a DUI arrest. It contains critical information about the license suspension and the deadline to request an MVA hearing.
  6. Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Call FrizWoods now. We handle both the criminal case and the MVA hearing.

The DR-15A and Your 45-Day Deadline

When someone is arrested for DUI in Maryland, the officer confiscates their driver's license and issues a form called the DR-15A. This form serves as a temporary license for 45 days.

Here is the critical part: you have only 45 days from the date of the DR-15A to request an MVA hearing. If you miss this deadline, the license suspension happens automatically with no opportunity to challenge it.

The MVA hearing is a separate administrative proceeding from the criminal case. It determines whether your driving privileges are suspended based on the breath test result (or refusal to take the test). An attorney can represent you at this hearing and argue for retention of your license or modification of the suspension.

Do not assume the criminal attorney will handle the MVA issue automatically. Make sure to ask specifically about the DR-15A deadline when you hire a lawyer.

Bail After a DUI Arrest in Anne Arundel County

Most first-offense DUI arrests in Anne Arundel County result in release from the commissioner on personal recognizance or with a low cash bail. However, the outcome depends on several factors:

  • Blood alcohol level. Higher BAC readings can lead to higher bail.
  • Prior DUI convictions. Second or subsequent offenses face more scrutiny.
  • Accident involvement. If the DUI involved a crash, especially one with injuries, the commissioner may set a higher bail or hold without bond.
  • Outstanding warrants. Any existing warrants will complicate the bail process.

If the commissioner does not release your loved one, the bail hearing before a judge takes place at:

  • Annapolis District Court: 10:30 AM
  • Glen Burnie District Court: 1:30 PM

Having a bail review lawyer at this hearing can make a significant difference, especially for repeat DUI offenders or cases involving accidents.

The Criminal DUI Case in Anne Arundel County

Anne Arundel County has one of the highest DUI arrest volumes in Maryland. The State's Attorney's Office prosecutes these cases aggressively. Here is what the criminal process looks like:

Arraignment

The first court date (arraignment) is typically set within 30 days of the arrest. At arraignment, the charges are formally read and the defendant enters a plea. This is not the trial.

Pretrial Phase

Between arraignment and trial, your attorney will:

  • Review the police report and body camera footage
  • Analyze the breath test results and calibration records
  • Examine the traffic stop for constitutional issues
  • File motions to suppress evidence if applicable
  • Negotiate with the prosecutor

Trial or Plea

DUI cases in Anne Arundel County can go to trial before a judge (bench trial) or a jury. Many cases are resolved through negotiation, but having a trial-ready attorney forces the prosecution to take your case seriously.

Penalties for DUI in Anne Arundel County

The penalties depend on the charge and whether this is a first or repeat offense:

  • DUI (Section 21-902(a)): Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine for a first offense. Penalties increase for repeat offenders.
  • DWI (Section 21-902(b)): Up to 60 days in jail, $500 fine for a first offense.
  • License suspension. This is handled through the MVA, not the criminal court. A first-offense DUI can result in a 6-month suspension.
  • Ignition interlock. The court or MVA may require installation of an ignition interlock device.

For a detailed breakdown of DUI penalties, visit our DUI vs DWI page.

Common Mistakes After a DUI Arrest

Missing the MVA hearing deadline

The 45-day window to request an MVA hearing is absolute. Miss it, and the suspension goes into effect automatically. This is the most common and most preventable mistake.

Pleading guilty at arraignment without a lawyer

Do not plead guilty at the first court date. There may be defenses available that could result in a dismissal, reduced charges, or probation before judgment (PBJ).

Assuming a first offense means no jail time

While jail time for a first-offense DUI is uncommon, it is legally possible, especially if the BAC was very high or an accident was involved.

Ignoring the impact on professional licenses

A DUI conviction can affect professional licenses, security clearances, and commercial driving privileges. If your career depends on a clean record, discuss this with your attorney.

Not requesting a hearing on the breath test

The breath test result is not automatically admissible. An experienced attorney can challenge the calibration, administration, and reliability of the test.

Why FrizWoods for Anne Arundel County DUI Cases

FrizWoods handles DUI cases in Anne Arundel County regularly. Our attorneys appear at both the Annapolis and Glen Burnie District Courts and know the local judges and prosecutors.

  • Max Frizalone is NHTSA-trained in field sobriety testing, which means he knows how the tests are supposed to be administered and can identify when officers make mistakes.
  • Luke Woods has over 20 years of trial experience, including DUI cases involving breath tests, blood tests, and refusals.
  • FrizWoods handles both the criminal case and the MVA hearing, so nothing falls through the cracks.

We also handle related charges that often accompany DUI arrests, including reckless driving, driving without a license, and excessive speed.

Call FrizWoods Now - DUI Arrest Help 24/7

If you or someone you love was just arrested for DUI in Anne Arundel County, do not wait. The 45-day MVA clock is already ticking, and a bail hearing could happen tomorrow. Contact us immediately.

(410) 883-5667 | (301) 720-1917

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first after a DUI arrest in Anne Arundel County?

Locate the DR-15A form (your temporary license), do not discuss the case on jail phone calls, and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. You have 45 days to request an MVA hearing to challenge the license suspension.

When are DUI bail hearings in Anne Arundel County?

Annapolis District Court holds bail hearings at 10:30 AM. Glen Burnie District Court holds bail hearings at 1:30 PM.

Will I lose my license after a DUI arrest?

Not automatically. You have 45 days from the date of the DR-15A to request an MVA hearing. If you request the hearing, your license remains valid until the hearing takes place. An attorney can represent you and argue against suspension.

Are jail phone calls recorded after a DUI arrest?

Yes. All calls from the Jennifer Road Detention Center are recorded. Do not discuss what you drank, where you were driving, or anything about the stop.

Can I get probation before judgment (PBJ) for a first DUI?

PBJ is available for first-offense DUI cases in Maryland. It results in no conviction on your record, though the charge itself remains visible for some purposes. Your attorney can advise whether PBJ is the best option for your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for the MVA hearing too?

Yes. The MVA hearing is a separate administrative proceeding with its own rules. An attorney can challenge the officer's testimony, question the breath test procedures, and argue for retention of your driving privileges.

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