Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Maryland can be a daunting experience. A DUI conviction can have severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Therefore, it’s essential to choose the right DUI defense strategy to minimize the consequences of a DUI charge.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right DUI defense strategy in Maryland:
Hire an experienced DUI attorney:
The first step in choosing the right DUI defense strategy is to hire an experienced DUI attorney. A good attorney will assess your case’s facts and circumstances, including any possible legal defenses, and provide advice on the best course of action. Look for an attorney who specializes in DUI defense and has experience handling cases similar to yours.
Understand the charges against you:
It’s important to understand the charges against you and the potential consequences of a conviction. In Maryland, a DUI charge can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time, depending on the circumstances. Understanding the charges and their potential consequences will help you and your attorney choose the right defense strategy.
Challenge the validity of the traffic stop:
In Maryland, a police officer must have a valid reason to stop your vehicle. If the officer did not have a valid reason to stop your vehicle, any evidence obtained during the traffic stop may be suppressed. Challenging the validity of the traffic stop is a common defense strategy in DUI cases.
Challenge the results of the field sobriety tests:
Field sobriety tests, such as the walk-and-turn test and the one-leg stand test, are not always reliable indicators of intoxication. Challenging the validity of the field sobriety tests can be an effective defense strategy.
Challenge the breathalyzer results:
Breathalyzer tests are not always accurate and can produce false-positive results. Challenging the validity of the breathalyzer results can be an effective defense strategy.
Negotiate a plea bargain:
If the evidence against you is strong, your attorney may recommend negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecutor. A plea bargain can result in reduced charges or a lighter sentence.
Present mitigating circumstances:
If you have mitigating circumstances, such as a medical condition or emergency, your attorney may recommend presenting these circumstances as a defense. Mitigating circumstances can help reduce the severity of the charges or the sentence.
Consider participating in a diversion program:
Maryland has several diversion programs available for first-time DUI offenders. These programs typically involve completing alcohol education courses, attending counseling sessions, and staying out of trouble with the law for a specified period. Successfully completing a diversion program can result in the dismissal of your DUI charges and prevent a conviction from appearing on your record.
Challenge the validity of the blood test:
If a blood test was administered in your case, you may be able to challenge the validity of the test. Blood tests must be conducted in a specific manner and under specific conditions to ensure accuracy. If there were any errors or violations of protocol, the results of the blood test may be challenged.
Consider a jury trial:
If you and your attorney believe that the evidence against you is weak, you may consider opting for a jury trial. A jury trial can be risky, but it can also be an effective strategy if there are inconsistencies or doubts in the evidence against you.
Choosing the right DUI defense strategy in Maryland requires careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of your case. It’s important to hire an experienced DUI attorney, understand the charges against you, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence against you. Challenging the validity of the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, blood tests, or negotiating a plea bargain are all viable defense strategies, as is presenting mitigating circumstances or participating in a diversion program. With the right defense strategy, you may be able to minimize the consequences of a DUI charge in Maryland.
At Alpert Schreyer, LLC, we are highly experienced in defending clients against DUI charges in Maryland. Our attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience and have successfully defended numerous clients in DUI cases.
We understand that facing a DUI charge can be a daunting experience, which is why we are committed to helping our clients choose the right defense strategy for their individual cases. We will carefully evaluate the facts and circumstances of your case and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Our attorneys have extensive experience challenging the validity of traffic stops, field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and blood tests in DUI cases. We will use our knowledge and experience to challenge the evidence against you and negotiate with prosecutors to obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
We are also experienced trial lawyers and will not hesitate to take your case to trial if necessary. We will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible defense.
If you are facing a DUI charge in Maryland, don’t hesitate to contact us at Alpert Schreyer, LLC. We can help you navigate the complex legal system and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.