Were you arrested for driving under the influence in Rockville, MD? If your case involves felony-level charges, a conviction could severely limit your freedoms going forward. However, you still have the right to fight back with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, our Rockville felony DUI lawyers have over 125 years of combined experience defending clients against charges such as these. Attorney Andrew Alpert is the only board-certified DUI defense attorney in Maryland, providing our firm with a distinct advantage in handling these types of cases.
Contact our law offices today at (301) 364-3195 to schedule a free initial consultation. When we meet, we can advise you of the best course of action going forward.
How Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You Were Arrested for Felony DUI in Rockville, Maryland
Maryland DUI cases can be highly technical, involving chemical tests and numerous police procedures. Although a specific outcome is never guaranteed, a single mistake by law enforcement could mean your charges should be reduced or even dismissed altogether.
When you hire Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, we will use our experience and in-depth knowledge of Maryland’s DUI laws to build the strongest defense possible for you.
Our Rockville DUI lawyers can help you by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into your case and the evidence against you
- Challenging field sobriety and chemical test results as applicable
- Filing motions to suppress evidence obtained illegally
- Negotiating for as favorable an outcome as we can under the law
- Representing you at every court appearance and administrative hearing
Our Rockville criminal defense lawyers understand how the prosecution operates and how to effectively counter their strategies. Contact us today in Rockville, Maryland, to schedule a complimentary initial consultation.
When Is a DUI a Felony in Maryland?
Most DUI charges in Maryland are misdemeanors. However, a DUI arrest can lead to felony prosecution if the State alleges that impaired driving caused a fatal crash.
Under Maryland Criminal Law § 2-503, driving under the influence that results in another person’s death is prosecuted as vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, a felony offense.
What Are the Penalties for Felony DUI in Rockville?
A felony DUI in Maryland can carry some of the harshest penalties under state law. The severity of your sentence will depend on various factors, including the specific facts and circumstances of your case.
Potential penalties for felony DUI may include:
- State prison time (potentially years, depending on the felony charge and facts)
- Substantial fines and court costs
- Probation and supervised release (in some cases, instead of or in addition to incarceration)
- Restitution to the victim’s family (when applicable)
- Mandatory alcohol/drug evaluation and treatment requirements
- Strict conditions of release, such as no alcohol, monitoring, and travel limits (case-dependent)
In addition to these criminal penalties, a felony DUI conviction can result in severe collateral consequences. These may include:
- Difficulty finding housing and employment opportunities
- Loss of certain legal rights
- Damage to your personal and professional reputations
- Immigration issues, if applicable
There is a great deal at stake if you’ve been accused of felony DUI in the State of Maryland. It’s critical to hire a qualified defense lawyer as soon as possible. That way, your attorney can get to work collecting any exculpatory evidence and developing a defense strategy that stands the best chance of success.
What Defenses Can I Raise in Response to Felony DUI Charges?
To obtain a felony conviction in a DUI-related case in Maryland, the prosecution must prove every required element beyond a reasonable doubt. There are often multiple ways to challenge the evidence presented against you.
Depending on your situation, your attorney may raise defenses such as:
- Unlawful traffic stop: The officer lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over.
- Improper field sobriety testing: The tests were administered incorrectly.
- Faulty breathalyzer or blood test: The equipment was not properly calibrated.
- Violation of your rights: You were not advised of your right to remain silent and/or to legal counsel.
- Causation issues: The prosecution cannot prove that your intoxication directly caused the accident or injuries.
Our DUI lawyers will work hard to expose any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you if you hire us to represent you. We’ll do everything possible to help you secure a favorable outcome.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With a Rockville Felony DUI Attorney
Felony DUI charges in Rockville, MD, are serious, but an arrest does not mean a conviction. The prosecution must meet a heavy burden to prove its case against you, and our team at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys knows how to fight back.
Contact our Rockville felony DUI attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. We’re ready to put our 125+ years of experience and proven track record to work on your behalf.