DUI Lawyer Maryland

Frederick J. Brynn has defended DUI cases in Maryland since 1992. Our Maryland DUI lawyer fights to get charges reduced or dismissed, challenges flawed evidence, and protects your ability to drive and work. We offer free consultations because we believe you deserve to know where you stand before committing to anything.

Why Choose Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. for DUI Defense in Maryland?

Decades Defending DUI Cases in Maryland Courts

Frederick J. Brynn earned his law degree from Vermont Law School and has been licensed to practice in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. for over 30 years. His practice focuses on criminal defense and DUI cases specifically, which means he has seen how these cases are prosecuted, how officers make mistakes during stops, and where the weaknesses in the state’s evidence tend to appear.

Frederick Brynn has helped clients get their charges reduced and dismissed throughout his career. He received a Martindale-Hubbell Notable Award, Peer Rated for Strong Ethical Standards in 2025, alongside a Martindale-Hubbell Client Reviewed Award based on feedback from the people he has actually represented.

Two Attorneys With Complementary Strengths

Stephen F. Brennwald has practiced law since 1985 and also handles DUI defense at our firm. He graduated from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and brings 40 years of criminal defense trial experience. He is a member of the District of Columbia Trial Lawyers’ Association, the Superior Court Trial Lawyers’ Association, and the Maryland Association for Justice. His trial background includes dozens of murder cases and federal criminal matters, and that depth of courtroom preparation carries over into every DUI case he handles.

Accessible When It Matters Most

We offer free consultations and our phones are answered 24 hours a day. A DUI arrest typically happens at night or on a weekend, and waiting until Monday morning to speak with someone is not always realistic. The clock on your MVA hearing starts ticking the moment you’re released, and we are accessible when you need us.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Mr. Bryman always taken very good care of me very time I was in an accident he has always made me feel that he understands my pain and hurt. Mr. Bryman staff has always made me feel like I was the only client but I know he has more me as clients I will always recommend him to others and I have done that over the years I have been with Mr. Bryman over 27 years and can stand behind him a hundred percent for the work and support and service that he does for me.” — Mary Gates

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Types of DUI Cases We Handle in Maryland

Maryland law draws a sharp line between DUI and DWI, and the penalties for each differ significantly. We defend clients across the full spectrum of impaired driving charges, and each type of case calls for a different defense approach.

DUI (Driving Under the Influence). This is the more serious charge in Maryland, triggered by a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher or by evidence that alcohol substantially impaired your ability to drive safely. We challenge the traffic stop itself, the officer’s observations, and the testing procedures used to measure your BAC.
DWI (Driving While Impaired). A DWI charge applies when the state alleges a lower level of alcohol impairment than what’s required for a DUI. It carries lighter penalties but still produces a criminal record and affects your driving privileges, insurance rates, and employment prospects.
Drug-related DUI. Maryland law prohibits driving while impaired by drugs, whether illegal controlled substances or lawfully prescribed medication. These cases often rely on officer observations and drug recognition evaluations rather than a breathalyzer, which creates different avenues for defense.
Drug offenses. When officers discover controlled substances during a DUI traffic stop, you could face both impaired driving charges and separate drug possession or distribution charges simultaneously. The stakes multiply quickly in these situations.
Repeat DUI offenses. Second and third DUI convictions carry escalating penalties including longer jail sentences, higher fines, and extended license revocation periods. Maryland also has a habitual offender provision that applies to drivers with three or more convictions within a five-year period. The consequences compound with each subsequent offense.
DUI with a minor in the vehicle. Maryland imposes enhanced penalties when a driver is charged with DUI or DWI while transporting a child under 18. These charges carry additional jail time and fines beyond the standard penalties, and prosecutors treat them with extra seriousness.
Refusal cases. Refusing a breathalyzer test triggers an automatic license suspension under Maryland’s implied consent law. We challenge these administrative actions and work to preserve your driving privileges through the MVA hearing process.
MVA hearings. A DUI arrest triggers both a criminal case and a separate administrative hearing before the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. We represent clients in both proceedings, because losing at the MVA hearing can cost you your license even if you’re never convicted in criminal court.

Maryland DUI Legal Requirements

Maryland’s DUI laws fall under Transportation Article § 21-902 of the Maryland Code. The statute creates several distinct offenses, each with different elements and penalties. Understanding how these charges work is critical to mounting an effective defense.

DUI vs. DWI. A DUI charge under subsection (a) applies when a driver operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or has a BAC of 0.08 or higher. A DWI charge under subsection (b) applies at lower levels of impairment. This is not just a technical distinction. It affects the penalties you face, the administrative consequences for your license, and the defense strategies available to your attorney.

For a first DUI offense, Maryland law allows up to one year in jail and a fine up to $1,200. A second DUI conviction can result in up to two years of imprisonment and a $2,400 fine. A first DWI carries up to two months in jail and a $500 fine, while a second DWI may result in up to one year and $500.

