Published on 11/17/2025, 12:00:00 AM
First Offense DUI Lawyer in Maryland: Protect Your License and Record
A first DUI can feel overwhelming. Between court dates and MVA deadlines, it is easy to miss key steps that affect your license and your case. This guide pulls together what to expect and how we help first-offense clients protect their record and their ability to drive.
Court vs MVA: two tracks, different rules
A DUI case runs on two tracks that do not automatically control each other.
- Court decides guilt and sentencing. For background, see DUI, DUI vs DWI, and DUI per se.
- The MVA handles license actions. You may face a suspension unless you act quickly. See MVA Hearings and our DUI License Reinstatement guide.
Key timing points appear on your DR-15A. You typically have a short window to request a hearing to keep driving while the case is pending, and doing nothing can lead to a suspension. Our MVA Hearings and DUI License Reinstatement pages outline the deadlines and paths.
Common first-offense charges and tickets
A single stop often leads to multiple tickets. Alongside DUI or DWI, you might see moving violations like failing to obey a traffic control device or speeding ticket. Depending on breath results, you may also see DUI per se. For device background, review Intox EC IR II and roadside testing in PBT vs. Breathalyzer.
Many tickets can merge if there is a conviction, and outcomes like PBJ can help on the court record.
First 48 hours: smart steps
- Read your DR-15A and calendar the MVA deadlines.
- Decide with counsel whether to request a hearing or pursue ignition interlock. Compare options in MVA Hearings and DUI License Reinstatement.
- Do not pay "payable"� tickets from the same stop before court without legal advice. Your strategy should address the entire event together.
- If you are under 21, see Ages 18 - 20 DUI and Under-21 DUI.
Building a first-offense defense
Every case is fact specific. We focus on:
- The stop and investigation: pretext, observations, and whether the stop was extended without basis. See Police and Citizen Interactions and Read Me My Rights for interrogation-related issues.
- Testing issues: observation period, certification, device maintenance, and paperwork. See Intox EC IR II and PBT vs. Breathalyzer.
- Paperwork and procedure at the MVA: form completeness, timelines, and interlock options. See MVA Hearings and DUI License Reinstatement.
License planning that fits your life
The right license path depends on your history, BAC or refusal, commute, and job needs.
- Hearing path: preserve options and challenge errors. Start with MVA Hearings.
- Interlock path: continuous driving with conditions. Read Ignition Interlock Program.
Our DUI License Reinstatement guide explains deadlines, evidence to gather, and how court outcomes and MVA actions interact.
When does jail time become a risk?
First-offense outcomes vary with facts like accidents or injuries. Judges treat crash cases seriously. See DUI accident cases for context and review DUI vs DWI for how different charges can affect exposure.
Talk to a first-offense DUI lawyer today
We focus on DUI defense across Maryland and handle both the court case and the MVA track. If you have a hearing deadline or a new court date, reach out now so we can lock in the right plan.
- Start here: DUI and First-Time DUI FAQ
- Protect your license: MVA Hearings and DUI License Reinstatement
- Ready to move forward? Contact us
