Maryland DUI Lawyers

Turn To Maryland’s Only Attorney Board Certified in DUI Defense Law

You’ve only got one life. Trust your defense to the attorney who trains all the others in DUI defense. Attorney Andrew D. Alpert holds the honor of being Maryland’s first and only attorney to become board certified in DUI Defense Law by the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD). The NCDD provides this certification to identify lawyers with advanced skill and expertise in DUI defense. Alpert applies his experience as a board certified attorney in DUI Defense Law to train other defense attorneys in the art of DUI defense excellence. The NCDD is the only organization accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) to certify lawyers in DUI defense. A former prosecutor, Attorney Alpert has specific training in DUI/DWI law and has earned a reputation as a highly skilled and aggressive criminal defense attorney. He has successfully defended thousands of DUI/DWI, criminal defense, and motor vehicle manslaughter cases; has had many cases covered by the press (Maryland Independent 09/17/2004; Maryland Independent 09/22/2004); and has appeared on national television to offer his legal opinion on high-profile criminal cases. Mr. Alpert has received numerous awards and honors from the legal community. He has been rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell®, carries a 10.0 Superb rating from Avvo, and has been selected several times for inclusion in Super Lawyers in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Mr. Alpert regularly attends the National College for DUI Defense, as conducted at Harvard University where he receives advanced training in DUI/DWI defense law. He is a member of Board of Directors of the Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, Chairman of the Legislative Group of the Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association on Narcotics, the Maryland State Representative of the National College for DUI Defense, a member of the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association, Maryland State Bar Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. A graduate of George Washington University School of Law, Alpert is one of only a few lawyers in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia who is a Certified NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor.

About the Alpert Schreyer Legal Defense Team

Unlike other DUI defense firms, Alpert Schreyer, LLC is known for its dedication to minimizing the impacts of a DUI charge and conviction. Partners Andrew Alpert and Michael Schreyer, along with Attorneys Michael Berman and Christian Hartman, each bring specific knowledge and advanced training to every case. With over 40 years of combined experience, our well-rounded defense team’s commitment to clients is unparalleled, as is its proficiency in the courtroom. With offices in Lanham, Frederick, Lexington Park, Lexington Park, Annapolis, Rockville, and Waldorf, we are able to effectively defend clients throughout the state. Since every jurisdiction handles DUI allegations differently, you need to work with an attorney who has defended cases in the county you were arrested in. At Alpert Schreyer, LLC, our DUI lawyers have won cases in every county court in Maryland.

How to Fight and Beat a DUI Case

Everyone makes mistakes, even law enforcement officers. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for people who are not under the influence to be charged with a DUI because law enforcement administered a field test or preliminary breath test incorrectly. A DUI case can also involve other mistakes, for instance, due to a police officer violating your rights leading up to, during, or after arrest. To fight for your rights and save you from a wrongful conviction, our Maryland DUI lawyers will look for procedural mistakes made by the police and prosecution. If a DUI conviction is unavoidable, our defense team will fight hard to minimize the impacts of that conviction. This may be achieved by using mitigation evidence to highlight your good character and achievements, such as by bringing attention to your career or volunteer work. It may also be achieved by taking certain steps to convince the prosecution to agree to a reduced charge. An example would be offering to complete an Alcohol Education Program (AEP). While completing such steps takes effort, putting the work in is much better than being found guilty of a serious DUI offense. These strategies allow us to fight against your charges before your court date. To get the best results, your case strategy must be tailored to your circumstances. Our DUI attorneys have helped Maryland residents face their charges with the insight, knowledge, and aggressive defense strategies needed to preserve their rights. Success in court does not only mean an end to prosecution — it also means avoiding heavy fines and long-term imprisonment that could harm you and your family for years to come.

Improve Your Chances of Getting a DUI Dismissed

Every case is different. When facing a DUI charge, it’s in your best interest to work with a defense lawyer with extensive experience handling this type of case. It can also help to familiarize yourself with the situation you are facing, so that you can strengthen your lawyer’s efforts. For instance, it’s helpful to understand:

• How your DUI charge may impact your ability to drive
• What preliminary motions may be filed for your case
• Under which circumstances a plea bargain can be advantageous
• Under which conditions you may want to press for a trial

When you work with Alpert Schreyer, LLC, you can rest easy knowing your attorney will walk you through this important information to make sure you are aware of the potential contingencies your case may involve.

