DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers in Waldorf, MD

The Importance of Avoiding a Criminal Conviction

 The penalties you face in your case will depend on the nature of your criminal charges. Maryland law provides maximum penalties for each separate offense, including enhanced penalties for aggravating factors, such as prior criminal convictions, possession of firearms, injury of a law enforcement officer during the commission of a crime, and more. Court-ordered penalties may include:

• Fines and court costs
• Probation
• Time in jail or state prison

In addition, if convicted, you’ll have a permanent criminal record. A criminal record can affect your life in many areas, including:

• Eligibility for financial aid for higher education
• Acceptance into educational or professional programs
• Your ability to keep a job or obtain a new one
• Eligibility for military membership
• Eligibility for security clearances
• Eligibility for professional licenses
• Immigration status and ability to remain in the United States
• Ability to get or maintain custody of your children
• Sex offender registry requirements
• Ability to get accepted for rental housing

Often, defendants assume they’ll get probation, pay a fine, and move on with their lives, learning the long-term impact of a criminal record the hard way. We urge you to do everything in your power to avoid a conviction — including hiring skilled DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Waldorf, MD.

Challenging Your Criminal Charges

To convict you of any criminal offense, the prosecutor must prove you guilty of every charge against you beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecution will present evidence to succeed in their effort to convict you. This may include witness statements and physical evidence, as well as scientific evidence, such as fingerprints and DNA. Our goal as defense attorneys is to challenge the evidence in each case to prevent the prosecution from meeting their burden of “proof beyond a reasonable doubt.” We challenge the evidence in criminal cases in many ways, including:

• Violations of the rules of evidence – Both the federal government and Maryland adhere to specific rules that dictate when evidence is admissible in court. Inadmissible evidence may be hearsay, information overly prejudicial to a defendant, or information that is irrelevant to the charges or unreliable. Our attorneys examine evidence and work to suppress anything that goes against the rules.
• Constitutional violations – All too often, law enforcement officers gather evidence in violation of a person’s constitutional rights. For example, if officers discover evidence via an unjustified search, the discovery of the evidence violates the defendant’s Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure. Additionally, information gathered after an arrest may violate an arrestee’s Fifth Amendment rights if officers did not properly read their Miranda rights. In such situations, our attorneys can request that the court suppress the unlawfully obtained evidence.
• Claiming insufficiency– Sometimes, a prosecutor simply does not have sufficient evidence to prove an offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The more key evidence a defense attorney can get suppressed against a defendant, the weaker the prosecutor’s case will be. Successfully demonstrating insufficiency of the evidence can result in a dismissal of charges or an acquittal at trial.
• Forensic errors or unreliability – Many prosecutors know that scientific evidence can be particularly persuasive to jury members. However, forensic lab technicians can make mistakes, and test results are not always accurate or reliable. Our legal team will review how a lab handled, stored, and tested samples to identify any mistakes that could render the evidence unreliable.

Our Maryland homicide defense attorneys have an unparalleled understanding of DUI and criminal law. We are committed to knowing more about our clients’ cases than the prosecutor. In addition to the strategies above, our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Waldorf, MD leverage defense strategies such as mistaken identity, self-defense, alibis, and necessity, among others. If you’re facing charges for driving while impaired, driving under the influence, or another criminal charge, such as domestic violence, drug crimes, assault, or homicide, the prosecutor is probably five steps ahead of you. This puts you at a disadvantage within the legal system. Don’t risk your future on just any lawyer. Call our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Waldorf, MD to protect your rights and fight for your freedom. Drug charges, a drunk driving arrest, or another criminal charge can tear your life apart — not just now, but for years to come. We’re here to remind you that an arrest is not the same as a conviction. Our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Waldorf, MD will fight to protect your rights and guide your case to the best possible result. With over 40 years of experience protecting the rights of those facing criminal charges and charges for DUI and DWI, we’re on a mission to protect your rights now and in the future.

