Allegany County Courthouse

The Circuit Court for Allegany County, Maryland is located on 30 Washington St., in Cumberland, Maryland. It is open between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM on every scheduled court day, and closed on weekends and approved court holidays. General information can be obtained by calling (301) 777-5923 or visiting the Clerk’s Office website.

The Circuit Court handles civil and criminal cases, along with the Allegany County District Court located at 123 South Liberty St. in Cumberland, Maryland. District Court can be reached at (301) 723-3100, and it is open the same days as the Circuit Court for Allegany County.

An Arrest for DUI in Cumberland

Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Allegany County entails more than just a traffic citation. Receiving a conviction for driving under the influence can result in a long-lasting criminal record. Your arrest might generate potential consequences including significant fines and an extensive jail sentence and/or probation. This makes it very important to take the necessary steps to ensure that you protect your constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent.

If law enforcement believe you were impaired or drunk while driving, they will stop you to ask if you have been drinking alcohol, and how much. However, you are not bound by law to answer, or even to inform the arresting officer where you have been. Even admitting you have taken one sip of alcohol might constitute “probable cause” and allow the officer to have the evidence they need to arrest you for DUI.

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence in Cumberland or elsewhere in Allegany County, you should familiarize yourself on the best strategies for dealing with law enforcement, the jail system, and the courts. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may have already been offered a diversion agreement with the Allegany County court system where you can attend an alcohol and drug treatment program.

Your permanent driver’s license was likely removed from your possession at the time of your arrest, and if so, you were given a temporary license that last for 45 days. Under Maryland law, it is your legal responsibility to call the Motor Vehicles Administration (MVA) to schedule a hearing concerning your license. If you neglect to do this within the first 10 days, your license will be suspended automatically on the 46th day until a hearing can be scheduled.

Consulting with an Attorney

The best way to protect your rights, and build a solid defense, is to consult directly with an experienced DUI attorney that handles cases in Allegany County. Even if your case seems open and shut, experienced legal representation may be able to challenge your field sobriety test, blood test, breath test and any tests for chemicals. In addition, they can work on your behalf to dispute the validity of the law enforcement’s original traffic stop, and protect your driver’s license.

If you had a previous DUI arrest, it is imperative to retain an Allegany County attorney who understands DUI cases if you want to avoid the serious penalties for repeat offenders in Maryland. If convicted, your attorney may be able to offer alternative penalties including installing an ignition interlock device.