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Understanding the Timeline of a DUI Case in Maryland
A common question after a DUI arrest in Maryland is, “How long will this take to resolve?” The answer depends on several factors, including whether the case involves a plea agreement, a trial, or administrative actions. While many DUI cases are resolved within a few months, some can stretch longer due to scheduling, legal motions, or court backlogs.
On average, a DUI case in Maryland takes between 2 to 6 months from the time of arrest to final resolution. This includes both the criminal court process and any administrative steps with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Each case follows a similar structure but varies in timing depending on the circumstances.
This post breaks down each phase of the typical DUI timeline in Maryland, from the initial stop and arrest to court appearances, administrative hearings, and case closure. Whether you’re dealing with your first DUI or trying to understand the broader legal process, knowing what to expect at each step can make navigating the system much easier.
Immediate Timeline After the Arrest
The DUI timeline in Maryland begins the moment a person is arrested. This early phase—lasting from 1 to 3 days—includes:
- The traffic stop and field sobriety testing
- Arrest and transport to the police station
- Chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine)
- Booking and release with paperwork or bail
At the time of release, the driver is typically given:
- A citation or formal charging documents
- A temporary license (if the original was confiscated)
- A notice of MVA license suspension
- Instructions on how to request a hearing
This paperwork kickstarts two separate tracks: the criminal case handled by the courts and the administrative case managed by the MVA. Both start almost immediately and have deadlines that must be met to preserve your rights.
Requesting a Hearing With the MVA (Optional Step)
If your license is at risk of being suspended—due to a high BAC (0.08% or more) or refusal to take a test—you may request a hearing with the Maryland MVA. This must be done within 10 days of your arrest to avoid an automatic suspension.
The hearing is typically scheduled within 4 to 6 weeks and focuses only on license-related issues such as:
- Validity of the traffic stop
- Whether testing procedures were followed
- The presence or absence of a test refusal
Requesting a hearing can delay or prevent immediate suspension, but it does not impact the criminal charges. It’s a separate part of the DUI timeline and may run concurrently with your court dates.
If no hearing is requested, your license may be suspended automatically 45 days after the arrest.
First Court Appearance and Arraignment
If charges are filed, your first court appearance usually happens within 30 to 60 days after the arrest. This is often an arraignment or an initial appearance, where:
- The court confirms your identity and charges
- A plea may be entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- The judge may assign dates for future hearings
In many DUI cases, arraignments are waived if an attorney files a notice of appearance and enters a plea on your behalf. However, you should still expect to participate in later stages of the process.
At this point, your case enters the pre-trial phase, which can take another 30 to 60 days, depending on the court’s calendar and any motions filed by your attorney.
Pre-Trial Motions and Plea Negotiations
During the pre-trial period, the defense and prosecution exchange evidence and begin negotiating a resolution. Several important steps may occur during this time:
- Discovery of police reports, test results, and video footage
- Filing of motions (e.g., to suppress evidence or dismiss charges)
- Pre-trial conferences to explore plea deals
This phase typically lasts another 4 to 6 weeks, but delays are possible if more information is needed or the court’s docket is full.
Many DUI cases in Maryland resolve during this stage through a plea agreement. If both sides agree to terms, the judge may schedule a plea hearing or move directly to sentencing.
Going to Trial: How It Affects the Timeline
If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. A District Court trial in Maryland usually occurs within 60 to 90 days after the first appearance, though this varies depending on:
- Court congestion
- Availability of witnesses
- Whether a jury trial is requested (transfers to Circuit Court)
Trials can last a few hours or a full day, but the preparation leading up to trial can delay final resolution. Choosing to take the case to jury trial in Circuit Court adds time, often extending the timeline by 1 to 2 months.
While trial can delay the case, it may be necessary in situations where the defendant disputes the charges or where plea options are unfavorable.
Sentencing and Case Closure
Once a guilty plea is accepted or a guilty verdict is issued, the court moves to sentencing. In many cases, sentencing is done immediately after conviction, especially in District Court. The judge announces:
- Jail time (if any)
- Fines and court costs
- Probation terms
- Education or treatment program requirements
- License-related consequences
At this point, the criminal side of the DUI case is considered resolved. However, conditions of probation or enrollment in programs may continue for 6 to 12 months beyond sentencing.
Some drivers may qualify for Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which allows them to avoid a formal conviction if all conditions are met. This still involves court supervision but concludes the primary court process.
Appeals, Expungement, and Long-Term Timeline
The timeline doesn’t always end with sentencing. In Maryland, drivers may pursue:
- An appeal of a guilty verdict (must be filed within 30 days)
- Modification of sentencing terms
- Future attempts to expunge arrest records (if eligible)
DUI convictions in Maryland are not eligible for expungement, but arrest records may be cleared if charges are dropped or you are found not guilty.
While these steps don’t extend the primary DUI process, they can affect the long-term outcome and how the case appears on background checks or driving records.
FAQ: DUI Case Timelines in Maryland
How long does it take to resolve a DUI case in Maryland?
Most cases take 2 to 6 months, depending on whether the case ends in a plea, trial, or diversion.
Can I speed up the process by pleading guilty?
Yes. Pleading guilty or accepting a plea agreement can reduce the timeline by avoiding trial and moving straight to sentencing.
How long do I have to request a license hearing with the MVA?
You must request a hearing within 10 days of arrest to delay or contest automatic suspension.
Will going to trial make the process longer?
Usually, yes. Trials add additional steps and scheduling delays, especially if a jury trial is requested.
Can a DUI case take more than 6 months?
Yes, especially in complex cases, court backlogs, or if transferred to Circuit Court. However, most cases are resolved in less time.
Does the court process include license issues?
No. License suspension and reinstatement are handled by the MVA, which operates separately from the criminal court.
When does probation start after a DUI conviction?
Immediately after sentencing. Conditions must be followed throughout the assigned probation period.
Conclusion
A DUI case in Maryland typically takes between 2 and 6 months from arrest to resolution. The exact timeline depends on how the case unfolds—whether it’s resolved through a plea, goes to trial, or involves administrative actions with the MVA. While the process can seem long, each stage plays a role in determining outcomes for both the driver and the state.
To explore the full timeline of DUI cases from start to finish, visit DUI Process and Timeline. For a step-by-step guide on each stage from arrest to court resolution, check out How Long a DUI Case Typically Takes.