I have successfully litigated criminal, serious traffic (DUI/DWI), and civil cases for over 20 years. From 2013 to 2020, I received AVVO's Superb 10.0 rating and its Clients' Choice Award. 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-Gold & Platinum" Award (2019-2020). I have been selected for inclusion in the following lists: Maryland and Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers® (2010-2020) (limited to 5% of Maryland and D.C. lawyers); “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Maryland" (2010- 2020); “Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Maryland" (2013- 2020); and Washingtonian Magazine's Best Lawyers (2011-2012).

Let me help you. Call or text me at to get started.

Arii Law Firm offers quality legal services at a reasonable price.

Experience Matters. Attorney Arii will Fight for You.

First DUI/DWI Offense? Experience Matters. Attorney Arii will Fight for You.

Experience Matters. Attorney Arii will Fight for You.

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 60%

60%

Criminal Defense 20%

20%

Personal Injury 20%

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Payment Methods

Cash
Check
Credit Card

Awards

2025 2024 2023

...

+ 10

Avvo Client's Choice Awards

The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Platinum Client Champion

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service.

This attorney has received at least 10 client reviews, and has an average review score of 4.5 or higher.

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

An elite group of attorneys who have been rated highly by their peers as having Very High Ethical Standards and an A grade (4.5 or higher).

This is the highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Licenses

Licensed in Maryland for 24 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 2001

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Virginia for 25 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 2000

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 27 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1999

Good Standing

No misconduct found

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Location

Arii Law Firm

(240) 621-0007

Fax

21 Church Street, Suite 600, Rockville, MD, 20850

ariilaw.com/first-time-dui-dwi/

Get Directions

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Gallery

Online Presence

Other places you can find C. Sei-Hee online.

Facebook

C. Sei-Hee Arii's Reviews

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Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.

5.0 /5.0

222 Client Reviews

Avvo

5.0

(178)

Lawyers.com

5.0

(44 )

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Star rating

5 stars 177 4 stars 1

3 stars 0

2 stars 0

1 star 0

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense (96) DUI & DWI (78) Lawsuits & Disputes (39) Speeding & Traffic Ticket (19) Expungement (14) Litigation (7) Appeals (3) Car Accidents (2) Arbitration (1) Contracts & Agreements (1) Domestic Violence (1) Drug Crime (1) Estate Planning (1) Juvenile (1) Licensing (1)

What Clients Mention

Case Results (146) Advocacy (101) Practice Area Knowledge (65) Recommendation (61) Professionalism (59) Responsiveness (43) Communication Style (40) General Knowledge (39) Character & Conduct (29) Compassion (29) Cost of Services (27) Trustworthiness (25) Payment Plans (4) Punctuality (3) Staff & Support (2) Free Consultations (1)

Showing 16 - 20 of 40 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Kenneth F. | November 22, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

DUI

Prior to my DUI arrest I never imagined I would be facing being convicted and possibly serving time in jail and it happened I knew I needed someone with experience in handling DUI cases to represent me, so I started researching. After talking with other attorneys, I didn’t feel comfortable with the...ir presentation and not sure of their strategies. I eventually came to Attorney Sei-Hee Arii. In the initial consultations she was clear and made sure I understood her approach. This made me feel comfortable with her representing me in court. Sei Hee always kept me informed and ensured I knew every step she would take. The end results were, all charges of DUI, DUI per se, DWI, and failure to control vehicle speed on highway to avoid collision were dismissed. I highly recommend Attorney Sei-Hee Arii services for others who face similar circumstances.

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Posted by anonymous | September 09, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

AMAZING!

Getting a DUI was incredibly scary. I was clueless about what to do, or how to properly handle the situation. I talked to a couple of lawyers, but Sei-Hee stood out. She was friendly and explained everything thoroughly. I was frustrated and anxious dealing with this whole situation, but she did make ...it better. With COVID-19 my court date kept getting pushed back. Once the day finally arrived, Sei-Hee managed to get my DUI case dropped down to a PBJ negligent driving case. She's amazing and if you're going through this situation, go to her! She'll work for you and get the best possible outcome for you. She did for me!!!

