College Park DUI Lawyer

Over the past several decades, the legal consequences associated with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) have grown significantly more serious. Today, even a first-time DUI offense can result in extremely serious penalties, including the loss of your license and even time spent in jail. Because College Park is home to the University of Maryland and the bars and restaurants that invariably accompany any major university or college, College Park law enforcement enforces Maryland’s DUI laws particularly vigorously.  DUI defense is complex area of law, which means it is extremely important for those accused of DUI to retain an attorney who has experience in this field. Our College Park DUI lawyers are dedicated to helping people accused of DUI in College Park bring their cases to the best outcome possible.

Advantages of a College Park DUI Lawyer

Fortunately for those accused of DUI, there are several defenses that can potentially be raised. The specific defenses will depend largely on the exact circumstances of your arrest. For example, your College Park DUI lawyer may be able to challenge the reason for the initial stop. In other cases, a driver may have medical condition that results in characteristics or behavior that law enforcement may mistake for signs of intoxication.

In situations where an officer administers a breathalyzer or other form of chemical testing, the calibration of the equipment used or the actual results of the test may in some cases be challenged. If any of these challenges are successful, the state may reduce the offense with which you are accused or, in some cases, may drop the case all together. Additionally, a judge may rule the evidence against you inadmissible due to investigative errors. An experienced College Park DUI lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case and determine what potential defenses could be raised in your case.

DUI Charges in Maryland

Maryland law has five distinct offenses that are related to DUI. These are:

  • Driving while impaired by alcohol (DWI)
  • Driving while under the influence of alcohol (DUI)
  • Driving while under the influence of alcohol Per Se (DUI Per Se)
  • Driving while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance
  • Driving while impaired by drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol

Importantly, anyone who drives a vehicle in Maryland has impliedly consented to chemical testing of their blood, breath, or urine if an officer reasonably believes that they may be impaired. If you refuse to take this test, you can lose your license for 270 days if it is your first time refusing chemical testing. You can challenge this suspension, but you must do so within 30 days of your refusal.

The legal limit for driving under the influence of alcohol is a .08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This means that you will be presumed to have been driving under the influence if your BAC is at .08 or higher. In cases involving a commercial vehicle driver, the legal limit is .04%. If a driver is under the age of 21, the legal limit drops down to .02%.

College Park DUI Penalties

The exact penalties you will be facing for a Maryland DUI will depend on a variety of circumstances, including whether you have been found guilty of a DUI in the past and whether you were involved in an injury-causing accident. Potential penalties associated with driving under the influence in College Park may include the following:

DWI:

  • Up to two months in jail; up to a $500 fine
  • Up to one year in jail; up to a $500 fine; suspension of your driver’s license for up to  one year; required ignition interlock device on your vehicle
  • Up to three years in jail; up to a $3,000 fine; suspension of your driver’s license for up to  18 months; required ignition interlock device on your vehicle

DUI:

  • Up to one year in jail; up to a $1,000 fine; suspension of your driver’s license for up to one year.
  • Up to two years in jail; up to a $2,000 fine; suspension of your driver’s license for up to  one year; required ignition interlock device on your vehicle
  • Up to three years in jail; up to a $3,000 fine; suspension of your driver’s license for up to  18 months; required ignition interlock device on your vehicle

Contacting a College Park DUI  Lawyer

A Maryland DUI can result in serious consequences and should not be taken lightly, even for a first offense. Our College Park DUI lawyers are dedicated to helping people accused of DUI obtain the best possible result and minimize any short- and long-term consequences they may be facing. DUI defense is a very specific area of law, and a College Park DUI lawyer will likely have the skill and experience required to bring your case to a positive resolution. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with a College Park DUI attorney.