Facing your first DUI arrest in Maryland can feel incredibly overwhelming. Between the shock of being arrested and the concerns about your future, it’s normal for defendants to feel scared. One of the best steps you can take is to learn about the charges and how to defend yourself. By assessing your options, you can help protect your rights and possibly reduce the long-term impact on your life.
Immediate Steps to Take After a DUI Arrest
After you’re arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), make sure you know what steps to take to give yourself the best chance of minimizing your penalties or avoiding a conviction.
Stay Calm and Watch What You Say
Emotions run high during and after an arrest, so take a step back and carefully consider your actions and words. Don’t argue, resist, overshare with the police, or discuss the details of your arrest with anyone (unless you have a lawyer). Avoid talking about your arrest or case online, in texts, or in any public setting; prosecutors may use those statements against you.
Comply With Any Release Conditions
If you’re released on bond or bail, ensure you are aware of and comply with all court-ordered requirements. This may include an order to abstain from alcohol, refrain from driving, check in with the court, or any other requirement the court imposes. Failing to follow these rules could mean ending up back in custody until your case is resolved.
Document Everything While It’s Fresh
Write down everything you remember about your arrest as soon as possible: where and when it happened, what the officer said, whether you did field sobriety tests, and any witnesses present. These details could be important in building your case.
Speak With a Criminal Defense Lawyer
The sooner you talk to an experienced DUI defense attorney, the better your odds of building the strongest legal defense. A criminal defense lawyer will review your case and give you an idea of what to expect. They’ll help you build a defense based on what you tell them.
Taking these immediate steps can significantly enhance your case.
Choices for Defending and Resolving a DUI Charge
After being arrested for driving under the influence, you have more options than you might think. Understanding them and what each entails provides a clearer understanding of what to expect and what your best course of action may be.
Negotiate for Reduced Charges or Penalties
Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to seek reduced or dropped charges in exchange for a guilty plea, especially if you have no other criminal history and no one was injured as a result of your DUI. This means you won’t have to go to trial, and you know exactly what the outcome is going to be.
Explore Diversion or Alternative Programs
Many courts allow first offenders to enter diversion or alternative sentencing programs instead of going to trial and facing a conviction and jail time. This usually means you have to attend alcohol education classes, participate in drug or alcohol treatment programs, and comply with other court-ordered rules, like check-ins with the court or drug and alcohol testing.
Not every defendant will be eligible for this, but your lawyer can look at the details of your case and your criminal history and see if this is an option for you.
Challenge Your DUI Charge in Court
DUI charges aren’t automatic convictions; they must be proven in court, just like any other crime. If you and your lawyer think there’s a chance you could beat the charges and there’s no better option for you at the moment, you can take the case to trial.
Your defense can challenge the legality of the traffic stop, question the validity of chemical testing, and try to pick apart the officer’s testimony on the stand when they tell their side of what they saw.
Call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation With a Lanham DUI Lawyer
Ultimately, working with a Lanham DUI attorney is the best option you have, as they’ll review your case and help you fight for the best possible outcome. If you have any questions about your case, don’t hesitate to contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer today. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, and Waldorf.
We proudly serve Prince George’s County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Charles County and the surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Lanham
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste 201 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 262-7005
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Frederick
25 E Patrick St #200 Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 381-1993
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Rockville
11140 Rockville Pike 550-J Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 364-3195
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Waldorf
8 Post Office Rd, Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 857-4771