Montgomery County DUI Lawyer
The negative effects of a DUI conviction can be felt throughout one’s life. Not being able to drive can affect a person’s professional and personal life. Hefty fines and even jail sentences could even stem from such a conviction. Fortunately, a dedicated defense attorney could work to mitigate these consequences. If you find yourself facing a charge related to alcohol and driving, consult with a Montgomery County DUI lawyer.
Driving Under the Influence
There are two distinct offenses related to alcohol and the operation of a motor vehicle. The first at most severe offense is that of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. For the purposes of Montgomery County law, a person is “under the influence” if they have a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher when arrested.
For a person’s first DUI conviction, 12 points will typically be awarded against their driving record. In addition, a defendant’s license can be suspended for a period of up to 6 months. The maximum penalty for a first DUI conviction is a fine of $1000 and up to a full year in a Montgomery County jail.
If a person is convicted a second time for driving under the influence, it will immediately trigger an automatic 5 day jail term with the possibility of up to a two sentence. The fine associated with a second conviction could be as much as $2000. A second conviction could also result in a driver’s license suspension for up to a year.
A mandatory driver’s license suspension will result if a person receives two DUI convictions within the same five year period. Anytime a person receives a DUI conviction they should be prepared to comply with an alcohol assessment plan. This may be required by the court, or could be an option negotiated through a MoCo DUI lawyer which avoids a more serious sentence.
Driving While Impaired
The second typical charge related to the consumption of alcohol and operating an automobile is driving while impaired (DWI) which is slightly less severe than a DUI. A person can be convicted of driving while impaired if their blood alcohol content at the time of the offense is equal to 0.07%.
A defendant’s second DWI conviction could result in a fine of up to $500 and up to two months in jail. Furthermore, 8 points will be assessed against a defendant’s driver’s license. If a person under age of 21, the legal drinking age in Montgomery County, they will be subject to a 1-year driver’s license suspension.
A second conviction for DWI can result in a license suspension of up to a year and up to a year in jail. The maximum fine for a second DWI is $500. If a person is under the legal drinking age at the time of arrest, a second DWI will result in a 2-year driver’s license revocation. For more information, contact a MoCo DUI lawyer today.
Noah’s Law
Noah’s law, named after a Montgomery County police officer who was killed by a drunk driver, was enacted in 2016. It aims to make our County’s roads safer by requiring an ignition interlock device to be installed on the vehicle of any person convicted of DUI or DWI for a minimum of 6 months. If a person refuses to submit to a breathalyzer exam, they will be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle for a period of 1 year.
Talk to a Montgomery County DUI Attorney Today
When it comes to DUI and DWI cases, the court has wide discretion in administering punishments. A sentence can range from a fine and interlock ignition device being installed to time behind bars. Because of the extent of the court’s power in these cases, it is always a good idea to hire an attorney. A DUI attorney is often times the key to reducing the consequences of such a charge. If you are charged with DUI or DUI, contact a Montgomery County DUI lawyer. Do not let a DUI or DWI charge affect your life more than it needs to. Call today to learn more.
Client Name: Michael H.
Review Title: Great Job on Our DUI Case
Review Title: Oleg did a great job on a DUI case for a close family member. He explained all of our options at the initial consultation. He expressed to us our chances of winning the case and kept us informed throughout the entire process. He allowed us to call him directly with any questions that we had and was very responsive. We took the case to trial and he was on time and prepared at the court house. He presented a great case and the judge ruled "Not Guilty". We are very grateful for the effort and energy that Oleg put into our case.
Star Rating: ★★★★★