If you are charged with a 1st time DUI in Rockville, Maryland, you may feel very anxious. It’s scary for anyone to face criminal charges, especially if you’ve never been in trouble before. The first step is to talk to a Rockville 1st time DUI lawyer at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys. You can reach us at (301) 364-3195.
Our lawyers have over 125 years of combined experience defending people charged in Rockville. We have handled countless DUI cases, including 1st time DUIs. We will fight to have the charges dismissed, reduced, and minimize the consequences of a conviction. Call us to schedule a free consultation with a Rockville 1st time DUI attorney today.
How Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You Are Arrested for a 1st Time DUI in Rockville
Alpert Schreyer is the only board-certified DUI defense lawyer in Maryland. He leads a team of highly dedicated criminal defense lawyers prepared to handle your case. Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys is proud to work with clients to get the best possible outcome in their criminal case.
While no two 1st time DUI cases in Rockville, MD, are the same, our work often includes:
- Talking clients through the law
- Explaining the criminal court process and potential penalties
- Collecting and reviewing the evidence
- Handling all communication with the prosecutor
- Negotiating for dismissal or a favorable plea deal
- Filing motions, including bond motions and pretrial motions
- Representing you in court
- Preparing for and standing up for you at trial
The best decision that you can make is to remain calm and speak with a Rockville 1st time DUI attorney. Call us to schedule a free consultation today.
Overview of 1st Time DUIs in Rockville
Most people know that if their blood alcohol content is .08 or higher, they can be convicted of a DUI. This is called driving under the influence per se. It means that you are presumed to be under the influence of alcohol because of the amount of alcohol in your blood.
However, there is an additional way that someone can be convicted of a DUI. You can be convicted of a DUI for driving while impaired, even if your blood alcohol level is below .08. This is sometimes called a DWI. The reason for this is that some people are unsafe drivers even when their BAC is below .08. Alcohol affects everyone differently, and the DUI law accounts for that.
It’s usually harder to prove a driving while impaired DUI because the prosecutors often use police observations and field sobriety tests. That means that it may be easier to defend against because you can question the reliability in the absence of a breath or blood test.
What Are the Penalties for a 1st Time DUI in Rockville, Maryland?
A 1st time DUI is a misdemeanor charge. It is the least serious type of DUI, but it can still have significant penalties. Conviction can carry up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. There are also additional consequences for your driver’s license. This includes 12 assessed points and a 6-month revocation. Most people won’t go to jail for a 1st offense unless there is an aggravating situation, such as causing an accident or an elevated BAC.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I Am Accused of a 1st Time DUI?
1st time DUI cases can be tricky to win, especially if there is a breathalyzer or blood test result. However, there are many viable defenses that an experienced attorney can argue on your behalf. No two DUI cases are the same. The best defense in your case is highly dependent on the facts of the case.
Some of the most common defenses are:
- Arguing that the traffic stop was unconstitutional because there was no reasonable suspicion
- Arguing that the arrest was unconstitutional because there was no probable cause
- Questioning the reliability of field sobriety tests
- Arguing that the breathalyzer was not calibrated or operated correctly
- Suggesting an alternative theory for the appearance of intoxication
Additionally, you can always argue that there is insufficient evidence of the DUI. The prosecution has the burden to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If there isn’t enough evidence, you won’t be convicted.
Sometimes the best defense isn’t always obvious. That’s how an experienced criminal defense attorney can help.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Rockville 1st Time DUI Lawyers
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys offers a free consultation for each prospective client in Rockville, MD. This is an important opportunity to ask questions, get information about our law practice, and tell your story. The sooner that you begin working with a lawyer, the sooner that you can defend yourself. To schedule your free consultation with a Rockville 1st time DUI lawyer, call us as soon as possible.
