College Park DUI Lawyer
A DUI charge in College Park, Maryland, can have lasting consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. At FrizWoods, we provide experienced legal representation to help clients navigate Maryland's DUI laws and fight for the best possible outcome. For the full rundown of charges, penalties, and strategy, talking with our Maryland DUI attorneys is a great place to start before we dig into what College Park cases involve.
Our firm has handled more than 170 DUI matters since January 2022, from first offenses to repeat and aggravated cases. Through aggressive pretrial motions and trial work, 41% of the DUI charges we've handled have been dismissed, nolle prossed, stetted, or resolved by acquittal. The overwhelming majority of our DUI clients have resolved their cases without a DUI conviction on their record.
Verified internally; last updated: Jun 17, 2026.
Maryland DUI and DWI Laws
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
A DUI charge applies when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or higher. This offense carries severe penalties, including potential jail time, fines, and mandatory participation in alcohol education programs.
Driving While Impaired (DWI)
A DWI is charged when a driver's BAC is 0.07 or when other evidence suggests impairment. While less severe than a DUI, it still carries penalties, including fines and license suspension.
Refusal to Submit to Testing
Maryland's implied consent law requires drivers to submit to a breathalyzer or blood test. Refusing a test can result in automatic administrative penalties, including license suspension.
Common DUI Defenses
At FrizWoods, we thoroughly evaluate your case to identify potential defenses, such as:
- Unlawful Traffic Stops: Challenging whether the officer had a valid legal reason for pulling you over.
- Improper Testing Procedures: Examining the administration and calibration of breathalyzer or blood tests.
- Insufficient Evidence: Highlighting weaknesses in the prosecution's case to create reasonable doubt.
DUI Cases in College Park
College Park, home to the University of Maryland, sees a significant number of DUI charges, especially involving students and young professionals. Arrests frequently occur along major routes like Route 1 and I-495. Cases are typically heard in the District Court for Prince George's County in Hyattsville, with more serious cases handled in the Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro.
The Local Bench: District Court of Maryland for Prince George's County
A College Park DUI, often born from a Route 1 stop near campus, is generally heard in the District Court of Maryland for Prince George's County, which falls under District 5. For students and young professionals worried about their records, the assigned judge matters enormously. That judge sets bail and pretrial release conditions, rules on motions challenging whether the stop was justified and whether breath or blood testing was handled correctly, and decides sentencing, including whether you qualify for probation before judgment (PBJ) so a first mistake does not become a lasting conviction. Understanding how this bench tends to view DUI cases lets us frame your defense in the way most likely to land.
The current District 5 judges include Clayton Anthony Aarons, Bryon Seth Bereano, John Anthony Bielec, Dolores Dorsainvil, Llamilet Gutierrez, Robert W. Heffron Jr., Kimberly V. Lewis, Laura J. Novello, Erik H. Nyce, Melissa A. Pryce, Wennesa Bell Snoddy, Katina Self Steuart, Ann Wagner-Stewart, and Sherrie M. Waldrup. Lisa Angela Hall Johnson serves as the Administrative Judge for the district.
Why Choose FrizWoods?
- Local Expertise: We understand the unique challenges of DUI cases in College Park and have experience navigating Prince George's County courts.
- Tailored Defense Strategies: Every DUI case is different, and we customize our approach to your specific situation.
- Proven Results: Our aggressive defense tactics have helped clients avoid harsh penalties and protect their driving privileges.
Relevant Links
- Learn more about DUI defense in Maryland and how we can fight to protect your rights.
- Facing multiple charges? Explore our criminal defense services in Prince George's County.
FAQs
Q: What happens if I am convicted of a DUI in Maryland?
A: Penalties for a first-time DUI can include up to one year in jail, fines up to $1,200, and a six-month license suspension. Repeat offenses carry harsher penalties.
Q: Can I contest a license suspension after refusing a breathalyzer?
A: Yes. We can represent you at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) hearing to challenge the suspension or seek a restricted license.
Q: Are DUI penalties harsher for University of Maryland students?
A: While the legal penalties are the same, students may face additional consequences from the university, such as disciplinary actions or academic penalties.
If you are facing DUI charges in College Park, trust FrizWoods to provide skilled legal representation and fight for the best possible outcome.
Our Upper Marlboro Office Near College Park
The closest FrizWoods office to College Park is in Upper Marlboro, right by the Prince George's County courts:
FrizWoods LLC
14513 Main St B
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
(301) 720-1917
View our Upper Marlboro office on Google or leave us a Google review.
Serving College Park and Nearby Prince George's Communities
College Park DUI cases, often from Route 1 stops near campus, run through the PG County District Court in Hyattsville. Charged with something beyond the DUI? Our College Park criminal lawyer page covers it. See our Prince George's County criminal lawyer hub and the Maryland criminal lawyer page.
We also handle DUI cases in neighboring Prince George's communities: