Frederick DUI Lawyer

The penalties for DUI vary based on the circumstances and how many prior DUI convictions you have. Penalties for Driving While Impaired (DWI), meaning a breath test showed 0.7% BAC or lower, are typically lower than DUI penalties.
First Offense:

• DUI: Up to 1 year in jail, up to a $1,000 fine, up to a 6-month license suspension.
• DWI: Up to 2 months in jail, up to a $500 fine,up to a 6-month license suspension.
  Second Offense
• DUI: Jail time ranging from 5 days to 2 years, up to a $2,000 fine, up to a 12-month license suspension, and mandatory alcohol and drug assessment and treatment. You may also be required to participate in an Ignition Interlock Program.
• DWI: Up to 1 year in jail, up to a $500 fine, up to a 9-month license suspension.
  Penalties increase with each additional offense and are more severe when a minor is in the vehicle. You may also face collateral consequences such as employment challenges, higher insurance premiums, loss of professional licenses, and more.

There are many defenses available for DUI charges in Frederick. Your DUI attorney will develop a defense strategy based on the facts and circumstances of your case. The most common DUI defenses are:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop: Was there a valid reason for the initial stop? If not, any subsequent evidence could be deemed inadmissible.
• Disputing Test Accuracy: Breathalyzers and blood tests must adhere to strict procedures and calibration rules. Any deviation can cast doubt on the results. Field sobriety tests can also be unreliable depending on the conditions of the test.
• Alternative Explanations for Alleged Intoxication: Symptoms associated with intoxication can have other causes, such as medical conditions or fatigue.
  Identifying Procedural Errors: Mistakes in handling evidence or administering tests can cast doubt on the validity of the prosecution’s evidence.
• Ultimately, a strong defense aims to create reasonable doubt about the prosecution’s case or expose errors in the state’s procedures. An experienced Frederick DUI attorney can thoroughly investigate your case and develop the most effective defense strategy.

Yes, your license may be suspended after a DUI charge. The length of the suspension will depend on whether you have prior DUI convictions, with first-time offenders facing up to a six-month suspension and second-time offenders facing up to a 12-month suspension.

A DUI conviction in Maryland often comes with probation, usually lasting one to three years. The exact duration depends on the severity of your DUI charges.

While on probation, you’ll have certain obligations, which may include:

• Avoiding alcohol and drugs
• Participating in alcohol education classes or treatment for alcohol abuse.
• Avoiding further criminal charges.
• Undergoing random drug and alcohol screenings.
• Community service.

Failing to meet these requirements can have serious consequences, including the possibility of jail time. It’s essential to have an attorney guide you through the probation process and ensure you understand and fulfill your obligations.

Individuals who represent themselves could win their DUI case without a lawyer. However, this is not advisable. DUI defense often hinges on technical arguments related to the initial traffic stop, related procedural errors, and the validity of breath or blood tests. A sophisticated knowledge of DUI law is required to make these arguments to a court and challenge the prosecution’s case.

The stakes are too high to represent yourself. Hiring a DUI lawyer will increase your chances of a favorable outcome and give you peace of mind as they handle all aspects of your criminal defense.