DUI charges are some of the most common criminal charges in Frederick County, Maryland. However, that doesn’t necessarily make it less stressful when you are facing a DUI in criminal court. A Frederick County DUI lawyer at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you through the criminal DUI process.
Our lawyers will fight on your behalf to beat the DUI conviction and minimize the consequences of a DUI. We have over 100 years of combined experience, which includes handling DUI cases. The first step is to call (301) 381-1993 at our office to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team as soon as possible.
How Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You Are Arrested for a DUI in Frederick County
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys is one of your best resources after getting charged with a DUI in Frederick County, MD. Our Frederick County criminal defense attorneys help clients every day by:
- Explaining the charges and penalties
- Reviewing the evidence
- Filing a bond motion
- Negotiating for dismissal or a favorable plea
- Filing pretrial motions
- Representing you at every court hearing
- Communicating with the prosecutor on your behalf
- Representing you at trial
Every DUI case requires a different strategy. Call our office to find out the best strategy for you.
Overview of DUIs in Maryland
There are two ways that you can get a DUI conviction in Maryland. The first is driving under the influence per se, and the second is driving while impaired.
Driving under the influence per se means that you have a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. Driving while impaired (also called a DWI) means that you are driving while affected by alcohol or drugs, regardless of your BAC.
The distinction between these two is important. Many people wrongfully assume that they can only be convicted if a blood or breath test shows a .08% BAC or higher. While this is a basis to presume that you are intoxicated, it doesn’t mean you can’t get convicted of a DWI if you have a lesser BAC.
The police will collect other evidence of impairment during your traffic stop. This may include field sobriety tests, police observations, your statements, or poor driving behavior. All of this can be used as evidence to show that you were impaired while behind the wheel.
Types Of DUIs in Frederick County
There are many different types of DUI charges in Frederick County. The most common DUI charges are:
- Misdemeanor DUI
- Felony DUI
- Commercial Driver DUI
- Underage DUI
- Subsequent DUIs
- DUI homicide
Each charge can carry a different penalty if convicted.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Frederick County, Maryland?
DUIs in Frederick County are no joke. The prosecutors take these cases very seriously, even if you didn’t get into an accident. The penalties can range from a fine to significant jail time.
First Offense DUI/DWI
A first-offense DUI is a misdemeanor carrying up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. A first-offense DWI has up to two months in jail and a $500 fine. It also includes a 6-month license suspension.
Second Offense DUI/DWI
A second offense DUI is up to 2 years in jail and a $2,000 fine. A second offense DWI carries up to 1 year in jail and a $500 fine. A DUI has up to a year-long license suspension, while a DWI has 9-12 months.
Additional DUI/DWI offenses carry increasingly harsher imprisonment penalties and fines.
Commercial Driver DUI
A commercial driver DUI has similar penalties to a regular DUI, except when it comes to the license suspension. If convicted, you could lose your license for one to three years or even for life if it is your second conviction. This can have a devastating effect on your life.
Underage DUI
Underage drivers are not allowed to have any alcohol in their blood. Even a .02% BAC or higher is grounds for a DUI. The penalties may include a fine between $500-$1,000, depending on whether the underage person had a previous DUI charge, and a license suspension.
DUI Homicide
DUI homicide is the most serious DUI charge. It is a felony that has life-altering penalties. This may include years in prison, hefty fines, and an extended probationary term upon release.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I Am Accused of a DUI?
If you are accused of a DUI, you might have the option to raise one of the following defenses:
- Unconstitutional stop
- Lack of probable cause
- Unreliable field sobriety tests
- Inaccurate breathalyzer or blood test results
- Break in the chain of custody
- Insufficient evidence
- A medical condition causing the appearance of intoxication
An attorney at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you build a strong defense in your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Frederick County DUI Lawyers
Do not waste time on your DUI case if you’ve been charged with DUI in Frederick County, Maryland. Call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Frederick County DUI lawyer today, and let us get started on your case.