Queen Anne's County DUI Lawyer
A DUI or DWI charge in Queen Anne's County can create two separate problems: the criminal case and an administrative license matter through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. FrizWoods reviews both tracks so that a court date does not distract from a license deadline.
Call (877) 343-1031 or request a free consultation. For a statewide overview, see our Maryland DUI defense guide.
Our firm has handled more than 212 DUI matters since January 2022, from first offenses to repeat and aggravated cases. Through aggressive pretrial motions and trial work, 44% of the DUI charges we've handled have been dismissed, nolle prossed, stetted, or resolved by acquittal. 88% of our DUI clients have resolved their cases without a DUI conviction on their record.
Verified internally; last updated: Nov 13, 2026.
Max Frizalone
Founding Partner | Former Assistant State's Attorney
Built a solid reputation as a DUI specialist by securing acquittals by jury and judge in numerous counties.
- Completed NHTSA DWI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and NHTSA Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement Training (ARIDE)
- Committed member of the National College for DUI Defense
- Track record of not-guilty verdicts and charge reductions in DUI cases.
Luke Woods
Founding Partner | Former Supervising Public Defender
Seasoned DUI litigator with hundreds of criminal traffic trials.
- Served in multiple roles within the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (Army JAGS) and as a District Public Defender for Calvert County.
- Has tried hundreds of criminal traffic offenses, including countless DUI cases.
- NHTSA-trained and a committed member of the National College for DUI Defense.
DUI and DWI Charges in Maryland
Maryland Transportation Article Section 21-902 includes:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Driving under the influence of alcohol per se
- Driving while impaired by alcohol
- Driving while impaired by drugs, drugs and alcohol, or a combination of substances
- Driving while under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance
The exact subsection matters. Read the citations and charging papers rather than assuming that every alcohol-related charge has the same elements or possible penalty.
What We Review in a Queen Anne's County DUI Case
The traffic stop
An officer needs a lawful basis for the stop. We compare the stated reason with body-camera or vehicle-camera footage, dispatch records, witness information, and the officer's own report.
Field sobriety testing
Field sobriety tests must be evaluated in context. Instructions, test conditions, footwear, health issues, surface conditions, lighting, and the officer's administration can affect what the evidence shows.
Max Frizalone has completed Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement training. That training helps the defense compare an officer's work with the testing protocols used in impaired-driving investigations.
Breath, blood, or refusal evidence
Breath and blood evidence can raise questions about administration, documentation, authentication, observation, calibration, collection, or chain of custody. A refusal changes the evidence available in court and can create separate license consequences.
Statements and observations
The State may rely on driving behavior, appearance, speech, balance, admissions, and other observations. We compare those claims with recordings and the complete timeline.
The MVA Deadline After a DUI Arrest
For an administrative per se Order of Suspension, a driver generally has 30 days from the order to request a hearing. A request within 10 days is important if the driver wants to prevent the suspension from beginning before the hearing. The paperwork controls, so have an attorney review it promptly.
The MVA proceeding is separate from the criminal case. A result in one does not automatically decide the other. Our MVA hearing guide explains the administrative process.
Possible DUI Defense Issues
- No lawful basis for the traffic stop
- Field sobriety tests administered or interpreted incorrectly
- Weak proof that the accused person drove or had actual physical control
- Breath or blood evidence that cannot be properly admitted
- Statements obtained in violation of constitutional protections
- Medical, environmental, or innocent explanations for the officer's observations
The right defense depends on the evidence. No single argument fits every DUI case.
Preparing for Court
Bring the citations, DR-15A or other MVA papers, hearing notices, release conditions, towing or property records, photographs, videos, and a timeline. Preserve any receipts, messages, or witnesses that help establish where you were and when.
Do not miss the court appearance listed on the notice. If a date changes, rely on the updated written notice or official court record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DUI different from DWI in Maryland?
Yes. They are separate charges with different elements and penalty exposure. Our DUI versus DWI guide explains the distinction.
Can I challenge field sobriety tests?
Yes. The defense can review whether the officer gave proper instructions, followed testing procedures, and accounted for conditions that affected performance.
What if I refused the breath test?
A refusal can create an administrative license suspension and may affect the evidence used in court. It does not prevent a defense. Review the MVA paperwork and the State's remaining evidence promptly.
Can a first-time DUI result in probation before judgment?
Probation before judgment may be available, but the result depends on the case, record, preparation, and court decision. Read our Maryland DUI PBJ guide.
Talk With a Queen Anne's County DUI Lawyer
The MVA timeline starts before the criminal case is resolved. Call (877) 343-1031 or contact FrizWoods for a free consultation. For help with another charge, visit the Queen Anne's County criminal defense hub.