DUI Attorney
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)/ Driving While Intoxicated Lawyer in Southern Maryland
If you are facing DUI or DWI charges, you need a knowledgeable DUI lawyer to guide you through the court process. Learn more below about DUI laws and why you should hire a reputable lawyer to handle your DUI charge.
Why You Need an Experienced DUI Attorney
With you as a client, your DUI defense attorney can negotiate for a more favorable result through the court proceedings. For first-time offenders, adequate negotiation can mean probation before judgment. Probation before judgment allows you to avoid permanent damage to your record.An experienced DUI defense lawyer knows how to negotiate appropriately with the judicial system.
What You Need to Know About DUI Laws in Maryland
Every case will have unique variables, but you should know the essential aspects of DUI law in Maryland. Explore the different types of DUI tests and learn about the varying levels of punishments for DWI and DUI convictions.
Types of DUI Tests
There are numerous types of tests that officers can administer if they suspect you are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Officers will administer these tests if they have articulable reasonable suspicion that you are under the influence.The tests can range from simple questions to field sobriety tests and preliminary breath tests. These tests aim to demonstrate impairment of your senses and physical coordination and don't help you prove your sobriety.
Breathalyzer Test
There are potentially two breath tests in every DUI case. The officer may offer a preliminary breath test at the scene to establish probable cause to arrest you. The field test is not admissible against you in court. If you are arrested you should then be offered another breath test at the police station on a more sensitive machine. This is the test that can be used as evidence against you in court. Refusing to take the test can result in license suspension and other limitations on your ability to drive.
Blood Alcohol Levels
Blood alcohol levels of .04% can result in a DWI charge, while blood alcohol levels of .08% can result in a DUI charge. Minors caught with a blood alcohol content of .02% may also be charged with a DUI level offense.
Blood Test
A blood test for blood alcohol content levels is not as standard as the breathalyzer test. Typically, officers will only administer blood tests to drivers that request blood tests or if they discover a driver that is unconscious, injured or the presence of drugs is detected. Blood tests are mandatory in the case of a fatal accident.
Potential Penalties for DUIs in Maryland
There are numerous penalties and potential punishments for DUI and DWI convictions. If you do not qualify for probation before judgment, a judge can convict you of a DUI/DWI and impose one or more penalties at the time of conviction.
Jail Time
DUI and DWI charges often lead to a conviction. Each conviction for DUI or DWI will increase the possible sentence of imprisonment in a county jail or state prison.• First-Time Offender DWI Maximum
First-time DWI offenders that are convicted may face up to two months in jail.
• Second Offense DWI
A second DWI offense can result in a sentence of up to one year in jail.
• First-Time Offender DUI Maximum
First-time DUI offenders that are convicted may face up to one year in jail.
• Second Offense DUI
A second conviction can lead to up to two years of imprisonment.
• Third Offense DUI
A third DUI conviction carries a mandatory minimum of five or ten days of imprisonment, depending on the length of time between your previous DUI convictions.
Fines
Convictions for DUIs and DWIs can carry different amounts of penalty fines for each offense. These fines may change depending on the case and the conviction’s exact circumstances.DWI Fines
- First DWI – up to $500 fine
- Second DWI – up to $1000 fine
- Third DWI – up to $2000 fine
DUI Fines
- First DUI – up to $1000 fine
- Second DUI – up to $2000 fine
Interlock Device
After conviction for DUI/DWI, the court may require you to install and use an interlock device. These devices ensure that you cannot use your personal vehicle unless you are legally sober. You may be ordered to install the device if your case included a high BAC, a refusal to take the breath test, or multiple DUI/DWI convictions.
Loss of Driving Privileges
Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, a DWI or DUI charge will often immediately result in the suspension of driving privileges. In most cases, you can request a special hearing to defend your driving ability for essential purposes. There is a strict deadline to request a hearing so it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after you are pulled over
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After the DWI or DUI conviction, you may experience the revocation of your license within legal guidelines. Multiple convictions or additional charges associated with the DUI/DWI may factor into the timeline of suspension or revocation.
Other Collateral Consequences of DUI/DWI Convictions
In addition to incurring a criminal record and penalties that include imprisonment and paying legal fines and fees, you may experience collateral consequences. These consequences can include, but aren’t limited to:
- Increase in insurance rates
- Clearance for security work
- Impacts on immigration status
- Loss of employment
- Suspension of driving license
- Temporary or permanent revocation of driving license
These severe consequences are difficult to overcome after a conviction for DUI or DWI. Contact an experienced DUI attorney if you have concerns about facing a DUI or DWI charge and the potential penalties and consequences of a conviction.
A Professional DUI Lawyer in Calvert County
Ferrante & Dill is a skilled DUI lawyer for legal cases in Calvert County, Maryland. The law office of Ferrante & Dill provides a variety of legal services that include, but aren’t limited to the general practice areas of:
○ DWI/DUI
○ Drug and alcohol charges
○ Traffic violations
○ Burglary
○ Theft
○ Domestic violence
Ferrante & Dill has the experience and knowledge to handle legal concerns properly. Consult with Ferrante & Dill’s DUI attorney by calling 410-535-6100. Don’t wait to seek legal representation if you are facing charges or looking to begin a business.
