Felony DUI Lawyer Maryland, MD

A felony DUI charge in Maryland carries consequences that can extend well beyond a traffic ticket. If you are facing an accusation of felony driving under the influence—whether for repeat offenses, an accident involving serious injury, or other aggravating factors—you need experienced legal guidance. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients throughout Maryland from our Rockville location. Founded in 1997, the firm combines a former prosecutor’s insight with decades of courtroom experience to build a defense strategy focused on your circumstances. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Felony DUI Means in Maryland

Maryland defines DUI and DWI offenses under the Transportation Article of the Maryland Code. A standard first-offense DUI (blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher) is typically a misdemeanor, but certain circumstances can elevate the charge to a felony. Felony DUI most often arises when an individual has multiple prior DUI convictions within a specified period, or when the incident results in death or life-threatening injury. Prosecutors may also pursue felony charges when the defendant was operating a commercial motor vehicle or had a child passenger in the vehicle at the time.

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) imposes administrative penalties separate from the criminal case. A conviction for felony DUI can lead to a lengthy license revocation, significant fines, mandatory alcohol treatment programs, and the potential for incarceration. Because the stakes are elevated, the procedural demands—from evidentiary motions to sentencing arguments—are more complex. Cases may be heard in the District Court of Maryland or, upon a jury trial demand, in the Circuit Court for the county where the offense occurred. The firm appears in courts across Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, Anne Arundel, Frederick, and other Maryland counties.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Felony DUI Cases

Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team approach each felony DUI matter with an understanding of both sides of the courtroom. The Of Counsel group includes a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney who prosecuted cases in District and Circuit Courts—an experience that informs how the firm anticipates the state’s trial strategy, challenges forensic evidence, and negotiates with opposing counsel. Because a felony DUI charge can permanently affect your driving record, your freedom, and your employment, the firm works to identify every applicable defense.

The defense process typically begins with a thorough review of the traffic stop, the field sobriety testing procedures, and the calibration and administration of any breath or blood tests. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine whether law enforcement complied with Maryland’s implied consent requirements and whether the evidence supports the felony enhancement. The firm may file motions to suppress evidence, negotiate for a reduction of charges, or prepare for trial when a favorable resolution cannot be reached outside of court. Throughout the process, the team keeps you informed about the timeline, potential outcomes, and the steps you can take to address the administrative MVA consequences.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997. As Owner and Founder, he has built a multi-state practice admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His prosecutorial background gives him a practiced perspective on how the state builds its case, which he applies to every stage of defense for clients confronting felony DUI charges. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary.

The firm has documented more than 4,739 case results across all practice areas since 1997, with an overall favorable resolution rate exceeding 93%. Results may vary. Each case is unique. The Of Counsel team that works alongside Mr. Sris on Maryland traffic matters includes a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, bringing firsthand knowledge of prosecution procedures in the state’s District and Circuit Courts. This collective experience enables the firm to handle complex felony DUI cases with a focus on protecting your driving privileges, your record, and your future.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar ? Maryland Judiciary ? DC Bar ? NJ Courts ? NY OCA

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a DUI a felony in Maryland?

A DUI becomes a felony in Maryland when the driver has multiple prior DUI convictions within a designated lookback period, or when the offense causes death or life-threatening injury. The specific number of prior convictions that triggers a felony enhancement is set by statute, and prosecutors may also charge a felony when aggravating factors such as driving with a minor passenger or operating a commercial vehicle are present. Because the classification can drastically change the penalties, careful review of your prior record is essential. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate whether the enhancement applies and whether there are grounds to challenge the prior convictions used to elevate the charge.

What are the possible penalties for a felony DUI conviction in Maryland?

A felony DUI conviction in Maryland can result in a term of incarceration, a fine substantially higher than for a misdemeanor, and a long-term license revocation by the MVA. The court may also order ignition interlock installation, mandatory alcohol education or treatment, and probation. The length of incarceration and the amount of the fine depend on the number of prior offenses and the specific facts of the case. Additionally, a felony conviction can have collateral consequences on employment, professional licensing, and insurance rates. The firm works to present mitigating evidence and argue for alternative sentencing options when appropriate.

How does the MVA point system affect a felony DUI?

While a felony DUI conviction adds points to your Maryland driving record, the more immediate consequence is the MVA’s administrative revocation of your license, independent of the point system. Maryland assesses 12 points for a DUI conviction, which can trigger a revocation hearing at 8 points and mandatory revocation at 12 points. However, the MVA may revoke your driving privileges upon a felony DUI conviction regardless of your total point balance. Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is not available for felony DUI, so avoiding points through a PBJ is not an option. Defense strategy often focuses on challenging the evidence to prevent a conviction that carries these automatic penalties.

Can a felony DUI be reduced to a lesser charge?

In some circumstances, a felony DUI charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor DUI or a lesser traffic offense through negotiation with the prosecution or a successful motion to suppress evidence. The feasibility of a reduction depends on the strength of the state’s evidence, whether the prior convictions meet the statutory criteria for the felony enhancement, and the presence of any procedural errors during the traffic stop or testing. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel draw on their prosecutorial insight to identify weaknesses in the state’s case that may support a reduction. The firm negotiates actively while simultaneously preparing for trial so that you are not forced into an unfavorable plea.

What should I do if I am charged with felony DUI in Maryland?

If you are charged with felony DUI in Maryland, exercise your right to remain silent, do not discuss the facts with anyone except your attorney, and contact an experienced defense lawyer immediately. The MVA will separately initiate administrative proceedings that can suspend your license quickly, so you must act promptly to request a hearing. Preserve any documents related to the stop—such as your copy of the citation, bail paperwork, and breath test results—and provide them to your attorney. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel can guide you through the initial appearance, the MVA hearing, and the development of your defense strategy. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How does the court process for a felony DUI differ from a misdemeanor?

A felony DUI case typically begins in District Court for a preliminary hearing before being transferred to Circuit Court for trial, whereas a misdemeanor DUI may be resolved entirely in District Court. The Circuit Court provides the right to a jury trial, stricter evidentiary standards, and often a longer pretrial process that includes discovery, motions, and status conferences. Because the potential penalties are higher, the prosecution may devote more resources to the case. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle both District and Circuit Court matters across Maryland, ensuring you have representation at every stage from the initial appearance through trial if necessary.

Additional resources: For more information about Maryland traffic defense, see our pages on Montgomery County traffic defense, Prince George’s County traffic defense, and Howard County traffic defense.

Primary legal sources: Maryland Code (General Assembly) ? Maryland Courts ? Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.