Maryland DUI for Ages 18–20

If you are 18–20, you are still under Maryland’s under‑21 alcohol rules, and the MVA track starts immediately. Here’s how to protect your license, school, and job while we build your defense.

First 10 days: stabilize your license

• Request an MVA hearing inside 10 days to keep driving pending the outcome. Start here: MVA Hearing Lawyer.
• Review your paperwork: the DR‑15A controls timelines and options.
• Consider the Ignition Interlock Program if commuting is critical; for refusals, read Implied Consent in Maryland.

How these cases are built—and challenged

• Stops, expansion to DUI investigation, field tests, and breath/blood decisions define most cases.
• Field sobriety tests are voluntary. Read: Should I Take a Field Sobriety Test?
• SFST and HGN administration matters. See: Field Sobriety Testing
• Breath devices and process: Intox EC IR II and PBT vs. Breathalyzer

Charge types and BAC context

• Learn the differences: DUI vs DWI
• Understand per‑se: DUI per se
• High‑BAC considerations: High BAC in Maryland

MVA path: hearing vs. interlock

• Hearing path preserves options; interlock keeps you driving with monitoring. Your commute, BAC/refusal, and schedule drive the choice.
• Missing the 10‑day window risks a suspension around day 45.
• If you enroll in interlock, keep strict compliance and clean logs; we’ll use that record in your favor where it helps.

Court vs. MVA

• Court and MVA are separate. Court outcomes (dismissal, not guilty, PBJ, conviction) don’t automatically change MVA results.
• Responsible steps on the MVA track often support better overall outcomes.

Defenses that move the needle

• The stop: video vs. narrative, basis to stop, expansion issues
• SFSTs/HGN: instructions, demonstrations, timing, and environment
• Breath/blood: observation windows, device maintenance, operator certs, chain of custody
• Timing gaps: driving vs. testing and alcohol absorption

School and work planning

• Bring your school/work schedule to the first call. We’ll plan hearing dates and interlock installs around that calendar.
• If you hold a public‑trust role or security clearance, see: DUI and Professional Licenses.

FAQs

Do I need interlock right away?

It depends. For some cases, early interlock stabilizes driving for school/work. Others do better setting a hearing first. We’ll map it to your facts.

What if I refused testing?

Refusals have separate MVA penalties and change the hearing vs. interlock calculus. Read: Implied Consent in Maryland.

Is there a “zero‑tolerance” rule for me at 18–20?

Yes—under‑21 rules apply to 18–20. That’s why the MVA path and timelines matter even more.

Where can I learn more about penalties?

See the Maryland DUI Chart and the main DUI page for context.