Getting arrested for a DUI in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, can feel unsettling, as it carries significant consequences that affect many aspects of your life. The good news is that you do have options for defending yourself and protecting your rights. Having a local lawyer who understands Maryland’s drunk driving laws can give you the insight you need to respond effectively.
If you’re unsure where to turn, an attorney who knows the system can be a vital resource. Contact our lawfirm Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys at 301-932-9997 to schedule a free consultation with an Anne Arundel County DUI lawyer.
How Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You’re Arrested for a DUI in Anne Arundel County, MD
Being charged with a DUI in Anne Arundel County, MD, can come with serious consequences. The best way to mitigate these is to speak with a lawyer.
Here’s how our firm can help:
- We look at how your traffic stop and arrest took place to see if the police had a legitimate reason to pull you over. If they violated the law or your constitutional rights, we may be able to get your case dismissed.
- We look for flaws in the breathalyzer test or blood draw process, and we review body camera footage or witness accounts that might weaken the state’s case.
- We handle negotiations with prosecutors and, if necessary, defend you at trial in front of a judge to seek a resolution that protects your freedom.
For help with DUI charges in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, we’re here for you. Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with an Anne Arundel County criminal defense lawyer.
Overview of DUIs in Maryland
In Maryland, driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher is considered driving under the influence per se (DUI). This can lead to a conviction without any other evidence of impairment.
When a person’s BAC is .07, they are assumed to be impaired and can be charged with driving while impaired (DWI) and also be convicted without further evidence. This is a slightly lesser charge than a DUI.
The state also prohibits driving if you’re under the influence of any kind of drug, whether it’s a prescription, an over-the-counter medication, illegal drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol. If you’re under 21 and have any trace of alcohol in your system, you can be charged with DUI on that basis alone.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
Penalties for a DUI in Anne Arundel County depend on factors like whether you’ve had previous offenses and what your BAC was.
DUI Conviction Penalties
If you’re charged with driving under the influence, you face the following consequences:
- First Offense: You could face a license revocation for up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, and 12 points on your license.
- Second Offense: Fines increase to a maximum of $2,000, and jail time can go up to two years, with a minimum five-day sentence. Your license may be revoked for up to one year, and you’ll receive 12 points on your license.
If you’re facing any of these potential penalties, it’s important to work with a lawyer right away.
DWI Conviction Penalties
If you’re convicted of driving while impaired instead, you face the following penalties:
- First Offense: Up to a $500 fine, up to two months in jail, eight points on your record, and a six-month suspension of your driver’s license. Drivers under 21 can lose their license for one year.
- Second Offense: You could be fined as much as $500 and face up to a year in jail. Your license suspension ranges from nine to twelve months, and anyone under 21 would have a two-year suspension of their license.
Stricter sentences can apply if you’re transporting a minor while under the influence.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for a DUI?
When you’re facing a DUI charge, there are several ways you can defend yourself.
Some of the most common ways to challenge these charges include:
- Invalid Stop or Arrest: If the officer didn’t have a proper reason to pull you over, like witnessing you commit a traffic violation, any evidence collected might be thrown out. Reviewing dash and body camera footage can reveal potential errors.
- Problems With Testing: Breathalyzers and blood tests sometimes yield inaccurate results due to calibration errors, improper administration, or other mistakes. If the tests weren’t conducted properly, it can weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Health Issues or Medications: Certain conditions and medications might skew your blood alcohol readings or make you appear impaired. Highlighting these circumstances can create doubt about whether you were truly under the influence.
A number of potential defenses may apply, and a knowledgeable attorney can explore them to find the right one for your case.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With an Anne Arundel County DUI Attorney
Facing a DUI charge in Anne Arundel County can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to expect next. Scheduling a free case evaluation is an important step toward understanding your rights and exploring your options.
During this consultation, our attorney will review the details of your arrest and answer any questions you have. Let us help you protect your future. Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with an Anne Arundel County DUI Attorney.