Damascus, Maryland DUI Defense Attorneys

Top-Rated Defense Lawyers for Drunk Driving in Damascus

Criminal charges of any kind should not be underestimated. Driving under the influence (DUI) charges, however, can have lasting impacts on your driving privileges, wallet, and criminal record. By consulting reliable legal representation and developing a comprehensive strategy tailored to your situation, you can effectively defend your rights.

At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, we understand the challenges related to DUI allegations, and we are fully prepared to take on your case with compassion and due diligence. Our DUI defense attorneys have years of experience tackling DUI charges in Maryland, whether you are a first-time offender or not. If you have been accused of DUI in Damascus, we are available 24/7 in both English and Spanish to discuss your legal needs.

How Does Maryland Define DUI?

Every state has its own set of driving-under-the-influence laws. In Maryland, drivers are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle if a chemical test shows their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to be 0.08 percent or higher. However, police officers can arrest drivers for DUI based on observations of impairment, even if their BAC is under the legal threshold.

In fact, the Old Line State categorizes a variety of DUI charges based on the situation, including:

• Underage DUI: Drivers under the age of 21 are not allowed to consume alcohol, whether they are behind the wheel of a car or not. If younger drivers are found to have any level of drugs or alcohol in their systems, they can be charged with underage DUI, and they may be subject to license suspension, expensive fines, and possible jail time.
• Commercial DUI: People who operate large, heavy commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks, buses, and construction equipment, are held to higher DUI standards. Commercial drivers can be charged with DUI if chemical tests reveal their BAC to be 0.04 percent or higher.
• DWI: If the arresting police officer believes that a driver cannot safely operate a vehicle because they are impaired by drugs or alcohol, the individual can be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), even if their BAC is below 0.08 percent.
• DUI: If a person's BAC is tested to be 0.08 percent or higher, they can be immediately charged with DUI.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction?

A DUI conviction can have drastic criminal and personal consequences. In Maryland, a first-time DUI conviction can carry up to one year in prison, while a second conviction can carry up to two years in prison. Upon a third or subsequent conviction, offenders can face a maximum sentence of five years behind bars.

Under state law, repeat offenders may be subject to mandatory minimum periods of incarceration if they are convicted of multiple DUIs within a specific time frame. For example, offenders convicted of DUI within five years of a prior DUI conviction will be sentenced to at least five days in jail, while a third or subsequent conviction within the same five-year timeframe will impose a 10-day minimum sentence.

In addition to criminal charges, DUI cases will be addressed by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), which regulates driver's licenses. A person who has been arrested for DUI can face a license suspension of up to 180 days if they take a chemical test and are found to be above the 0.08 limit, or their license will be suspended for 270 days if they refuse to take a chemical test. Since safeguarding your ability to drive can be just as important as disputing a DUI charge, a successful defense strategy must account for both of these issues.

Contact Our Damascus, MD DUI Defense Lawyers

If you are like many people, a DUI arrest may be your first interaction with the criminal justice system. At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, we will support you every step of the way, helping you develop an effective plan of action based on your unique circumstances. To arrange a free consultation, reach out to our Damascus, Maryland drunk driving attorneys at 301-479-5466.