Andrew D. Alpert Is the Only Board-Certified DUI Defense Attorney in Maryland

 Andrew D. Alpert is the only board-certified DUI defense attorney in the state of Maryland. His well-rounded defense team includes other former prosecutors who each bring advanced training and specific knowledge to every case they take on. Together, their proficiency in the courtroom and their commitment to achieving the very best results possible for their clients is unparalleled. If you’ve been charged with a DUI or other criminal offense, your freedom is on the line. Don’t put off seeking the best lawyer you can hire in your defense. Schedule a free legal consultation today with our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Waldorf, MD.

Act Fast to Save Your License

The second you are arrested, the clock starts ticking. Your driver’s license could be taken from you as quickly as 10 days from the date of arrest. This means you may need to attend a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) hearing about your driving privileges on top of dealing with criminal charges. Despite how badly you probably want to stop and take a break from dealing with all of this, you must move quickly to protect your rights. The Maryland DUI and Criminal defense lawyers in Waldorf, MD can help. Call today for a free consultation.

Why Choose the DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers in Bowie, MD

• Our legal team boasts over 70 years of combined experience defending the rights of the accused.
• Our attorneys are former prosecutors who know how to recognize mistakes made by law enforcement.
• We have an established reputation as one of Maryland’s top-rated DUI defense firms.
• Our attorneys are committed to taking the time to clearly communicate and understand your case.
• We have the resources to investigate cases, provide expert witnesses in court, and advocate for you.
• We promise to fight for you with the intensity, drive, and skill necessary to produce results.

DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer Andrew D. Alpert

Founding Partner of Alpert Schreyer, LLC Attorney Andrew D. Alpert is one of the leading DUI attorneys in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia. Andrew Alpert was honored with becoming Maryland’s first and only attorney Board Certified in DUI Defense Law by the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD). Mr. Alpert is a former prosecutor with such extensive training in DUI/DWI law that he trains other defense attorneys in its practice. As a highly skilled and aggressive criminal defense attorney, Alpert has successfully defended thousands of DUI/DWI, criminal defense, and motor vehicle manslaughter cases. Many of his cases have been covered by the press. Mr. Alpert has been invited to give his legal opinion on high-profile criminal cases on national television and has received numerous awards and honors from the legal community. Martindale-Hubbell® has rated him AV Preeminent®, he carries a 10.0 Superb rating from Avvo, and has been selected many times for inclusion in Super Lawyers in both Maryland and the District of Columbia.

DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael Berman

During his time as a prosecutor, Michael Berman has handled thousands of criminal matters, including but not limited to DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, and theft. Mr. Berman began his defense lawyer work on the District Court team before being promoted to Circuit Court, and ultimately to Alpert Schreyer’s Auto-Manslaughter Trial Team. A former Assistant State’s Attorney, Mr. Berman fulfilled many responsibilities, in addition to a sizable caseload. He screened DUI cases involving Drug Recognition Experts, Blood Kits, and/or Hospital Records. He served as lead prosecutor for the Evaluation Review Docket, conducting competency and Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) hearings. Berman trained colleagues on DUI case law, as well as issue spotting for serious traffic cases. Mr. Berman also served as a Special Prosecutor in Talbot County.

DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer Christian Hartman

Christian Hartman is a defense attorney at Alpert Schreyer. He defends clients charged with driving under the influence, drug possession, drug distribution, and general traffic law violations. Mr. Hartman began his career as a prosecutor and quickly became proficient in DUI and other Fourth Amendment cases. His true calling, however, is defending those facing criminal charges. As he began working as a defense attorney, he discovered his time as a prosecutor gave him a unique edge. Attorney Hartman now specializes in finding and breaking open holes in the prosecution’s case.

DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers in Waldorf, MD

 If you’ve been arrested and charged with DUI or another criminal charge in Waldorf, MD or elsewhere in the state, reach out for a free legal consultation. We’ll take a careful look at your situation and answer your legal questions. If you choose to hire us to defend you, the first thing we will do is look for any mistakes in procedure that violated your rights. For example, we will fight to save you from wrongful conviction due to an improperly administered preliminary breath test or field test. Should we determine that a DUI conviction is unavoidable, we will fight to minimize the impact of your conviction. In the process, we will review your options with you from every angle and make sure you understand all possible contingencies.