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Posted by anonymous | April 28, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Relentless Defender I am Truly Thankful Forl

I want to start off by saying to date its been a year and 16 days since Mrs. Arii represented me in court. This was extremely selfish on my behalf because the day I walked out of court I should've written this review because it ended up in victory! I consulted with Mrs. Arii when I got my 2nd DUI in ...15 years, also I was charged with a refusal to blow. From the beginning to end of this whole process, Mrs. Arii was clear about all the possible outcomes that may occur. I personally decided to go with her because of how much she cared about the outcome and the time she initially took to hear my side of the incident. Literally, the first night we spoke and even before I paid her for her services she spent an hour plus on the phone with me hashing out the details of what happened the night of my incident. After the initial consultation it was a no brainers for me to go with her services. When we initially went to court, she defended me very well but the outcome was not what we wanted. She told me it would be in my best interest for her to put in an appeal. I honestly thought what we were offered wasn't the best outcome but it also was not jail time. So I went with her professional advice. The next court date that we had this lady fought for me like I was her family member as if I was going to be executed. During this span of 6 months of back and forth in and out of court she was readily available by text, email, and phone. She provided solid feedback and realistic outcomes whether it was good or bad. Anyway, during the last court date as I mentioned before "she went to war for me" this was a highly emotional day for me. Mrs. Arii was able to get my charges dropped from a DUI to DWI with Probation Before Justice (PBJ) this is with the refusal to blow. This was a true miracle!!! I am still not sure how she pulled this off but this is why I hired her because it was never about the money it was about the best possible outcome; especially for being pulled over in Frederick County and being from the background I came from. Overall, I can't stress how sharp and attentive she was on my behalf. This lady fought for me like I have never seen before. As I stated before this was my second DUI with a refusal to blow that she got dropped to a DWI and PBJ with some community service. I was overwhelmed with emotions during this time and that final day in court all I could do was cry and hug her because of how she treated me as a person and the best possible outcome that she got for me. I knew she had my best interest in her heart, she treated me with respect and not like some drunk who got caught doing the wrong thing. I 100% recommend any DUI/DWI offenders to go with her services. She has compassion for people and she is willing to work out payments options as well. I really cannot put into words how good she is at her job. This lady was a blessing to me and my future, I can't thank her enough for defending me in court and providing the best legal representation I could imagine!!!

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Posted by Kevin | January 03, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Peace of mind

I hired Sei-Hee to handle two cases for me. One in Virginia and one in Maryland. Both times, I felt comfortable knowing that I'm dealing with an attorney with a strong background in criminal defense. Throughout the whole process she was clear, honest, and available to be reached anytime. She constant...ly followed up with me to make sure she had all the facts to represent my cases. This was the peace of mind knowing that I could rely on Sei-Hee. The end result was a favorable judgement. I would highly recommend Sei-Hee for anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney.

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Posted by John | October 27, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Excellent Lawyer

Sei-Hee is an excellent lawyer who is second to none. She handled my case in a professional manner. She told me what to expect and assured me of her help with my traffic violation related charges. She was very brief and clear when she represented me during my court hearing. She presented the case ...to the judge in a clear manner and convinced the judge that charges me does not deserve a harsh punishment and that I should be given a second chance to prove that I am a good law abiding person. The judge accepted her argument and I got out of trouble. Therefore I highly recommend her for any traffic related violations because she has what it takes to get you out of trouble once you follow her Counsel before court hearing. She also understands circumstances and gives good recommendations. You will never regret her services.

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C. Sei-Hee Arii's Lawyer Endorsements

Received

Given

Endorse C. Sei-Hee

Marina Medvin

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Ms. Arii. She's a smart, energized lawyer. Recommended!"