DUI vs. DWI in Maryland

A DWI and DUI are two distinct charges, but both carry harsh penalties. The difference lies in the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of the driver at the time. In Maryland, a driver over the age of 21 will be charged with a DUI if they are found to have a BAC of 0.08% or higher. If a driver over 21 has a BAC of 0.07%, they will be charged with a DWI. They may have not crossed the widely accepted threshold for drunk driving (0.08%), but they are still too impaired to safely operate a vehicle. If a driver under 21 has any amount of alcohol in their blood, even just 0.01%, they will be charged with a DUI.

At Alpert Schreyer, LLC, we defend clients charged with both DWIs and DUIs.

A charge for drunk and impaired driving in Maryland could cost you a lot of money and affect your life on many levels, including:

• Expensive fines
• Driver’s license suspension
• Court-ordered community service
• Higher insurance rates
• Jail time
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)

How Can a DUI/DWI Lawyer in Maryland Help You?

Being charged with a DUI/DWI is an especially difficult situation to get out of. Your best chance is with the help of an experienced legal expert, who can successfully investigate your charges and the evidence used against you, and gather powerful evidence to support your case. With over 40 years of combined experience, our Maryland DUI lawyers will go above and beyond to ensure that you have the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Ways that your DUI lawyer can help you:

• Thoroughly investigate your charges and all evidence being used against you
• Collect legitimate evidence to support your case
• Provide you with legal counseling and offer you advice to help you avoid costly mistakes
• Offer you emotional support during this stressful time
• Answer all of your questions and make sure you are equipped with everything that you need to protect your rights and your future
• Fiercely represent you in court if your case gets escalated

Contact our DUI attorneys in Maryland today for a free consultation and let us walk you through the legal process associated with your specific case.

How to Choose the Right DUI Lawyer in Maryland

When you are facing a DUI charge, there is a lot at stake. Your job, your driver’s license, your money, your reputation, and potentially your freedom are all on the line. DUI defense law is an ever-changing practice area, and you want someone who can keep up with the latest laws and technology. When it comes to choosing the right Maryland DUI lawyer to represent you, there are some credentials you might want to look for and consider:

• National College for DUI Defense membership and board certification: The National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing advanced training for DUI defense attorneys. Membership is by invitation only and includes the top DUI attorneys throughout the country. NCDD also offers distinguished certifications achieved through a rigorous certification exam — the only DUI defense law exam recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA).
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration certification: Lawyers who participate in this training are specially certified to administer and interpret standard field sobriety tests. Only a small number of lawyers have undergone this training; having it is extremely helpful when challenging field sobriety test results.
• Super Lawyers® listings: Super Lawyers®, part of Thomson Reuters, uses a multiphase selection process to curate a vetted guide of lawyers who are highly respected in their field. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research to determine if a candidate makes the cut. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of outstanding legal professionals that can be used as a resource for consumers.
• Bar association memberships: A DUI attorney’s membership in state and county bar associations demonstrate commitment to staying on top of changes and innovations in the law. Don’t settle for an attorney who is behind the times.
• Level of experience: It’s critical to make sure your attorney specializes in DUI defense and has been practicing it for several years. Experience working for a state’s attorney can also be very helpful when looking for a qualified attorney.
• Client reviews: Do some independent research. A quick Google search will reveal the reviews of most lawyers. Moreover, the reviews and testimonials of past clients are often the best resources for someone seeking a lawyer.

With over 40 years of experience in DUI defense, multiple certifications, and great client reviews, the Maryland DUI lawyers at Alpert Schreyer, LLC fulfill all of the above criteria.

