Gaithersburg DUI Attorney
As a suburb of Washington, DC, Gaithersburg has its share of traffic congestion due to daily commuters (like other areas in Montgomery County). As a result, the traffic laws in the area are strictly enforced, particularly those having to do with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI). Speak with a lawyer if you want someone to represent and help defend you from these extremely serious charges.
The state of Maryland takes driving under the influence extremely seriously and imposes harsh penalties on those found to be in violation of the law. Even first offenses can trigger significant legal consequences, and the presence of a DUI on your driving record can have significant collateral consequences as well. For example, a DUI has the potential to keep you from getting a job or obtaining a commercial driver’s license. As a result, it is extremely important for anyone facing a driving under the influence case in this area to discuss their situation with an experienced Gaithersburg DUI attorney as soon as possible.
Gaithersburg DUI Offenses
There are five different laws that a person could be violating by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Maryland:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol – This citation applies when the State can prove that a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was significantly impaired by alcohol. No BAC reading is required to prove this charge, rather it is proved by officer observations of driving behavior, demeanor, and performance on field sobriety test.
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol per se (DUI Per Se) – This term applies when a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is at .08 or over. This is a “per se” offense, which means that no additional evidence is necessary to find a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher guilty of driving under the influence of
- Driving while impaired by alcohol (DWI) – A driver with a BAC of between .07 and .08 is presumed to be impaired by alcohol under the law.
- Driving while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance – Maryland law distinguishes between controlled dangerous substances and drugs. “Controlled dangerous substances” refers to any Schedule 1 through Schedule V controlled substances. The law provides an exception for people who are entitled to use the substances, presumably with of a prescription.
- Driving while impaired by drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol – A person is guilty of violating the law if he or she is driving a vehicle while impaired by a substance that is not a Schedule 1 through 5 controlled substance, or a combination of such a substance and alcohol.
It is important to note that drivers under 21 are subjected to a much lower legal BAC limit. Drivers under 21 are too young to drink legally, and a BAC of over .02 is enough to establish that they were in violation of that restriction. A Gaithersburg DUI lawyer can also help those charged with an underage DUI.
Gaithersburg DUI Penalties
The state of Maryland imposes strict penalties on people who are found to be in violation of DUI laws. The exact consequences imposed will vary from case to case and depend of factors such as the level of intoxication and whether there was a minor in the car at the time of the violation. In addition, the penalties imposed escalate extremely quickly with each subsequent offense.
Even though the potential penalties for a Maryland DUI are extremely severe, there are several defenses an experienced Gaithersburg DUI lawyer may be able to raise. When you speak with a defense attorney at our firm, he or she can explain which defenses may be available to you based on the facts and circumstances of your unique case.
Contact a Gaithersburg DUI Lawyer Today
Anyone facing a DUI in Gaithersburg or the surrounding areas should consult with a Gaithersburg DUI attorney as soon as possible. Call our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers.