Maryland Criminal Defense · Baltimore City · Baltimore County · Statewide

Maryland DWI Defense · 35+ Years Experience · Baltimore

Charged with DWI in Maryland? Don't Face It Alone.

DWI — Driving While Impaired — is a criminal misdemeanor in Maryland, not just a traffic ticket. Even at a lower BAC than DUI, the consequences are real and lasting. Allan Rombro has defended thousands of DWI cases across Maryland since 1987.

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DUI Attorney — NADD
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Super Lawyers — Selected
Avvo Rating 10.0
National Trial Lawyers — Top 100
Best DUI/DWI Attorney
Martindale-Hubbell BV Rated
Americas Top 100 Criminal Defense
Google · 4.9★ · 119 Reviews
Top DUI Attorney — NADD
Super Lawyers — Selected
Avvo Rating 10.0
National Trial Lawyers — Top 100
Best DUI/DWI Attorney
Martindale-Hubbell BV Rated
Americas Top 100 Criminal Defense
Top DUI Attorney — NADD

Maryland DWI Defense Attorney

A DWI Is DUI Laws Still a Criminal Offense.

Many people make the mistake of thinking that a DWI (Driving While Impaired) is simply a “lesser” version of a DUI — a minor matter that can be handled without serious legal defense. This is a dangerous assumption.

In Maryland, DWI is a criminal misdemeanor that carries real penalties: a permanent criminal record, fines, license points, and potential jail time. Employers perform background checks. Licensing boards ask about criminal convictions. Insurance companies raise your rates. A DWI conviction can follow you for years.

Allan Rombro has been defending DUI and DWI cases across Maryland since 1987. He knows the technical defenses, the science behind impairment evidence, and the procedural requirements that must be met by law enforcement. He has successfully challenged DWI charges that many thought were unbeatable.

DWI and Your Driver’s License

A DWI conviction adds 8 points to your Maryland driving record. Accumulating 8–11 points triggers a mandatory driver improvement program. Reaching 12 points results in license suspension. If you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), the consequences are even more severe — any alcohol-related conviction can end a commercial driving career.

Allan Rombro handles both the criminal court case and any associated MVA proceedings simultaneously, ensuring your license is protected at every stage of the process. 

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DWI in Maryland — Key Facts

Understanding the Difference

DWI vs DUI in Maryland

Maryland distinguishes between two alcohol-related driving offenses. Understanding which charge you face — and the difference in penalties — is the first step in building your defense.

Your Charge
DWI — Driving While Impaired
0.04–0.07%
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) threshold
Criminal CategoryMisdemeanor
1st Offense — JailUp to 2 months
1st Offense — FineUp to $500
Points (MVA)8 points
License SuspensionPossible
Criminal RecordYes — permanent
Ignition InterlockPossible
Even though DWI carries lighter penalties than DUI, it is still a criminal conviction with permanent consequences. Do not treat it as a minor matter.
Related Charge
DUI — Driving Under the Influence
0.08%+
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) threshold
Criminal CategoryMisdemeanor
1st Offense — JailUp to 1 year
1st Offense — FineUp to $1,000
Points (MVA)12 points
License SuspensionLikely
Criminal RecordYes — permanent
Ignition InterlockRequired (Noah's Law)
Allan Rombro defends both DUI and DWI cases with equal dedication. In some cases a DUI charge can be reduced to a DWI — a key strategic outcome worth pursuing.

Maryland DWI Penalties

What You're Facing — By Offense

First Offense
1st DWI Conviction
JailUp to 2 months
FineUp to $500
MVA Points8 points
LicensePossible suspension
RecordPermanent criminal record
First-time offenders may still face active jail time, especially if the judge views the circumstances as aggravated.
Second Offense
2nd DWI Conviction
JailUp to 1 year
FineUp to $500
MVA Points8 points
LicenseSuspension likely
InterlockPossible requirement
A second alcohol-related offense triggers enhanced review at sentencing. Prior convictions significantly affect outcomes.
Third Offense & Beyond
3rd+ DWI Conviction
JailUp to 3 years (felony)
FineUp to $3,000
MVA Points8 points
LicenseRevocation likely
RecordFelony conviction possible
Multiple DWI/DUI convictions can elevate charges to felony level. Experienced representation at this stage is essential.

How Allan Rombro Fights DWI Charges

DWI Defense Strategies

Challenging the Traffic Stop

Law enforcement must have reasonable articulable suspicion to stop your vehicle. If the stop was not legally justified, all evidence gathered afterward — including breath test results — may be suppressed.

Field Sobriety Test Validity

FSTs must be administered according to strict NHTSA standards. Medical conditions, medications, footwear, uneven surfaces, and weather all affect performance. Allan Rombro challenges invalid test administration routinely.

Breathalyzer Calibration

Breath testing equipment must be regularly calibrated and maintained. Improper calibration records, temperature interference, mouth alcohol, and medical conditions can all render results unreliable and challengeable.

Officer Conduct & Procedure

From the moment of the stop through booking, officers must follow strict legal protocols. Failure to advise you of your rights, improper arrest procedures, or chain of custody errors can compromise the prosecution's case.

Medical & Physiological Factors

Certain medical conditions — GERD, diabetes, acid reflux, and others — can cause falsely elevated BAC readings. Medications can also affect both field sobriety performance and breath test results.

Negotiating to a Lesser Charge

In many DUI cases, Allan Rombro successfully negotiates a reduction to DWI — a significant outcome. In DWI cases, he pursues reduction to a non-criminal traffic infraction wherever the evidence allows.

Common Questions

DWI Defense FAQ

Have a question not answered here? Email Allan Rombro for a free, confidential consultation — available 24/7.

DWI Help
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Have you been charged with a DWI in Maryland?
What is the difference between DUI and DWI in Maryland?