Act Now to Protect Your Future—Call a Maryland DUI Attorney

Sadly, when it comes to a DUI charge, the prosecution is liable to fight not just for conviction, but for the harshest penalty they can get. We will fight back to protect you from being subjected to unfair penalties. We strive to mitigate the impact a DUI has on our clients’ lives, either by reducing the penalty or getting a case dismissed.

Maryland DUI Client Story

We are sharing a client story below to help you better know what to expect in your case. Though we’ve changed the names and specifics to protect client privacy, you’ll find value in the information. Please read it through, then call our Maryland DUI lawyers to set up a free legal consultation. We’d love to answer the questions you have about your specific case. On a Friday evening in Waldorf, Maryland not so long ago, Mark Robinson made a mistake that almost ended his career and his marriage. It had been a long week, and Mark was exhausted. His job stress had been off the charts for weeks, his workload more demanding than ever. He’d missed dinner more than he’d been present, and even when he’d been there physically, his wife Gina told him he may as well have been at the office. His mind was elsewhere. He knew deep down she was right. He’d been juggling too much and getting paid too little. She told him to march right into his boss’s office and demand to be paid what he was worth. But what, exactly, was that? Mark knew how tenuous things were in his department. The layoffs two months before had stretched his team thin and frankly, scared him to death. He was grateful to still have a job; the last thing he needed to do was march into his boss’s office demanding anything. That morning, Gina had said maybe they needed time apart. Maybe she should take the kids across the river to her mom’s in Woodbridge for a while, so he could “get his priorities in order.” That had gone over like a lead balloon. Within seconds, Mark and Gina slid into a defensive, blame-filled argument. He tried unsuccessfully to remind her that he was doing his best to bring in a salary so she could stay home with the kids, just as she’d asked of him. He said he was happy to do it, but he wanted — no, needed, her understanding and support. Unfortunately, what Gina heard was that she was lazy and ungrateful. She launched into her script about how she gave up a successful career in accounting to take care of the children and make a home for the family… And so it went. Mark had been defeated before he even stepped into his office that morning. When he was summoned to his boss’s office at 4:30 p.m. that afternoon, his anxiety got the best of him, and he assumed he was getting fired. He walked down the hallway to the executive suite as if it were the “Green Mile.” As it happened, however, Mark’s boss announced she was taking a promotion, and in turn, had recommended he be her replacement. It would mean a big step up in pay, and he’d be home for dinner on a fairly regular basis. Stunned, Mark stood in the middle of his boss’s office, blinking like an idiot. She laughed when eventually he managed to utter, “Okay, thank you.” It was very, very good news, and Mark decided to tell Gina in person. He’d asked her to meet him at their favorite pub for dinner so they could “talk.” It was the same pub he’d proposed to her in. She accepted and said she’d be about half an hour, scrambling to find a sitter for their kindergartener and first grader. Though Mark was excited, the aftereffects of his stressful week and the enormity of the promotion— though good, had left him wiped out. He sat quietly at the pub’s bar, waiting for his wife to appear. While he waited, his buddy from work bought him a beer. Then, his high school football coach walked in, and Mark bought him a beer. By the time Gina arrived, he wasn’t buzzed, but he was relaxed. They slid into a booth for dinner, and Gina shot Mark a confused look when he ordered a bottle of wine. When the waiter left them, he told her the good news. She was as elated as he’d hoped, and they toasted and enjoyed a lovely evening, their cares seemingly forgotten. When they left the pub, Mark followed Gina home. He was by no means drunk, but, if he’d thought about it, probably comfortably buzzed. They were only a mile from home when he lost her at a red light. His mind had been drifting around thoughts of his new position when she’d crossed the intersection under a yellow light ahead of him. Realizing he couldn’t follow without running the light, he hit the brakes, coming to a sudden stop, his bumper slightly intruding on the crosswalk before him. He sighed, slumping against his seat as his wife’s taillights receded into the distance. All he wanted was to get home, fall into bed, and sleep for at least twelve hours. The kaleidoscope of flashing lights that suddenly bounced around the inside of his car told him that wasn’t going to happen any time soon. Five minutes later Mark underwent field sobriety testing and was arrested for DUI. He called Gina from the police station, and she called the Waldorf office of Alpert Schreyer. Attorney Andrew Alpert met with Mark two hours later. Though this was the first time he’d ever been charged with a DUI, Mark was extremely concerned about losing his job.

