Being charged with a DUI in Harford County, Maryland, can be overwhelming for defendants, especially if you’re unsure of your rights and legal options. A conviction can lead to harsh penalties, including fines, license suspension, increased insurance rates, and even jail time.
If you’re facing DUI charges, it’s crucial to have an experienced Harford County DUI lawyer by your side. A skilled attorney can evaluate the details of your arrest, protect your rights, and work to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys at (301) 262-7005 to schedule a free consultation.
How Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You’re Arrested for a DUI in Harford County, MD
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Harford County, MD, our team can help.
Here’s an overview of what we will do for you:
- We examine the traffic stop to see if the officer had valid grounds to pull you over. If they didn’t, we’ll file a motion to suppress any statements or evidence recovered as a result of the stop.
- Our team reviews the accuracy of field sobriety tests and any breath or blood tests taken in your case.
- We explore alternative sentencing options and plea deals when possible.
- We represent you at trial and in administrative hearings to address driver’s license issues.
By addressing these issues in DUI cases, we give you the best chance at protecting your freedom. Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Harford County criminal defense lawyer.
Overview of DUIs in Maryland
Maryland recognizes different levels of impaired driving under its DUI laws. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or higher, you can be charged with driving under the influence. This is considered the most serious offense and is sometimes called under the influence “per se.” This is because no matter how you’re acting—even if you don’t feel impaired—you can be convicted because your BAC is above the legal limit.
A BAC of 0.07 leads to a driving while impaired (DWI) charge, which is treated as a less severe offense than a DUI. Driving while impaired by drugs, including legal prescriptions or marijuana, is also against the law.
Any combination of substances that affects your ability to drive safely is a violation. Underage drivers in Maryland face zero-tolerance rules, meaning anyone under 21 with any amount of alcohol in their system can be arrested for a DUI.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Harford County, Maryland?
If you’re facing a first-time impaired driving charge in Harford County, Maryland imposes different penalties depending on whether you’re charged with DUI or DWI.
Penalties for a First-Time DWI
The first time you’re convicted of a DWI, you face the following penalties:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- A maximum $500 fine
- Possible license suspension
Subsequent DWI convictions carry harsher penalties.
Penalties for a First-Time DUI
The first time you’re convicted of a DUI, you face the following penalties:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- A fine up to $1,200
- Possible license revocation
Just like DWI offenses, subsequent convictions bring about harsher legal penalties.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for a DUI?
If you’re facing DUI or DWI charges in Harford County, you have ways to defend yourself.
Some of the most common legal defenses include:
- Improper Stop: If the police lacked proper grounds or reasonable suspicion to pull you over, any evidence they gathered could be challenged. This would significantly weaken their case if not cause it to fall apart altogether.
- Faulty Testing Procedures: Problems with breathalyzers or improperly administered field sobriety tests can affect the accuracy of results. If your lawyer can show this, the evidence could be thrown out or at least considered to be unreliable.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical issues, such as acid reflux or diabetes, can mimic intoxication or influence breathalyzer readings. Your lawyer can provide documentation showing you have one of these conditions.
- Inaccurate Officer Observations: Stress, fatigue, or poor weather might lead an officer to misread normal behavior or mistakes during field sobriety tests as signs of impairment.
Your Corpus Christi criminal defense attorney will look at your charges and the circumstances in your case and then determine what the best defense is.
Dealing with a DUI charge on your own can be stressful and confusing. Working with an experienced legal team will give you a better understanding of your rights and legal options. Having someone to guide you through essential steps, from reviewing evidence to negotiating in court, can ease some of the burden.
If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for our assistance. Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Harford County DUI attorney.