Areas our DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers in Waldorf, MD Practice

Assault in Waldorf, MD

 Though facing criminal charges for assault can feel like the end of the world, it doesn’t have to be. Every person who faces assault charges is innocent until proven guilty. It’s the prosecutor’s job to prove that the assault occurred. This is not always an easy task. We have the perspective of being able to view your case from the shoes of the prosecutor, allowing us the ability to build you the strongest possible defense. Even if you’re afraid, overwhelmed, and confused, don’t give up on defending your future — help is available, and we’re here for you. Our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Waldorf, MD have successfully defended many clients facing assault charges and have the experience and resources to build an effective legal defense on your behalf.

Criminal Defense in Waldorf, MD

 The DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Waldorf, MD are experienced in defending the rights of individuals facing criminal charges. We begin with a careful review of your situation to gain a thorough understanding of your needs and the circumstances surrounding your case. Our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Waldorf, MD excel at making compelling arguments at bond hearings to get your bail reduced or eliminated. We will marshal the facts to show the judge you are not a flight risk or a threat to the public or witnesses in the case. In many situations, we can get our clients released on their own recognizance (ROR). This means they don’t need to post any money or collateral, instead simply promise to show up for future court hearings and any future trial.

Domestic Violence in Waldorf, MD

The domestic violence laws in Maryland are broad, covering everything from violent assault to destruction of property and stalking. If you’ve been accused, there’s no time to waste. A conviction for domestic violence is likely to mean high fines and jail time. Be sure to hire an experienced domestic violence lawyer to fight for your rights. With more than 40 years of experience defending those accused of assault, abuse, sex crimes, and other serious offenses, the Maryland domestic violence lawyers at Alpert Schreyer, LLC know just how destructive these charges can be to your life. As former prosecutors, our attorneys have a unique understanding of the criminal justice system that most other teams lack. We can help you evaluate your choices and gain the best chance of leniency and understanding from the prosecution by taking the best steps available to you.

Drug Crimes in Waldorf, MD

With more than four decades of experience practicing law in Maryland, our drug crime lawyers are highly knowledgeable in criminal defense. We are committed to protecting your constitutional rights and providing you with an aggressive defense in court. We have represented the full spectrum of defendants in drug cases, from simple possession to large trafficking cases. As former prosecutors, we know that law enforcement doesn’t always follow correct and ethical procedures in drug cases. We are finely tuned to recognize when law enforcement has illegally obtained evidence. We can use our extensive experience with drug crimes cases to go through your case step by step, looking for opportunities to get your charges reduced or dismissed entirely. For example, a medical defense may present the best angle from which to defend a marijuana case. Our experienced DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Waldorf, MD will fight to bring you the best possible result for your drug crime case. And if necessary, we’ll take our fight all the way to trial.

Homicide in Waldorf, MD 

 The Maryland homicide defense attorneys at Alpert Schreyer believe everyone accused of a crime deserves a zealous and complete defense. Our homicide defense attorneys have practiced law in Maryland for over four decades, handling thousands of criminal cases. We understand the law and we know the judges and prosecutors who help administer it every day throughout Maryland. We also know being charged with a crime often triggers a financial crisis, in addition to a personal one. That’s why we offer free case evaluations to all our potential clients. The serious nature of homicide charges requires law enforcement and prosecutors to adhere to strict rules about how they investigate, charge, and prosecute these crimes. As former prosecutors, Alpert Schreyer’s Maryland homicide defense attorneys know law enforcement sometimes make mistakes and may even misuse their authority. Our extensive knowledge of law enforcement procedure for investigating, gathering, and preserving evidence allows us to anticipate where and when procedure may go wrong. We use our uncanny ability to challenge investigative findings to ensure proper procedure and chain of custody were followed. When we find discrepancies, we fight to have the evidence in question thrown out. We promise each of our clients that we’ll investigate their case thoroughly, looking for weaknesses and errors to help us get their charges dismissed or reduced. We’re committed to taking your case to trial and providing an aggressive defense when necessary.  How Our DUI Attorneys in Maryland Can Help You There are plenty of law firms out there that will make unrealistic or empty promises to people seeking legal representation. While it’s vital to hire an attorney after being arrested, don’t hire the first lawyer you find. Make sure your attorney has the skills necessary to vigorously defend your rights. Building a strong defense involves your own attorney patiently reviewing the facts and conducting their own investigation on your behalf. Waiting too long to hire someone to defend you can prevent your lawyer from building your strongest case. At Alpert Schreyer, we encourage you to choose the attorney who fits your comfort level and the needs of your case. We’d be happy to speak with you about our unique qualities as a law firm and discuss how we can help you with your case.

