Upper Marlboro DUI Defense Attorneys

Reliable DUI Defense Lawyers for Upper Marlboro, MD Drunk Driving Charges

While most people of driving age understand there is a legal limit to how much they can drink before getting behind the wheel, some people can underestimate how many drinks can impact their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. If you have been accused of driving while intoxicated, it is also important to understand how the state prosecutes charges of driving under the influence (DUI). Whether or not it is your first DUI charge, an experienced defense attorney can help you fight the allegations, protect your driver's license, and preserve your livelihood.

At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, we understand how stressful a DUI charge can be. If convicted, you could face expensive fines, jail time, and license suspension. Though driving is considered a privilege in the United States, your ability to drive can play a role in whether you can work a stable job, put food on the table, and spend time with your loved ones. If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Upper Marlboro, our DUI defense lawyers will be in your corner every step of the way.

Understanding DUI Charges in Maryland

While there is a legal limit to how much alcohol you can have in your system while operating a motor vehicle, there is actually more than one way for law enforcement to accuse you of being "under the influence." The most common way to be charged with intoxicated is typically referred to as "per se" DUI, in which a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher results in an arrest for driving under the influence.

However, the state of Maryland can also prosecute DUI charges based on your behavior. Though it is generally considered to be a lesser offense, you can be charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) based on the arresting police officer's observations. In the event that no chemical test is available, or if your BAC was below 0.08, an officer may use field sobriety tests, video evidence, or their observations to judge whether your coordination was impaired to some degree.

DUI charges may also be based on claims that you were intoxicated by other substances, such as marijuana. Since THC, the main component in marijuana, does not behave like alcohol in the body, DWI charges may apply when police officers suspect you of driving while high. While an officer may make an arrest based on their interpretation of your behavior, drug DUI and marijuana DUI cases often boil down to what the evidence can actually show.

Defense Strategies for DUI in Upper Marlboro

Because police officers have so much discretion in making DUI arrests, a strong defense will often begin with examining the legality of the traffic stop. An officer must have reasonable suspicion before they can pull you over. They must also have probable cause before they can perform an arrest.

Our legal team can question the legality of a traffic stop, as well as the validity of the officer's observations and the evidence gathered before or after an arrest. Since field sobriety tests and chemical tests must meet specific standards, our lawyers may be able to challenge the results of these tests based on operator error, equipment maintenance, testing procedures, or environmental factors or medical issues that could have affected the results.

The state of Maryland addresses DUI charges through both criminal courts and Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) hearings. Our team can help defend against DUI convictions while also taking steps to prevent the loss of your driver's license or help you regain your driving privileges.

Reach Out to an Upper Marlboro, Maryland DUI Defense Lawyer

If you have been arrested for drunk driving in Upper Marlboro, you do not have to face DUI charges alone. At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, our legal team is fluent in both English and Spanish, and we are available 24/7 to help you explore the best strategies and options based on your unique circumstances. To schedule a free consultation, call our offices at 301-479-5466 or contact our Upper Marlboro DUI defense attorneys online.