In Maryland, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) applies when BAC is 0.08% or higher and carries harsher penalties. DWI (Driving While Impaired) applies at a lower BAC of 0.04–0.07% and is technically a lesser charge — but still a criminal misdemeanor with a permanent record, fines, and license points. Both require serious legal defense.

Yes. DWI is a criminal misdemeanor in Maryland — not a simple traffic infraction. A conviction results in a permanent criminal record, up to 2 months in jail for a first offense, fines up to $500, and 8 points on your driving record. Employment, licensing, and insurance consequences make legal defense essential.

Yes. Allan Rombro challenges DWI charges by examining the validity of the traffic stop, field sobriety test procedures, breathalyzer calibration records, medical factors, and officer conduct. Many cases result in dismissal or reduction to a non-criminal traffic offense — a significantly better outcome for your record.

Absolutely. Even though DWI carries lesser penalties than DUI, it is still a criminal misdemeanor that results in a permanent record. Background checks, professional licensing, security clearances, and insurance rates are all affected. Experienced legal representation is essential — the free consultation with Allan Rombro costs you nothing.

Yes — and this is often a key strategic goal in DUI defense. A DUI conviction carries up to 1 year in jail, 12 MVA points, and mandatory Ignition Interlock under Noah’s Law. A reduction to DWI means significantly lower maximum penalties, fewer points, and no mandatory interlock requirement. Allan Rombro pursues this outcome wherever possible.

Client Testimonials

What Clients Say

4.9
Based on 121 Google reviews

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Odani Bowen profile picture
Odani Bowen
August 26, 2026.
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Allan is a great person and an even better lawyer! It was great having him represent me with my case. He was attentive and answered all my questions throughout the entire process. I would recommend anyone who is looking for great representation to reach out to Allan. He helped to resolve my case with the best outcome possible. He did incredible due diligence on my case and destroyed the case. I will always have respect and admiration for the way he handled my case!
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Craig Tacy
August 21, 2026.
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Allan, I can't thank you enough for everything you did to help me. You had no obligation to move as quickly as you did to resolve my warrant and case, but you did, and I am truly grateful.I was carrying a great deal of stress and anxiety over something I believed had been resolved years ago. Your professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication gave me peace of mind during a very difficult time. From the moment you stepped in, you made me feel heard, supported, and confident that the situation would be handled properly. Your expertise and commitment to your clients are remarkable, and the care you showed throughout this process meant more to me than I can adequately express. You not only helped resolve my legal issue, but you also lifted a tremendous burden off my shoulders. Thank you again for everything you have done. I truly appreciate your hard work and would be honored to share my experience in a review. Please don't forget to send me the link so I can leave the positive feedback you deserve. Craig Tacy
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Jen Esco
June 4, 2026.
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Responsive and informative through the entire process. Ensured the best outcome possible.
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Johnathon Redmond
March 17, 2026.
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5 stars just isn't enough! Professional, dedicated, and relentless. From start to finish, they fought hard for the best possible outcome and never made me feel like just another case. Their communication, strategy, and commitment truly made a difference. I’m beyond grateful for the results and highly recommend their services. Thanks again!
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Termaine Jett
March 4, 2026.
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Mr. Allan Rombro is the absolute best criminal defense in the Baltimore area!!! Being from Sc i had no clue who to trust in the Md area as a attorney but he made my case a breeze. I had a host of trumped up charges which could have landed me several yrs in prison but thanks to Mr. Rombro all charges was dismissed today 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 I recommend anyone looking for a trusted reliable accredited attorney please look no further Allan Rombro is the absolute best thanks alot!!!!
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Les Charapp
January 8, 2026.
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When they say “professional lawyer,” they truly mean it with Stephen Allen. He sets the bar extremely high for legal professionalism in the Montgomery County / D.C. area. He was recommended by a top-ranked attorney who doesn’t handle traffic cases, and that recommendation proved spot-on. Mr. Allen was fair, honest, and straightforward from start to finish. His pricing was very reasonable, and the value was outstanding. If you have any legal matter at all, speak with Stephen Allen before going anywhere else. One of the best—if not the best—in the area. I’d give him more than 5 stars if I could.
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Rhonda Evans-Jackson
November 12, 2025.
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If you are looking for an honest, competent attorney, look no further. From start to finish and beyond Mr Allan was pulling for us and always in our corner. Very knowledgeable and hard working to get the best results. He explains everything to us , (No empty promises) and ensured we understood what the next steps are going to be. Loyal, Hard working and Reliable, Mr. Allan got the Job done. He is a phone call away to answers all your questions. Tell him I sent you !!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Shawn Truesdell
October 22, 2025.
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I had a case that a lot of other lawyers told me that was unbeatable. Mr. Rombro attacked my case with a strategic plan and got all 12 of my charges dismissed in preliminary. Best lawyer I’ve ever had. I recommend anyone with legal trouble make him your first call
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Darryl Stewart profile picture
Darryl Stewart
October 22, 2025.
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Outstanding Legal Representation! I couldn’t be more impressed with Attorney Allan Rombro at the Law Offices of Allan Rombro, P.A. His professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine concern for my case were clear from the very beginning. Allan guided me through every step of the process with confidence and transparency, keeping me informed and at ease throughout. His expertise and strategic approach ultimately led to my case being completely thrown out the best possible outcome! I highly recommend Allan Rombro to anyone in need of a skilled, dedicated, and trustworthy attorney who truly delivers results.

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Have you or a loved one been charged with a crime in Maryland?
We are a criminal defense firm exclusively. We represent people with active criminal charges, warrants, or those under investigation by law enforcement. The only civil matter we handle are Protective Order or Peace Order Hearings. If a final Protective or Peace Order is granted, the risk of subsequent criminal charges is substantial.

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