DUI & DWI Attorney in Maryland

Arrested for DUI/DWI?

I provide effective defense strategies focused on results.
I work to protect your best interest.
I will treat you like the individual that you are.
I will fight… for you.

You deserve experienced and effective representation at a reasonable price.

Have you or someone you know been arrested for a drunk driving offense? I represent individuals who have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) or while impaired (DWI) by alcohol throughout Maryland, including, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Frederick, and Howard Counties. Whether you have failed a Standardized Field Sobriety Test, refused to take a alcohol breath test or failed it, I am ready to make sure your rights are protected.

Don’t Plead Guilty to Charges. Do not make the error of thinking you will automatically be convicted. See how I can help you.

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When you are arrested for a DUI/DWI in Maryland, you will have to face both MVA License Suspension Penalties and Criminal Penalties. These are two separate processes. More importantly, in Maryland, you have 10 days to make a decision on whether requesting an MVA hearing challenging your suspension or requesting a modification of the suspension is in your best interest. Contact me today to begin your free consultation.

Getting arrested is one of the most traumatizing and scary things that could happen to you. As a result, I may be meeting you as you are experiencing one of the worst times in your life. My first goal is to assure you that it is not as bad as it seems. There are solutions. I will make it my job to thoroughly understand your specific situation and tailor a resolution to your exact needs. My approach is to clearly explain all of the possible outcomes. After determining the best strategy, I will prepare you for your day in court step by step.

Aside from dealing with the legal challenges, I consider it part of my job to ease your worries. It is important to me to hear all of your concerns. It is also important to me to offer you competitive rates. I believe everyone, has the right to a robust legal defense. I have an excellent track record of getting charges dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge.

More than anything, I want you to get the help that you need. Sometimes bad things happen to good people.  When they do, I will be there to help.

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Disclaimer: This web site is designed for general information only and may not apply to your particular situation. Every case is different, and prior results do not guarantee future success.

The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. The receipt of unsolicited correspondence or information via the website does not create an attorney/client relationship and any information received will not be treated as confidential or protected information. Please do not send any confidential information or documents.

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Because the stakes are so high, it is important to work with someone with experience and a proven track record. I have over 20 years experience in DUI/DWI defense. I have been included in both the Maryland and DC Super Lawyer’s list since 2010, an honor given to the top 5% of attorneys in the area. From 2017 to 2024 I was one of 14 lawyers listed in the published Maryland Super Lawyer’s magazine under their category for DUI/DWI Defense Attorneys.

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Have a Question?

What are DUI/DWI Charges and Criminal Penalties?

The distinction between driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and driving while impaired by alcohol (DWI) is one of degree.

Driving Under the Influence of alcohol (DUI) is the more serious crime and requires either a breath test result of 0.08 or more (“DUI Per Se”) OR a finding that the alcohol the driver has consumed has substantially impaired the driver’s normal coordination. The maximum penalties are as follows:

My license was confiscated by the police officer, what should I do?

If your license was taken away from you upon your arrest for DUI/DWI, you were most likely issued a “Temporary Driver’s License”. This white piece of paper authorizes you to continue driving for 45 days. After the 45th day, your license will be suspended, unless you timely request a hearing (10 days to guarantee the extension or 30 days to guarantee a hearing, but possibly not an extension of your temporary license*) and the MVA sends you a notice extending your temporary license.

How long will my license be suspended?

The length of your suspension depends on whether you agreed to take the breath/blood test and the test result.

For breath test results over 0.08 but less than 0.15:

1st Time= 180 Days (6 months)
2nd or More= 180 Days (6 months)

For breath test results of 0.15 or more:

1st Time= 180 Days (6 months)
2nd or More= 270 Days (9 months)

For breath or blood test REFUSALS:

1st Time= 270 Days (9 months)
2nd or More= 2 Years

Can I avoid suspension of my license?

