Are you facing a 1st time DUI charge in Frederick County, MD? If so, Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you. While the consequences of a conviction can be serious, there’s a lot you can do to fight back with an experienced legal advocate on your side.
Our Frederick County 1st time DUI lawyers know how these cases work. We can offer our 125 years of combined experience defending people in criminal cases, including against DUI charges. Call our office at (301) 381-1993 to schedule a free consultation if you’d like to learn more or are ready to get started.
How Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You Are Arrested for a 1st Time DUI in Frederick County, MD
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys are highly experienced DUI defense lawyers in Maryland. Our lead attorney, Alpert Schreyer, is board-certified in DUI defense, the only lawyer in the state who holds this distinction.
We help clients stand up to the prosecution daily and protect them in criminal court. Our Frederick County DUI attorneys understand that every case and client is different. However, our work often includes:
- Explaining the law
- Discussing the criminal court process
- Reviewing evidence
- Filing pretrial motions
- Negotiating with the prosecutor
- Representing you at every court hearing
- Preparing for trial if necessary
Our first goal is always to avoid a conviction and to have your charges dismissed if at all possible. Contact our DUI lawyers in Frederick County, Maryland, today for a free case review.
Overview of 1st Time DUIs in Frederick County
There are multiple impaired driving offenses in Maryland. One is driving under the influence (DUI). These charges result when your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 or higher.
Another way is by driving while impaired, also called a DWI. This means that your blood alcohol content is below .08, but higher than 0.07. It is also illegal to operate a motor vehicle in Maryland while impaired by drugs.
What Are the Penalties for a 1st Time DUI in Frederick County, Maryland?
A 1st time DUI may not seem serious, but there can be serious penalties.
A conviction for a first-time DUI can carry up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Most people who are convicted of a 1st time DUI won’t go to jail, but some will. People who cause an accident or hurt another person are more likely to spend time in jail. Furthermore, those who have a particularly high blood alcohol content may face more severe consequences.
Additionally, you will have a misdemeanor conviction on your permanent criminal record, and it will affect your license. You will receive 8 to 12 points on your license and at least a 6-month revocation. This can be devastating for people who need a license to commute to and from work or to pick up their children.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I Am Accused of a 1st Time DUI in Frederick County?
1st time DUI cases are more complicated than one may think. There are many potential defenses, but most are highly technical. An attorney can help you understand the best defenses in your case.
Some of the most common defenses are:
- No reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop
- No probable cause for the arrest
- Unreliable or improperly conducted field sobriety tests
- Improperly calibrated breathalyzer
- A break in the chain of custody in a blood draw case
- Alternative theory for intoxication
- Insufficient evidence beyond a reasonable doubt
You may have another defense based on the unique facts of your case. Some defenses may result in a not guilty verdict, while others may keep the prosecutor from admitting certain damaging evidence. You can discuss the best defenses to your case with a Frederick County 1st time DUI lawyer at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Frederick County 1st Time DUI Attorneys
Reach out to Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation. This meeting has no strings attached. It is a chance for you to learn more about 1st time DUI law and how we can help.
You shouldn’t wait too long to hire a lawyer to defend you against 1st time DUI charges, as prosecutors take these cases seriously and it takes time to build your case. The best way to avoid a criminal conviction is to begin working with a Frederick County 1st time DUI attorney today.
