Getting charged with a DUI can cause a lot of anxiety. Even though DUI charges are common in Baltimore County, Maryland, a conviction can change your life. A Baltimore County DUI lawyer at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys can help ease your anxiety and support you through the criminal court process.
Our team will vigorously defend you against damaging DUI charges. We will use our 100 years of combined experience to minimize the consequences of a conviction. Call our office at (301) 262-7005 to schedule a free consultation today.
How Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You Are Arrested for a DUI in Baltimore County, MD
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you present a strong defense to DUI charges. We support our clients during every stage of the legal process.
Our work in DUI cases often involves:
- Explaining the charges and potential penalties
- Walking you through the criminal court procedure
- Collecting and reviewing evidence
- Filing a bond motion
- Negotiating for dismissal
- Representing you at every court hearing
Our Baltimore County criminal defense attorneys aren’t afraid to fight for you at trial. Call our office to schedule a free consultation today.
Overview of DUIs in Maryland
In Maryland, you can be convicted of DUI for either driving under the influence per se or driving while impaired.
Driving under the influence per se is the most common type of DUI. This means that the driver had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher.
Driving while impaired (also called a DWI) means that the driver was affected by alcohol or drugs in their system, regardless of their BAC.
This law tends to confuse people. Many people think you can only be convicted if your BAC is .08% or higher. While you are likely to be convicted in that scenario, you can still get in trouble if you have a lower BAC. That’s because everyone tolerates alcohol differently. Some people are impaired and unfit to drive after one or two drinks, while others may be able to safely tolerate more alcohol.
Types of DUIs in Baltimore County
There are several different DUI charges that you may face in Baltimore County.
The most common types of DUIs are:
- Misdemeanor DUI
- Felony DUI
- Commercial Driver DUI
- Underage DUI
- Subsequent DUIs
- DUI homicide
While the basis of each DUI charge is similar, there are nuances in the law. Additionally, each charge will carry a different penalty.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Baltimore County, Maryland?
DUI penalties can range from a fine to significant jail time, depending on the charge.
First Offense DUI/DWI
A first-offense DUI is usually the least serious. It is usually a misdemeanor charge that can carry up to a year in jail and potential fines. A first-offense DWI can also carry fines and jail time. Both also carry a license suspension.
Second Offense DUI/DWI
Subsequent DUIs become more and more serious. A second offense DUI can carry up to two years in jail and hefty fines. It can also include a year-long license suspension. A second offense DWI is less serious but can still carry up to one year in jail, as well as fines and a license suspension.
Underage DUI
It makes sense that underage drivers are not permitted to have any amount of alcohol in their system. A .02% BAC or higher is grounds for a DUI with a penalty including fines and a license suspension.
DUI Homicide
The main reason that DUIs are taken so seriously is because of how many deaths drunk driving causes every year. DUI homicide is a felony that has very severe penalties. Punishment could include years in prison, fines, and an extended probationary term.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I Am Accused of a DUI?
Many people feel hopeless when they are accused of a DUI. That doesn’t have to be the case.
Fortunately, there are many defenses that you can raise if you are charged with a DUI including:
- The stop or seizure was unconstitutional
- There was a lack of probable cause for an arrest
- The field sobriety tests were unreliable
- Inaccurate breathalyzer or blood test results
- Break in the chain of custody (if there is a blood test)
- Insufficient evidence to support a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt
- An alternate reason for the appearance of intoxication
We will help you craft the strongest possible defense to the DUI charges in your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Baltimore County DUI Lawyers
Call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation. This is the best way to connect with a Baltimore County DUI attorney quickly and get a head start on your defense.