Sakhouy Lay

Criminal defense lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sei-Hee is a stellar attorney! She obtains great results in the courtroom because of her hard work, thorough preparation, and command of the law."

Neal Meiselman

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Seihee is our go-to lawyer for our divorce clients who need criminal defense or personal injury representation. She does an exceptional job: very thorough, responsive to client needs, and sensitive to what's going on in related divorce and custody matters."

Eric Singer

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Sei-Hee is a terrific criminal defense attorney; she has a great ability to assess a case diligently and negotiate the best outcome or try the matter, whatever the case may be. I have enjoyed coordinating closely with her on cases where her clients have been subject to possible adverse immigration consequences as a result of criminal proceedings."

Michael Bruckheim

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sei-Hee is a dedicated, hard working attorney who is extremely knowledgeable in the field of criminal defense. She provides exemplary defense work for those citizens charged with a crime. I highly recommend her."

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Marjorie Chalfant

Medical malpractice lawyer

Neal Meiselman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Nogah Helfant

Divorce and separation lawyer

Eric Singer

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating: 10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

D.C Superlawyers, SuperLawyers

2019

Client's Choice, Avvo

2019

Superb 10.0 Rating, Avvo

2019

Best Attorneys of America, Rue Ratings

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Top 100 Criminal Lawyers in Maryland, National Trial Lawyers Association

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Top Lawyers - Stars of the Bar, Washingtonian Magazine

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer (2010 to Present), Washington DC Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer (2010 to Present), Maryland Super Lawyers

2010

Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Maryland (2010 to Present), The National Trial Lawyers Association

2008

Bar Foundation Fellow, Montgomery County Bar Association

2008

Committee Chair of the Year Award: Technology Committee, Montgomery County Bar Association

2007

Outstanding Contribution Award, Montgomery County Inn of Court

2005

Bar Foundation Fellow, Maryland State Bar Association

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Work Experience

2011 - Present

Owner, Arii Law Firm, LLC

2006 - 2011

Partner, Heeney & Arii, Chartered

2004 - 2006

Associate, Law Office of Thomas L. Heeney, Chartered

2001 - 2004

Associate, Heeney, Armstrong, & Heeney

2000 - 2001

Associate, Law Office of Judy Feinberg

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Associations

2011 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association

Asian American Bar Committee

2005 - Present

Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys' Association

Member

2004 - Present

Women's Bar Association of Maryland

Member

2010 - 2011

Women's Bar Association of Maryland

Secretary

2009 - 2010

Women's Bar Association of Maryland

Treasurer

2007 - 2011

Montgomery County Inn of Court

Barrister

2007 - 2008

Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Maryland

Secretary

2003 - 2011

Maryland State Bar Association

Leadership Academy Committee

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Education

2013

La Pier & Associates

3 Day Program

2012

National College for DUI Defense

3 Day Program

2002

Georgetown University Law Center CLE & National Institute for Trial Advocacy

10 Day Program

1998

American University, Washington College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1995

Smith College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

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Languages

English

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Additional Locations and Practice Areas

Rockville criminal defense lawyers Rockville dui / dwi lawyers Rockville personal injury lawyers

Avvo Rating

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C. Sei-Hee Arii

About C. Sei-Hee

Biography

Experience Matters. Attorney Arii will Fight for You.

Experience Matters. Attorney Arii will Fight for You.

First DUI/DWI Offense? Experience Matters. Attorney Arii will Fight for You.

Experience Matters. Attorney Arii will Fight for You.

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Payment Methods

Awards

Licenses

Licensed in Maryland for 24 years

Licensed in Virginia for 25 years

Licensed in District of Columbia for 27 years

Location

Arii Law Firm

Gallery

Online Presence

C. Sei-Hee Arii's Reviews

Overall Rating This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.

C. Sei-Hee Arii's Lawyer Endorsements

Experience

Honors

Work Experience

Associations

Education

Languages

Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.