Charged with your first DUI in Prince George’s County, Maryland? Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys is ready to help call (301) 262-7005 to speak with a Prince George’s County 1st time DUI lawyer. Your first consultation is free and completely private.
A single DUI conviction can come with serious consequences, including license suspension, steep fines, and even jail time. Our legal team understands what’s at stake and knows how to craft a strong defense tailored to first-time offenders. Don’t leave your future up to chance reach out today to get experienced legal support.
Why Hire Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys if You’re Arrested for a 1st Time DUI
When you’re facing a first-time DUI in Prince George’s County, MD, you want a defense team that knows what it takes to win. Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys’ reputation is built on more than 125 years of combined experience and real results for people like you.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Our team is led by Andrew Alpert, the only Board-Certified DUI Defense Attorney in Maryland, giving you a legal edge you won’t find anywhere else.
- We have attorneys who are former prosecutors, giving us insight and relationships others don’t have.
- Our firm has more than 300 5-star Google reviews – our clients trust and recommend us.
If you’re facing charges in Prince George’s County, working with an experienced professional is essential. We know what’s at stake, from your driving privileges to your future career, and we’re ready to put our extensive experience and training to work for you.
Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation with a Prince George’s County criminal defense attorney.
Overview of 1st Time DUI Charges in Maryland
Driving under the influence charges in Maryland can have life-changing consequences, and it’s important to understand the laws that apply after an arrest.
DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Maryland
A DUI is considered the most serious drinking and driving crime in the state. A DUI can be charged when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 or higher. Maryland law holds that anyone with a BAC of .08 or above is “under the influence per se,” meaning the prosecutor does not have to prove you were actually impaired by alcohol, just that you met the chemical threshold.
In this case, it doesn’t matter if you feel or act intoxicated – your BAC alone is enough for a conviction.
DWI (Driving While Impaired)
DWI (driving while impaired) is a step down from DUI and is still a serious charge. DWI applies when a driver’s BAC is .07. A DWI is an acknowledgment that the driver was not fully intoxicated but was still impaired.
It’s essential to understand that you can still face serious consequences even when your BAC is technically under the legal limit.
Other Forms of Impairment
It’s illegal in Maryland to operate a vehicle if any substance affects your ability to drive safely, including:
- Prescription medications (even if they are legally prescribed)
- Drugs combined with alcohol
- Controlled substances, such as marijuana
- Any mixture that compromises your focus, reflexes, or judgment behind the wheel
Police may use blood or urine tests to check for drugs, not just alcohol, if you refuse testing, that comes with its own set of penalties.
Underage Drinking and Driving
Maryland enforces a strict zero-tolerance approach for drivers under 21 years old. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to have any measurable amount of alcohol in their system when driving. Even a small amount of alcohol can result in arrest and DUI charges for underage drivers.
While most first-time DUI and DWI charges are misdemeanors in Maryland, the penalties can still be serious. Understanding the details of Maryland’s DUI laws helps you know what you are facing.
What Are the Penalties for 1st Time DUI in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
If you’ve been arrested for a first-time DUI in Prince George’s County, Maryland, it’s essential to understand just how serious the penalties can be. Even a first offense brings consequences that may impact your license, your finances, and your future.
Penalties for a First DUI Conviction
If you are found guilty of driving under the influence, the following penalties may apply:
- Up to a $1,000 fine
- Jail time up to one year
- 12 points on your driving record
- Possible license revocation for up to six (6) months
A conviction can also impact your car insurance rates and put a permanent mark on your criminal record.
Penalties for a First DWI Conviction
If you’re convicted of DWI, the law is still serious, but the penalties are somewhat less severe:
- Up to a $500 fine
- Jail time up to two months (60 days)
- 8 points on your driving record
- 6-month suspension of your driver’s license
These consequences create significant barriers to continuing school and work.
Penalties for Drivers Under 21
If you’re between 18 and 20, your DUI or DWI case is handled just like any other adult case in criminal court. If you’re under 18, the charge will be handled in juvenile court, which may involve slightly different outcomes and penalties.
Even a single mistake can bring harsh consequences. That’s why it’s crucial to talk to an experienced defense attorney right away.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for a 1st Time DUI?
Being arrested for a first DUI doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be convicted – there are several defenses an experienced Prince George’s County DUI lawyer may use to challenge the charges or reduce the penalties.
A few common defenses include:
- The initial traffic stop was not legally justified (no probable cause). In this case, any evidence obtained as a result of the stop could be suppressed, leading your case to be dismissed.
- The breathalyzer or blood test was improperly calibrated, maintained, or administered. In this case, the results would not be able to be used against you, weakening or destroying the case.
- Medical conditions or other factors affected the test results or the officer’s observations. The argument would be that you were not actually impaired.
Consulting a skilled DUI defense attorney quickly gives you the strongest chance to protect your record and your future.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Prince George’s County 1st Time DUI Lawyer
Facing your first DUI charge in Prince George’s County, Maryland, is stressful, but strong and experienced legal guidance makes all the difference. At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, we take a thorough approach, questioning police procedures, challenging the evidence, and keeping you informed every step of the way.
Our experience in local courts has helped countless clients keep their licenses and move forward with their lives. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Prince George’s County 1st time DUI lawyer.
