Why Choose Hartman Attorneys at Law?
- Local to Annapolis: We regularly appear before administrative judges handling MVA cases in Anne Arundel County
- Former Prosecutor: Attorney Christian Hartman understands how the state builds DUI cases and license suspensions
- DUI-Focused Representation: Including challenges to breathalyzer and field sobriety test results
- Direct Attorney Access: You’ll work one-on-one with your lawyer, not handed off to a case manager
- Available 24/7: We act fast to preserve your license and prepare your defense
The clock is ticking after a DUI arrest. You typically have just 10 days to request a hearing. Let us help you act fast—and fight smart.
What Is an MVA Hearing?
An MVA hearing is a civil administrative proceeding held by the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) in Maryland. It’s separate from your criminal DUI case and focuses solely on your driving privileges.
These hearings are triggered when:
- You are arrested for DUI or DWI
- You refuse to submit to a breathalyzer or blood test
- You submit and register a BAC of 0.08% or higher
The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether your driver’s license should be suspended or restricted under Maryland’s implied consent laws.
What’s at Stake?
Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, the MVA may attempt to:
- Suspend your license for 180+ days (even for a first offense)
- Require an ignition interlock device (IID) for up to one year
- Disqualify your commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Impose points on your driving record
- Permanently revoke your license for multiple DUI offenses
These penalties are imposed regardless of the outcome of your court case. That’s why requesting and preparing for the MVA hearing is essential.
You Only Have 10 Days—Here’s What to Do
After your DUI arrest, the officer likely issued you a temporary license (valid for 45 days). You must act quickly to request an MVA hearing within 10 days if you want to contest the suspension and keep your full driving privileges during the process.
If you miss this deadline, your license will likely be automatically suspended—even before you’ve had your day in court.
At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we immediately file for your hearing, review the evidence, and prepare arguments to challenge the suspension.
What Happens at the MVA Hearing?
MVA hearings are less formal than criminal trials, but the stakes are still high. The hearing is conducted before an administrative law judge (ALJ) who considers the following:
- Whether the officer had reasonable grounds to stop and arrest you
- Whether you were properly advised of your rights
- Whether you refused testing or blew 0.08% or higher
- Whether all procedures were followed under Maryland Transportation Article § 16-205.1
We present evidence and legal arguments to support your right to keep your license, including:
- Challenging the validity of the stop or arrest
- Questioning the reliability of BAC results
- Introducing medical or procedural defenses
- Advocating for modifications such as work-restricted licenses or early IID removal
Even if the evidence seems stacked against you, there are often legal or procedural errors that can result in the suspension being lifted or reduced.
Why You Need a Lawyer at Your MVA Hearing
Many drivers make the mistake of treating the MVA hearing as “no big deal.” However, the outcome can have a dramatic impact on your work, family obligations, and freedom to travel. Having an experienced DUI attorney at your side improves your chances of a favorable outcome.
At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we don’t just show up—we come prepared. With former prosecutorial experience, DUI-specific training, and in-depth knowledge of Maryland’s MVA system, we advocate aggressively on your behalf from the moment we’re hired.
Don’t Let the State Take Your License Without a Fight
You only get one chance to contest your license suspension through the MVA. With so much at stake—from getting to work to caring for your family—it’s critical to have the right legal guidance.
Contact Hartman Attorneys at Law today for a free consultation. We’ll act quickly to request your hearing, build your defense, and fight to keep you on the road.