“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you. We knew going into this, it was a long shot. You were so well prepared. You know, I have been around a lot of lawyers and have sat through many hearings over the past 14 years, and it is a rarity to find a real live attorney. There are no words to say how your diligence was truly appreciated. You are a rare breed. Thank you for taking the time, thank you for really caring.”
Mary S. – Columbia, MD
32-year-old construction superintendent arrested and charged with 3rd drunk driving offense. Client entered plea of not guilty and case proceeded to trial. Client found not guilty of all charges. Motor Vehicle Administration also notified client of its intention to suspend client’s driver’s license for 120 days for refusing to take alcohol test. Client requested hearing. After presentation of evidence and legal argument, administrative law judge declined to order any suspension and took no action.
Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Hearings | Suspension or Revocation of Driving Privileges

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence or driving while impaired (DUI / DWI) in Maryland, you will need to take immediate action to minimize the risk of losing your driving privileges. Within 10 days of being charged, you must request a hearing before the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). You can successfully challenge the state’s attempt to suspend your driver’s license, but you will want an experienced attorney to help you protect your rights.
Highly Respected DUI MVA Hearing Lawyer
Mr. Smith is a top rated attorney and former prosecutor with more than 30 years of experience fighting for the rights of people throughout the greater Baltimore area, including individuals charged with drinking and driving. A former prosecutor, attorney Smith has extensive courtroom experience and knows how to protect effectively your rights in legal hearings.
With a longstanding reputation for personal service and meticulous preparation, we get many of our new cases as referrals from former clients or other attorneys. He fights hard for his clients. That’s why many satisfied clients think so highly of him. Mr. Smith’s results speak for themselves.
Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers, with an AV® Preeminent™* Peer Review Rating in the Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating process, and a 10.0 Superb AVVO rating. These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements and industry recognition. Attorney Smith is considered to be one of the best MVA hearing and DUI drunk driving attorneys in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County.
For an appointment, contact our office by e-mail or call us at 410-740-0101.
Protecting Your Rights in an MVA Hearing
With more than three decades in practice, we understand the law and legal process involved in Maryland motor vehicle hearings. When you hire us to protect your interests at an MVA hearing, we will take the time to learn the details of your arrest and all other relevant information. This includes prior arrests or convictions, as well as the impact the loss of your license will have on your job and other critical needs. We represent individuals at MVA hearings involving all types of circumstances, including:
- Charges based on breath or blood tests of .08 or higher
- Charges based on refusal to submit to a blood or breath test
- Charges against juveniles based on violation of alcohol restrictions
Experienced MVA Hearing Attorney | Howard County | Ellicott City | Columbia, MA
At the MVA hearing, we will ask the judge to forego the suspension of your license or, if necessary, to grant you limited driving privileges to allow you to get to and from work, as well as other necessary locations.
Contact Our Office
For a private meeting, contact us online or call us at 410-740-0101. Put the skill and experience of a former prosecutor to work for you. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in criminal defense matters, DUI / DWI, MVA Hearings, traffic offenses, domestic violence and child abuse charges throughout Maryland, including the cities of Columbia, Clarksville, Sykesville, Fulton, Elkridge, Frederick, Mt. Airy, Ellicott City, Laurel, Westminster, and Baltimore. Lawyer Smith also provides experienced legal representation for clients in Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Prince Georges (Prince George) County, Howard County and Montgomery County, MD.
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