Baltimore MVA Hearing Attorney
Speak with an experienced Baltimore MVA hearing lawyer today to learn about what you can do to protect your driving privileges and avoid license suspension. MVA points are serious in MD, so it helps to attend your hearing alongside experienced legal representation.
It is common knowledge that driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) can lead to serious penalties. In the courtroom, one may be sentenced to time in jail and thousands of dollars in fines if convicted of such alcohol-related moving violations. It may not be quite as well known, however, that in addition to the court-imposed penalties, one faces administrative penalties as well from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
If you have been arrested for DUI or DWI, contact our law offices to secure the legal counsel of a Baltimore MVA hearing lawyer with experience on both sides of the bench. The Baltimore MVA hearing attorneys at our firm understand the ins and outs of the process and can effectively represent you at your hearing to help you minimize the impact to your driving privileges.
Why Should I Request an MVA Hearing?
When arrested for DUI or DWI, a driver’s license is confiscated and he or she faces license suspension and restrictions which will be determined by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) at an administrative hearing. Obtaining skillful legal representation before this hearing may prevent long-term suspension.
However, you must formally request a hearing within 10 days to save your driving privileges. Otherwise, you will lose your driving privileges at least until the conclusion of your MVA hearing. You have 30 days in total to request an MVA hearing, starting from the day you are arrested. If you fail to request a hearing within those 30 days, then you will lose your driving privileges as per the DUI administrative penalties outlined below.
Administrative Proceedings for DUI in Baltimore, Maryland
Upon arrest for Maryland DUI, your license will be seized and you will be issued an Order of Suspension. From the date of the order, you have only 10 days to request an MVA hearing from the Office of Administrative Hearings to prevent your license from remaining under suspension until your criminal case is closed or resolved.
Although you have the right to represent yourself in an administrative hearing, it is very important that you realize the possible repercussions of your decision. Because an MVA hearing is part of the legal process, it is wise to secure legal counsel from a Baltimore MVA hearing attorney who is familiar with the complexities of administrative law.
DUI Administrative Penalties
In a manner similar to court-imposed DUI penalties, the severity of administrative DUI penalties depends upon the offender’s level of intoxication at the time of arrest and the number of prior offenses. The length of license suspension for those arrested with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in the range of 0.08 to less than 0.15 percent is shorter than the suspension for those with a BAC of 0.15 percent or greater at the time of arrest, even upon a first offense:
- BAC 0.08 to 0.15 percent: maximum term of license suspension – 45 days
- BAC 0.15 percent or greater: maximum term of license suspension – 90 days
For second or subsequent offenses, the penalties increase:
- BAC 0.08 to 0.15 percent: maximum term of license suspension – 90 days
- BAC 0.15 percent or greater: maximum term of license suspension – 180 days
First time offenders with a BAC in the lesser range, below 0.15 percent, may be eligible for modifications to the suspension which allow for restricted driving privileges. Under such modified restrictions, a driver may drive to places such as work, school, alcohol safety programs, or other important or necessary obligations.
Who to Contact for MVA Hearings in Baltimore
Our Baltimore MVA hearing lawyers have the ability to evaluate a case from all angles, which makes them effective legal representative and true assets to clients seeking to avoid the administrative penalties which can accompany a Baltimore DUI or other serious traffic infraction. Call our law offices today for your free case analysis.