Implied consent. Under the Maryland Transportation Code, when you operate a vehicle on Maryland roads, you consent to chemical testing if an officer has reasonable grounds to believe you are impaired. Refusing a test triggers a separate administrative penalty through the MVA, including a license suspension that begins 46 days after your arrest. This happens regardless of whether you are ultimately convicted of DUI in criminal court, which is why the MVA hearing is so important.

Enhanced penalties with a minor. If you are charged under § 21-902 while transporting someone under 18, the penalties increase significantly. A first offense involving a minor in the vehicle carries up to one year in jail and a $1,200 fine for both DUI and DWI-level charges. Prosecutors rarely agree to reduce these charges.

Drug impairment. Subsection (c) covers impairment by drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol. It is not a defense that you were legally entitled to use the drug, unless you were genuinely unaware it would affect your driving.

Maryland DUI attorney representation is essential because these laws interact with each other in ways that create unexpected consequences. A single arrest can trigger multiple criminal charges, an administrative MVA proceeding, and lasting impacts on your insurance, employment, and professional licenses.

What Penalties and Consequences Follow a Maryland DUI?

The penalties for a DUI conviction in Maryland extend well beyond fines and jail time. The full picture includes administrative, criminal, and practical consequences that affect your daily life for years.

Criminal penalties escalate with each offense. First-time DUI offenders face up to 12 months in jail and $1,200 in fines. Repeat offenders face longer sentences, higher fines, and mandatory minimums. Under the habitual offender provisions, three or more impaired driving convictions within five years carry up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

License consequences are often the most immediately disruptive part of a DUI case. The MVA can suspend or revoke your driving privileges following a DUI arrest, even before a criminal conviction. An administrative per se suspension can take effect 46 days after arrest if your BAC was 0.08 or higher, or if you refused testing. Keeping your license frequently requires requesting an MVA hearing within 30 days.

Ignition interlock. Maryland may require installation of an ignition interlock device as a condition of restricted driving privileges. The device requires a breath sample before the vehicle starts, and failed tests are reported to the MVA.

Insurance impact. A DUI conviction causes auto insurance premiums to increase dramatically. Many carriers cancel policies entirely, and the financial effects last three to five years or longer.

Employment and professional licensing. Healthcare workers, teachers, commercial drivers, and attorneys all face additional scrutiny from licensing boards after a DUI conviction. Some employers conduct regular background checks, and a new conviction can trigger termination.

Permanent record. Maryland does not allow expungement of DUI convictions in most circumstances. This makes fighting the charge at the outset far more important than many people realize. People sometimes accept plea deals without understanding there is no way to undo the record later. A Maryland DUI defense lawyer who explains these consequences upfront helps clients make informed decisions.

Contact Frederick J. Brynn, P.C.

A DUI charge in Maryland is serious, but it is not a conviction. There are defenses available, and the earlier you speak with a DUI lawyer in MD, the stronger your position becomes.

We offer free consultations for every DUI case. Our office provides 24/7 phone answering because DUI arrests happen at all hours and the timeline for your MVA hearing is short. There is no cost and no obligation to meet with us.

Contact us to discuss your DUI charge. We will review the details of your arrest, identify potential defenses, and give you an honest assessment of where your case stands.

DUI Statistics in Maryland

Impaired driving remains one of the deadliest problems on Maryland roads. State and federal agencies track these cases closely because the human cost stays high year after year. Official highway safety reporting shows why police and prosecutors treat every impaired driving charge as a priority. The state also invests heavily in enforcement, from sobriety checkpoints to specially trained patrol units, so arrests happen year-round and not only around the holidays.

Almost all of these crashes were preventable. That reality shapes how aggressively Maryland pursues arrests, checkpoints, and convictions. It also explains why anyone charged benefits from careful, informed defense from the very first court date, when early decisions can quietly shape everything that follows.

Between 2017 and 2021, nearly 16,000 people were killed or injured in Maryland crashes that involved alcohol or drugs, according to the state’s Highway Safety Office.
Alcohol or drugs are a factor in almost one-third of every fatal crash on Maryland roads.
Close to 80 percent of the state’s impaired driving crashes happen in the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas, where traffic runs heaviest.
Nationwide, 11,904 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes in 2024, which NHTSA reports as one death every 44 minutes.

What Should I Do After a DUI Arrest in Maryland?

The hours and days after an arrest matter more than most people realize. What you do next, and what you avoid, can shape the entire case. None of this replaces legal advice, but it can keep a hard situation from getting worse.

Stay calm and stay quiet. You have to identify yourself, but you do not have to answer questions about where you were or how much you had to drink. You have the right to remain silent, and your rights do not disappear just because you have been pulled over.
Write down everything you remember. Details fade fast. Note the time, the location, what the officer said, whether you were told why you were stopped, and how the roadside tests were conducted. That record can reveal problems with the stop or the testing.
Understand the two separate cases. A DUI arrest in MD triggers a criminal case in court and a separate administrative action against your license through the Motor Vehicle Administration. The deadlines are short. Missing the window to request a hearing can cost you your driving privileges before you ever face a judge.
Do not assume the breath test settles it. Breath and blood results can be challenged. Machines are calibrated by people, administered by people, and read by people. A driver who chose to refuse a breathalyzer faces a different set of consequences than one who submitted, and either path has defenses worth reviewing.
Avoid the missteps that hurt cases. People talk their way into trouble, post about the arrest online, or skip a court date. Some of the most common mistakes are the ones that feel harmless in the moment.
Keep track of dates. Between the criminal summons, the MVA deadline, and any conditions the court sets, the paperwork adds up. Put every date on a calendar and hold on to every document the court or the MVA sends you.
Talk to a lawyer before you decide anything. A guilty plea can feel like the fastest way to move on. It is also permanent. A first conversation with our DUI attorney costs nothing and gives you a clear picture of what you are actually facing.

