What to Do After a DUI in Maryland: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Being charged with a DUI in Maryland can feel overwhelming — most people feel scared, unsure of what to do next, and worried about legal and financial consequences. The good news is: there are clear steps you can take right away to protect your license, meet court requirements, and start moving forward.
This simple guide explains exactly what to do after a DUI in Maryland, based on information from the Maryland MVA, Maryland Judicial Branch, and Maryland COMAR regulations.
1. Understand What You Were Charged With (DUI vs. DWI)
Maryland has two levels of impaired driving charges:
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
- More severe
- Usually charged when BAC is 0.08 or higher
- Harsher penalties
DWI (Driving While Impaired)
- Less severe
- Usually charged when BAC is 0.07
- Still carries fines, points, and possible jail
Understanding your charge helps determine what requirements you’ll need to complete.
2. Request an MVA Hearing Within 30 DaysAfter your arrest, the officer gives you a DR-015A form explaining your right to a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) hearing.
You must request this hearing within 30 days to fight suspension of your driver’s license.
If you wait longer than 10 days, you may lose your right to stay on the “temporary license” while awaiting the hearing.
3. Consider Installing an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
Many Maryland drivers choose IID because:
- It allows you to keep driving legally
- It often leads to fewer restrictions
- It may reduce penalties in court
Some DUI cases require IID, especially if high BAC or refusal of a breath test was involved.
4. Complete a Professional Alcohol Assessment (Often Required)
Maryland courts and the MVA typically expect you to complete a clinical alcohol assessment as one of your first steps. This determines:
- Your risk level
- Whether you need education or treatment
- The length of your recommended program
Completing this early shows responsibility and may help your attorney negotiate better outcomes.
5. Enroll in a Court-Approved DUI/DWI Program
Maryland accepts only programs licensed under COMAR 10.63 and recognized by the MVA and Maryland courts.
A typical program includes:
- A 12-hour alcohol education course
- OR a 26-week treatment program
- Group therapy sessions
- Optional one-on-one counseling
- Documentation for your attorney, MVA, or probation
Enrollment in a licensed program often helps reduce penalties and demonstrates your commitment to safer decision-making.
6. Follow All Court and MVA Instructions
Depending on your case, you may also need to complete:
- Probation
- Community service
- A Victim Impact Panel
- Random testing
- IID compliance
- Missing deadlines or not completing requirements can result in additional penalties.
7. Keep Records of Everything You Complete
This includes:
- Enrollment confirmation
- Attendance logs
- Progress reports
- Completion certificates
- IID documentation
Your attorney will submit these to the court, and the MVA may request them as well.
8. Make a Plan to Prevent Future Incidents
A DUI can be a turning point. Many people take this moment to:
- Learn safer coping strategies
- Identify triggers for alcohol use
- Build healthier habits
- Seek support from counseling or therapy
Programs like ours focus not only on legal compliance but also long-term wellbeing.
Need Help Starting the DUI Process?
Our COMAR-licensed program is accepted by Maryland courts, probation, attorneys, and the MVA.
We help you complete your requirements quickly, correctly, and with compassionate support.
👉 Schedule your DUI intake today
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SOURCES
- Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) — DUI/DWI Information
https://mva.maryland.gov/safety/Pages/alcohol/dui-dwi/offenses.aspx - Maryland Courts — DUI/DWI Penalties
https://mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/dui - Maryland Transportation Article §21-902 (DUI/DWI Law)
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=21-902 - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — Impaired Driving Overview
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving - Ignition Interlock Program (Maryland MVA)
https://mva.maryland.gov/Pages/ignition-interlock.aspx