If you request a hearing, the MVA, through documentary evidence (usually your driving record, pink form advising of your rights with respect to the breath test, and the breath test results) must prove to the administrative law judge the following elements:
1. There was reasonable grounds to believe that you were driving or attempting to drive while under the influence of alcohol.
2. There is evidence of the use of alcohol.
3. You were advised of your rights to submit or not submit to the breath test at the police station.
4. That you were requested to take the breath test.
5. You drove with 0.08 or above OR refused to take the test.

I had a license suspension hearing at the MVA, why do I have to go to the District Court?

Do not confuse your MVA license suspension hearing date with your District Court DUI/DWI court date. Maryland punishes you by taking your license in an administrative proceeding and then punish you again in court on your criminal charges.

Common Penalties

Jail or Prison Time

License Suspension

License Revocation

Ignition Interlock Device

Court Fees & Fines

Alcohol Treatment

MADD Victim Impact Panel

Community Service

Probation

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Client Testimonials

Your Case Is In Good Hands

Miss Arii was very helpful with my court case, saving me astronomical amounts of money. She knew how to handle the situation with proficiency and great professionalism.

[Sei-Hee Arii] was very professional, very helpful, explained everything with detail, very patient and responded within a reasonable amount of time.

Very positive experience from day 1. She is very clear, direct, and supportive. I felt like she provided me with great support with every step of my situation and always responsive when needed. 10/10 recommend!

I sought the services of Attorney Sei-Hee Arii to handle my DUI case. From the outset she displayed exceptional professionalism. She was always prompt in responding to my calls and emails and took time to explain legal terms and processes in a way that I could understand. Her clear communication helped stay informed and at ease throughout the process. She demonstrated a deep understanding of the legal nuances and offered strategic advice on various aspects of my case. Thanks to Sei-Hee’s efforts , the outcome of my case was the best case scenario, you can imagine. I believe the quality of service justified the cost. I am extremely grateful and my experience with Sei-Hee was very positive. Based on my experience, I would highly recommend Attorney Arii services. Her Expertise and dedication to her clients make her an excellent choice.

[Sei-Hee Arii] is knowledgeable, aggressive, timely, and responsive. I really appreciate hard work and dedication.

I chose Sei-Hee Arii as my lawyer and am so glad I did. I went through an unfortunate set of events and had no idea what to do or where to go. She was the only one that made me feel better, safe, secure, and comfortable throughout the whole process, especially with this being a first and only time event for me. She is very knowledgeable with the process, people, judges, and court systems to get the best results and has done so for me. Especially reasonable given everything she has done and I express my utmost gratitude for her. I can recommend her for whatever problem you are going through, she is 110% worth the phone call. Sei-Hee Arii is the best and correct choice to go with.

I can confidently say that Ms. Arii met or exceeded every high expectation that I had.

Sei-Hee Arii took care of things right from the start. I didn’t have to worry much about anything…

[Sei-Hee Arii] showed that she cared not only professionally but she cared about my wife as a person…

[Sei-Hee Arii’s] not all talk, this attorney takes action.

I cannot recommend hiring Sei-Hee Arii as your attorney highly enough. She demonstrated excellent communication throughout my DUI case, ensuring I was always informed and prepared. She provided clear and effective steps to achieve the best possible outcome on my court date, which happened. Her straightforward and transparent approach made the entire process much less stressful. Without her, my outcome wouldn’t have been nearly as good. If you need a dedicated and knowledgeable attorney, she is the one to trust.

Sei-Hee is extremely competent and is willing to work with you.

[Sei-Hee Arii] always responded to my request and gave competitive prices for her work. In the courtroom, she clearly had done her homework and won the case.

[Sei-Hee Arii] is worth every single penny and I would highly recommend her.

Arii Law Firm: Where Exceptional Skill Meets Compassionate Advocacy.

Over 20 Years of Experience Defending the Accused

Numerous Prestigious Awards

Highly Rated by Former Clients

Gives Personalized Attention to Each Unique Client

Affordable Attorney with a Proven Track Record

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