Maryland DUI Lawyer FAQs

How much does a DUI lawyer in Maryland cost?

Cost depends on the charge, the county, and whether the case goes to trial. We start with a free consultation, so you can understand your situation before spending anything. Fees in criminal cases are not one size fits all, and the defense costs for a contested case differ from those for a quick resolution. We explain ours plainly before you commit to anything.

What is the difference between a DUI and a DWI in Maryland?

Both involve operating a vehicle while impaired, but they describe different degrees of impairment under state law, and the penalties differ. A DWI generally reflects a lower level of impairment than a DUI. The distinction matters because it affects what the state must prove at trial. Drivers facing DWI charges often have defenses that fit their specific circumstances.

Can a DUI in Maryland become a felony?

Most first-time impaired driving charges are misdemeanors. Certain circumstances raise the stakes, including serious injury, a death, or a record of prior offenses. When those factors are present, a case can move toward felony charges that carry far heavier consequences. That is one reason early legal advice matters so much.

Will I lose my license after a DUI arrest?

A suspension is possible, and it can happen through the MVA even before your criminal case is resolved. You usually have a short window to request an administrative hearing after the arrest, and acting quickly can protect your ability to drive to work or school. Whether you lose your license often depends on the steps you take in the first days.

Can prescription or legal drugs lead to a DUI in Maryland?

Maryland treats drug-impaired driving as seriously as alcohol, and that includes properly prescribed medication that affects your ability to drive safely. A blood test may be involved rather than a breath test. Related drug offenses can also be charged alongside a DUI, which raises the overall exposure in a single case.

What happens at my first court appearance?

A DUI case usually begins with an initial appearance, where the charges are read and your rights are explained. From there the case may involve motions, negotiation, or a trial. Having a lawyer at each stage keeps you from facing the process alone or making an avoidable error. Bringing any paperwork you received and a written timeline of the stop helps your attorney prepare a stronger response from the start.

Do I need a lawyer for a first offense DUI?

A first offense is still a criminal charge with real consequences for your license, your record, and sometimes your job. Prosecutors handle these cases every day. A defense attorney levels the field, reviews the evidence, and looks for problems with the stop or the testing that most drivers would never spot on their own. Even a first conviction can carry points, higher insurance costs, and a lasting mark on your record, so the stakes are higher than they first appear.

Can a DUI charge be dismissed or reduced in Maryland?

It can happen, though no outcome is guaranteed. Outcomes depend on the facts, the evidence, and how the stop and the testing were handled. A weak traffic stop, a calibration problem with a testing device, or a gap in the paperwork can each create room to argue for a reduction or a dismissal. A close review of the record often surfaces options a driver did not know existed.

Important Resources for Maryland DUI Cases

What Are Important Maryland Legal Resources for DUI Cases?

Maryland’s traffic and criminal laws are public, and reading them yourself can help you follow what happens in court. These sources point you to the official text and to plain-language explanations.

The Code of Maryland, maintained by the General Assembly, holds the full statutes.
The Maryland People’s Law Library explains legal topics in everyday language.
The Gateway to Maryland Law from the Judiciary’s law library helps you locate a specific article or section.

What Are Important Local Resources for Maryland DUI Cases?

A DUI in Maryland moves through more than one office, so it helps to know where to turn. The contacts below serve drivers across MD.

District Court of Maryland, where most DUI and DWI cases are first heard. Court Help Center: 410-260-1392.
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, which handles license suspensions and administrative hearings. Phone: 410-768-7000.
Maryland Office of the Public Defender, for drivers who qualify for court-appointed counsel. Phone: 1-877-430-5187.

The firm lists these resources for convenience only and does not endorse, and is not endorsed by, any of them.

About The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C.

Anyone facing these charges deserves a criminal defense lawyer in Maryland who knows how the state’s courts actually operate. Frederick J. Brynn has practiced criminal and motor vehicle defense for decades and studied law at Vermont Law School. Stephen F. Brennwald, admitted to the Maryland bar in 1985 and a graduate of Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law, brings a Maryland-rooted perspective and belongs to the Maryland Association for Justice and the Maryland State Bar. The firm’s work has earned Martindale-Hubbell recognition for strong ethical standards in 2025. Every DUI case gets that same level of attention.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“Mr.Brynn and his team have been great! The constant communication/updates, the guarantee that they themselves will handle everything leaving me less worried throughout the process, and the amount of knowledge they have/share made me grateful for them all. Thanks for everything!”

Brittany Thomas