What happens after my DUI arrest?

“What happens now?” Mark asked. “The first thing we’ll tackle is getting you released on bail,” Attorney Alpert said. “Since it’s the weekend, we expect you to be arraigned on Monday morning.” Mark hung his head. “I can’t believe I let this happen.” “Until your arraignment, you’ve got to make sure you don’t speak to any of the inmates in the jail about your case. Assume they’re going to seem friendly and try to engage you in conversation. It can be tempting to vent about your case and the unfairness of it all — especially under such stressful circumstances. You must not, however, discuss any information about your case with anyone in the jail,” said Alpert. “The other inmates are looking out for themselves. They’re hoping to pull together enough strands of truth to make it sound as though they’ve got something valuable to offer the prosecution in exchange for a break in their own case,” Alpert said. “Make sure you keep all information to yourself.” “Okay,” said Mark. “I will.”

Don’t disrespect the court

“You’ll be given your next court date at your arraignment. This will be your preliminary hearing. Make sure you appear for it on time. Remember, the court officers don’t know you as a person. Right now, they only know of your charges. It’s unlikely you’ll have much opportunity to make a good impression between now and your trial, but you’ve got to respect the court’s time to prevent making yourself memorable in a bad way. Be where you are supposed to be when you are required to be there,” Alpert said. “I will. I’ll be there,” said Mark.

Do not speak to the prosecution, detectives, or police

“So far, what, if anything, have you said to the arresting officers, detectives, or anyone else from the prosecutor’s office?” Attorney Alpert asked. “Nothing. I just asked for my phone call,” Mark said. “That’s good. We are here for you now, so you need to continue to communicate only with your legal defense team,” said Alpert.

Don’t turn to family members or friends for legal advice

“From the time you are released from custody until your trial, don’t turn to family or friends for legal advice. Sometimes such advice will come to you unbidden. In that case, I recommend a polite response thanking them for their concern and assuring them you have placed your trust in your legal team. In addition, you can do your part by not volunteering information about your legal case to anyone outside of your spouse and us,” said Alpert. “Your conversations with others are not protected as they are with your spouse and with us. The last thing you want is to put your loved ones through the strain of being called upon to testify for the prosecution because a conversation took place that can somehow be twisted against you.” “I agree. I will keep legal discussions to Gina and the legal team,” Mark agreed.

Stay off social media

“Make sure you stay off of your social media accounts,” Attorney Alpert warned. “It can be tempting to declare your innocence or vent on social accounts, but these accounts are available to the public. Anything you post can be used by the prosecution. You’ve got to assume they will use it, if they can, so stay away from social media entirely until your case is over.” Mark nodded. “Done.”

Stay in town

“Lastly, it may seem obvious, but it’s worth saying that you must stay in town until your trial is done. Once you are released from jail, it can be very tempting to take off, even for a day, to anywhere else, just to feel like you can breathe again. You must resist the temptation. Do not leave town, and certainly don’t cross state lines,” said Alpert. “This isn’t about our believing you’ll actually try to flee the country. It’s about how leaving the area makes you look to a jury. The prosecution will be happy to point out that ‘only guilty people run,’ even if you’re just going over to DC for your nephew’s birthday party, which you happened to be invited to three weeks before the arrest. Staying in town until this is over is very, very important to preserving the perception of innocence, trustworthiness, and reliability,” Alpert said. Mark followed all his legal team’s instructions, and Attorney Alpert presented a mitigation package that impressed the judge, achieving a plea deal that resulted in no conviction, no jail, and no points on Mark’s license. Mark was very happy with the results.

Call Our Maryland DUI Lawyers Today

If you have been arrested for drunk or impaired driving or charged with a DUI or DWI in Maryland, don’t leave your future to chance. You need Alpert Schreyer, LLC on your side. Call our Maryland DUI lawyers right away for a free legal consultation. We won’t rest in our efforts to protect your rights and your future.