For 20 years I have successfully litigated criminal, serious traffic (DUI/DWI), and civil cases throughout MD, DC, and VA. I am a recipient of AVVO's Superb 10.0 rating and its Clients' Choice Award (2013-2020). I am AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest level of professional excellence at which a firm can be ranked by its peers, and am a recipient of their "Client Champion-Platinum" Award (2019-2021).
I have been selected for inclusion in the following lists: Rue Ratings' Best Attorneys of America (2015-2021); Maryland and Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers (2010-2021) (limited to 5% of Maryland and D.C. lawyers); The National Trial Lawyers "Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Maryland" (2010-2021); The National Trial Lawyers "Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Maryland" (2013-2021); and Washingtonian Magazine's Best Lawyers (2011-2012).
I have been selected for inclusion in the following lists: Rue Ratings' Best Attorneys of America (2015-2021); Maryland and Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers (2010-2021) (limited to 5% of Maryland and D.C. lawyers); The National Trial Lawyers "Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Maryland" (2010-2021); The National Trial Lawyers "Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Maryland" (2013-2021); and Washingtonian Magazine's Best Lawyers (2011-2012).
Services
Experienced DUI attorney C. Sei-Hee Arii will analyze the facts of each drunk driving charge to construct the best drunk driving defense possible or negotiate a reduction in charges. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) notes that alcohol is responsible for more deaths on the highway than any other cause.
I can say it was the best decision to seek Ms Arii's assistance. This was my first DUI and the ordeal was really nerve-racking as I felt my life was over after the arrest. She explained to me very well what could possibly happen and I was kept informed and never felt I was given the run around like the first attorneys I called.
The distinction between driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and driving while impaired by alcohol (DWI) is one of degree. Driving Under the Influence of alcohol (DUI) is the more serious crime and requires either a breath test result of 0.08 or more ("DUI Per Se") OR a finding that the alcohol the driver has consumed has substantially impaired the driver's normal coordination.
If your license was taken away from you upon your arrest for DUI/DWI, you were most likely issued a "Temporary Driver's License". This white piece of paper authorizes you to continue driving for 45 days.
After the 45th day, your license will be suspended, unless you timely request a hearing (10 days to guarantee the extension or 30 days to guarantee a hearing, but possibly not an extension of your temporary license*) and the MVA sends you a notice extending your temporary license.
After the 45th day, your license will be suspended, unless you timely request a hearing (10 days to guarantee the extension or 30 days to guarantee a hearing, but possibly not an extension of your temporary license*) and the MVA sends you a notice extending your temporary license.
I had a license suspension hearing at the MVA, why do I have to go to the District Court?. Do not confuse your MVA license suspension hearing date with your District Court DUI/DWI court date. Maryland punishes you by taking your license in an administrative proceeding and then punish you again in court on your criminal charges.
Reviews (9)
Jaqui Ortega
Sep 22, 2021
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I am forever grateful to have had such an amazing lawyer to represent me, she was very attentive and responsive. She guided me throughout my whole DUI process, I am so happy with the outcome. The amount of joy that I feel is unexplainable. I am so happy I made the decision to make Ari my lawyer. I honestly was expecting the worst but I walked away today free and free of having anything on my record. Thank you so much! I believe I was in tears today 😠tears of happiness. Thank you so much I truly believe I had the right lawyer for my case. I would 100% recommend this firm to anyone who is going
Collins Kibet
Dec 15, 2020
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From all the lawyers i spoke to, Attorney Seii stood out from the first phone call. She is fervent in her efforts and quick to communicate to her clients. I highly recommend her services , she is very knowledgeable, methodical about the law and will get you off the hook. (i promise you she will!). I was facing a DUI and one criminal case and what can i say, she saved me. LOOK NO FURTHER!!.
Carla Proby
Sep 16, 2020
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I recall when I first reached out to Sei-Hee, she was in court yet took the time to respond to my inquiry. She then began to "work her magic" and provide me with a step-by-step guide as to what to do and all of the next steps. Then, while in court, she was like a lawyer from a movie show and got me the best deal possible and I avoided jail time! I would HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Sei-Hee. She's extremely organized, knows the law, will work very hard for you and will communicate with you until the end! There is no better lawyer in Baltimore!
Gary Schaffert
Aug 09, 2020
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Lan Vu
Aug 08, 2020
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Olubiyi Opafuye
Jun 22, 2020
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I really cant find the right words to express my gratitude to this formidable woman on her conducts and professionalism and how through her expertise ,the very serious charges of DUI leveled against me
were dismissed and discharged.She's a maverick.She's the best at what she does. I ATTEST THAT YOU ARE IN THE SAFEST HANDS WITH Ms SEi-HEE.
were dismissed and discharged.She's a maverick.She's the best at what she does. I ATTEST THAT YOU ARE IN THE SAFEST HANDS WITH Ms SEi-HEE.
Steve Silverman
Oct 18, 2019
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Earlier this month, I was in court facing two criminal charges from a single traffic infraction. But because I made the wise decision months earlier to hire Sei-Hee Arii, I was free from worry. Leading up to the trial, her combination of competence and straightforward communication put me at ease. Without revealing specifics, Sei-Hee’s intimate knowledge of Maryland’s court system gave me a crucial advantage. As a result, she successfully secured the dismissal of both criminal charges and filed my expungement paperwork on the same day!
Deshaun Martin
Aug 30, 2018
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I had a dui conviction in another state 11 months ago. My hearing papers were mailed to my old address. My license was suspended. Ari was able to get my license reinstated until my hearing as well as get me a new hearing date. This saved my job. In the end I was given a restricted license. She is one of the best and will fight for you, and 95% of the time gets the most lenient disposition. She was worth every penny. I strongly would prefer as the lawyer to see and retain.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Jennifer Harris
Jul 23, 2018
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My experience with this firm was amazing! C. Sei-Hee Arii was very professional, at the same time easing my anxiety about the case. I would highly recommend using this law firm. You will feel confident knowing the lawyer representing you cares about your case and will do everything possible to get you the best result.
