If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, you likely have many questions about your legal rights and what happens next. DUI charges are serious and can lead to significant penalties, including license suspension, fines, jail time, and lasting impacts on your life and career.
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys understand the stress and uncertainty you’re facing. With 125 years of combined legal experience, including representation by the only board-certified DUI defense attorney in Maryland, we have the skills and reputation you need.
Contact our St. Mary’s County DUI attorneys today at (301) 262-7005 to get started with a free initial consultation.
How Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help With Your DUI Case in St. Mary’s County, MD
A DUI arrest is just the beginning. From the moment you’re pulled over, law enforcement is building a case against you. However, mistakes are common, and you may have more defenses than you think.
Our criminal defense attorneys will get to work right away to protect your rights and challenge the charges.
When you hire our legal team, we will:
- Investigate the stop and arrest for any constitutional violations
- Analyze body cam footage, police reports, and lab results
- Challenge breathalyzer and blood test accuracy
- Represent you at your MVA hearing
- Handle all court filings and negotiations
- Push for reduced or dismissed charges when possible
- Take your case to trial if necessary
We’ve handled over 1,000 DUI cases across Maryland, including complex cases involving repeat offenses, commercial drivers, and collisions. No matter the circumstances, we’ll build the strongest defense available on your behalf. Contact our DUI lawyers in St. Mary’s County, MD, today for a free case review.
DUI and DWI Charges in Maryland
Maryland law makes a distinction between DUI and DWI. Both can result in jail time, license suspension, and a criminal record, but DUI is more serious.
You can be charged with:
- DUI if your BAC is 0.08% or higher, or if you were significantly impaired
- DWI if your BAC is 0.07% and there’s evidence of some impairment
Even if you refused a chemical test, you can still be charged based on field sobriety test results or officer observations. A DUI arrest also triggers an administrative license suspension through the Maryland MVA, separate from the criminal case.
You only have 10 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing to challenge the license suspension. Our DUI attorneys can guide you through both types of proceedings from start to finish if you hire us to represent you.
What Are the Penalties for DUI in St. Mary’s County?
A conviction for DUI or DWI can carry serious penalties, especially if it’s not your first offense. Jail time is possible even for first-time offenders, and a conviction can also lead to license suspension, fines, and other long-term collateral consequences.
The penalties for a first-time DUI offense may include:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- 12 points on your license
- License revocation for up to 6 months
For a first-time DWI offense, the penalties may include:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Up to $500 in fines
- 8 points on your license
- License suspension
Repeat offenses carry harsher consequences, including mandatory minimum jail sentences, longer license suspensions, and higher fines. If there was a child in the car or a crash that caused injury, the penalties increase significantly.
What Defenses Can Be Raised in a Maryland DUI Case?
Even if you were arrested for DUI, it doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted. The government must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and there are many ways an experienced DUI lawyer can challenge the case against you.
Depending on the facts, we may be able to argue:
- You were not actually impaired: The officer may have mistaken fatigue, medical issues, or nervousness for signs of intoxication.
- The stop was unlawful: If the officer didn’t have reasonable suspicion to pull you over, any evidence they gathered after the stop could be thrown out.
- The field sobriety tests were flawed: These tests are subjective and often unreliable. If the officer didn’t follow proper procedures, the results may be invalid.
- The breath or blood test was inaccurate: Breathalyzers must be maintained, calibrated, and operated correctly. Medical conditions or improper administration could lead to false results.
- Your rights were violated: If you weren’t read your Miranda rights or were denied access to legal counsel, critical evidence might be inadmissible.
Not every case is the same, and not every defense applies to every arrest. That’s one reason why working with a skilled DUI attorney gives you the best chance to protect your future.
Contact Our St. Mary’s County DUI Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been charged with DUI in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, don’t delay. Immediate action is crucial to building an effective defense and protecting your rights. The sooner you reach out to a qualified attorney, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, we’re ready to provide you with the comprehensive legal services you deserve. With 125 years of combined experience and the state’s only board-certified DUI attorney, you can be confident you’re in capable hands.
Contact our St. Mary’s County DUI lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.