Were you just arrested for felony DUI in Prince George’s County, MD? These charges are more serious than you might think. When fighting these types of charges, every detail matters for defendants. Call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys at (301) 262-7005 for a free consultation with a Prince George’s County felony DUI lawyer.
You don’t have to face this kind of charge alone or with a legal team that doesn’t understand how these cases work. Let our firm help you with any criminal matter in Maryland. Contact us to speak to a criminal defense attorney.
Why Hire Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys if You’re Arrested for Felony DUI in Prince George’s County?
A felony DUI in Prince George’s County, Maryland, is a life-altering charge, and you can’t afford to take chances. You need a defense attorney who knows exactly how these cases work and who can help you get the best outcome possible.
Here are just a few reasons why you should hire our Prince George’s County criminal defense lawyers:
- We have over 125 years of combined criminal defense experience.
- We know Prince George’s County judges, prosecutors, and local procedures.
- Our firm’s attorneys are led by Andrew Alpert, the only board-certified DUI defense attorney in Maryland.
When the stakes are this high, you need a team that is by your side every step of the way. Call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Prince George’s County felony DUI attorney.
Overview of Felony DUI in Maryland
Driving under the influence is illegal and harshly punished in Maryland. It’s helpful to understand what a DUI is and when it can be charged as a felony, as this significantly impacts the consequences.
Driving Under the Influence
If your blood alcohol level is .08 or higher, you can be charged with DUI. This is a DUI per se, meaning even if you don’t feel or seem impaired, you can still be convicted of DUI.
DWI (Driving While Impaired)
If your blood alcohol is .07, an officer can charge you with DWI. While DWI is a step below DUI, it still means your ability to drive is considered impaired under Maryland law.
Drug or Combined Impairment
It’s illegal to drive if drugs—prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal—or a mix of alcohol and drugs impacts your ability to drive safely. Marijuana use can also lead to criminal charges, even if used legally.
When DUI Can Become a Felony in Maryland
In some circumstances, a DUI becomes more severe and is charged as a felony.
Here are some of the most common situations in which this happens:
- Driving drunk with a child under 14
- Second DUI offense within 10 years
- Third or subsequent DUI in your lifetime
- Extremely high BAC (.2 or higher)
- Causing serious harm or death to another person while driving under the influence
In these cases, you will almost always be charged with a felony DUI. If you find yourself in this situation, contact a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid the most severe penalties.
What Are the Penalties for Felony DUI in Maryland?
Felony DUI penalties in Maryland depend on your record and the facts of your case. While there’s no single outcome for every felony DUI, the consequences are always life-altering and much more severe than for a first-time or misdemeanor DUI. Here’s what you could potentially face:
Potential Prison or Jail Time
Felony DUI almost always brings the risk of significant time behind bars. Depending on how many prior offenses you have and the aggravating factors present, you could face up to several years in state prison.
Probation
The court may place you on probation instead of or in addition to serving time. This comes with strict conditions: regular check-ins with an officer, alcohol abstinence, and no new offenses while on supervision.
Fines
Felony convictions usually come with steep financial penalties. You may be ordered to pay thousands of dollars in fines, which increase with each additional conviction or aggravating circumstance.
Court-Ordered Alcohol and Drug Evaluation & Treatment
Most felony DUI sentences include mandatory evaluations for substance abuse. If treatment is recommended, you must attend classes, counseling, or rehab and show proof of completion.
Ignition Interlock Device
Maryland law requires many felony DUI offenders to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle, which won’t allow them to start the car if there’s any alcohol on their breath.
Driver’s License Suspension
One of the immediate and lasting consequences of a felony DUI in Prince George’s County is losing your right to drive. The state can suspend your license, especially for repeat offenses.
Collateral Consequences of DUI Convictions
Getting arrested for and convicted of a DUI can lead to serious consequences that follow you even after you finish any court sentence that has been imposed. Collateral consequences can include losing your job or having trouble finding work, higher insurance rates, issues with child custody or divorce proceedings, or travel restrictions.
The sooner you start building a defense with an experienced local attorney, the better your chances of limiting these punishments.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for a Felony DUI?
If you’re facing a felony DUI charge in Prince George’s County, you may feel like you’re out of options. The reality is, a skilled defense can make a major difference, even in serious cases.
Some of the DUI defenses they can consider include the following:
- Challenging the traffic stop
- Questioning the field sobriety test or breath test results
- Disputing BAC evidence
- Arguing that you weren’t driving
With the right legal strategy and experienced representation, you can challenge the charges against you.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Prince George’s County Felony DUI Lawyer
No one expects to be facing felony DUI charges, but sometimes you find yourself in that position anyway. We’re here to help you with a DUI charge in Maryland. Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Prince George’s County felony DUI lawyer.