Knowledge

 A successful defense can often be leveraged from the discovery that law enforcement officers made mistakes and failed to follow proper legal procedure. Our attorneys have the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze the state’s case against you and discern any errors. The DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Waldorf, MD are former prosecutors who regularly travel the country to receive advanced training. Recognizing mistakes made by law enforcement officers and challenging those mistakes in court can enable us to get evidence thrown out. It may also provide us with a route to get your charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Experience

Our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Waldorf, MD have successfully defended thousands of individuals charged with DUI, DWI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, and homicide in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Our criminal defense attorneys are former prosecutors with over 40 years of combined experience.

Results

Our willingness to aggressively fight DUI and other criminal charges in Waldorf, MD, instead of pleading our clients guilty, has allowed us to achieve the best possible results for those we represent. While we can’t promise you a specific outcome, we can promise to fight your case with the same intensity, skill, and drive that produced these excellent outcomes for other clients.

Specific DUI/DWI Defense

When it comes to a robust defense for DUI/DWI cases, our experienced attorneys in Maryland have a variety of resources readily available for their clients. Our attorneys utilize these resources to investigate cases, provide expert witnesses in court, and help our clients find appropriate treatment providers.

NHTSA Field Sobriety Certification

 Founding partner Andrew Alpert is one of only a few attorneys in the state of Maryland who has been certified as a NHTSA certified field sobriety test instructor. As a certified field sobriety test instructor, Alpert can recognize and challenge any improper field sobriety testing evidence the State may attempt to use against you. This allows him to challenge any evidence against you obtained through improper field sobriety testing procedures.

A Lead Attorney Who Owns and Operates Breathalyzer Equipment

Not everyone realizes that just because a driver had a breath test indicating a BAC of .08, doesn’t mean that person is also guilty of DUI. In addition to the potential for human error, chemical tests are notorious for inaccurate readings. An incorrect calibration on a breathalyzer machine can be the difference to someone being arrested for DUI or not. As someone certified to own and operate numerous types of breath testing equipment, lead attorney Andrew Alpert knows what questions to ask regarding any breathalyzer evidence against you to help protect you from an unjust charge.

Communication Skills

  Our DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Waldorf, MD communicate clearly, so clients can understand their legal rights and options and make appropriate decisions. Equally important, our attorneys listen and understand what their clients say to them, ensuring effective two-way communication.

Compassion

Successful and helpful DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Waldorf, MD recognize that facing DUI charges can be frightening. At Alpert Schreyer, we know how to put our clients at ease to alleviate the stress. We make your case about you, not us.

Reach Out to Alpert Schreyer’s DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers in Waldorf, MD Today

At Alpert Schreyer, we believe that everyone accused of a crime is entitled to a zealous and complete defense. We also know that being charged with a crime often creates a financial crisis, as well as a personal one. That’s why we offer free case evaluations to potential clients. No matter what you are facing, you don’t have to face it alone. At Alpert Schreyer, our experienced DUI and criminal defense lawyers in Waldorf, MD can create an aggressive defense to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t let hesitation be the factor that leads to your conviction. Call us today.