What Do I Do if My Teen Is Charged With DUI in Maryland?

 Posted on May 23, 2026 in English

The most important thing to know if your child has been charged with a DUI in 2026 is that being charged is not the same as being convicted. The steps you take afterward can make a significant difference in how this situation turns out for your child.

In Maryland, drivers under 21 are prohibited from operating a vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol. Under Md. Code, Transportation Section 16-113, drivers under 21 with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent or higher can face license sanctions and other penalties. Depending on the circumstances and BAC level, they may also face DUI or DWI charges under Maryland law. 

That threshold is so low that even a single drink can trigger it. A Frederick County, MD underage DUI defense lawyer can help your family understand what your teen is facing. Together, we will build a defense quickly.

Does It Matter How Old Your Teen Is When Charged With a DUI in Maryland?

If your teen is under 18, their case will generally be heard in juvenile court rather than adult criminal court. The juvenile system in Maryland is focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Rather than a finding of guilt, a juvenile court issues a finding of delinquency. Cases are handled by specially trained judges. The system is designed to intervene early and address the root causes of the behavior rather than simply imposing penalties.

Many juvenile records may later be sealed under Maryland law. This means your child will not automatically carry a permanent criminal record into adulthood. However, this does not mean the process should be taken lightly. Outcomes can include probation, alcohol treatment programs, community service, and license sanctions that can significantly affect your teen's day-to-day life.

If your teen is 18 or older, they will be treated as an adult in the criminal justice system. Adult court proceedings are public, penalties are more formal, and a conviction creates a permanent criminal record. This age group faces both criminal charges and administrative penalties from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), which operates entirely separately from the criminal court.

What Is the 10-Day MVA Deadline and Why Does It Matter in an Underage DUI Case?

One of the most time-sensitive steps in any Maryland DUI case, regardless of your teen's age, is the MVA administrative hearing deadline. After a DUI arrest, Maryland law allows the MVA to suspend your teen's driver's license before the criminal case is even resolved. To contest that suspension, you must request an MVA hearing within 10 days of the arrest date. If that deadline passes without a request, the suspension begins automatically on the 46th day after the arrest, and it becomes much more difficult to challenge the suspension.

This is why contacting an attorney as soon as possible after an arrest is so critical. Protecting your teen's driving privileges requires acting within that narrow window, and the MVA process is completely separate from anything that happens in court.

Can the Charges Be Defended or Reduced in an Underage DUI Case in Maryland?

A DUI charge, even for an underage driver, is not automatically a conviction. There are legal defenses that a skilled attorney will evaluate. These can include questioning whether the traffic stop was lawful, whether testing was administered correctly, and whether there were any procedural errors in how the arrest was handled.

For first-time offenders, Maryland also allows for Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in some circumstances. PBJ allows a driver to complete probation without a formal conviction being entered on their record, which can protect them from some of the long-term consequences of a conviction. It is not guaranteed, but it is a legitimate outcome that an attorney can pursue on your teen's behalf.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Prince George’s County, MD Underage DUI Defense Lawyer

Your teenager made a serious mistake, but that mistake does not have to define their future. With more than 45 years of legal experience, Law Offices of Mallon Snyder understands how much is at stake for your child. We are prepared to fight hard in court when necessary rather than simply pushing plea deals. We also help clients feel prepared every step of the way through personal coaching, trial preparation, and practical guidance on what to expect in court. Backed by strong professional relationships with local judges and deep courtroom experience, the firm is ready to help you navigate every part of this process. Call 301-762-7500 to schedule a free consultation with our Frederick County, MD underage DUI defense attorney today.

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