Driving while intoxicated or under the influence is something that can alter the course of your life. If you’re facing DUI charges and don’t know where to turn, you probably have a lot of questions about your rights and what the legal process ahead looks like.
A Frederick County DUI lawyer could step in and help guide you through the process, protecting your rights while acting as your advocate. A skilled criminal defense attorney could fight for the best possible outcome given the circumstances of your case, including possibly having the charges dropped entirely.
What Is the Definition of a DUI?
In Maryland, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Impaired) are distinct charges with different legal definitions and penalties:
- DUI: Driving under the influence occurs when an individual operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher per MD Code § 21-902(a)(1)
- DWI: Driving while impaired involves a lower BAC level (0.07 percent) or evidence of impairment that does not reach the DUI threshold per MD Code § 21-902(b)
Possible Penalties for DUI/DWI
The penalties for DUI or DWI charges depend on several factors, including whether it is a first offense or a repeat violation. Potential consequences include:
- Jail time: Up to one year for DUI and up to 60 days for DWI (for first offenses)
- Fines: Up to $1,000 for DUI and $500 for DWI
- Revocation of driver’s license: Suspension periods ranging from 6 months to several years
- Points on the individual’s driving record: Accumulating points could lead to higher insurance premiums or license revocation
Successive offenses can often be more serious, with jail time of up to three years, fines of up to several thousand dollars, and a revoked driver’s license. Such things can affect your livelihood and make it difficult to return to your life as usual. Having the right legal representation could make all the difference when facing DUI charges in Frederick County.
How Could a Lawyer Assist With a DUI Charge?
A Frederick County lawyer who handles DUI cases could step in and defend the rights of someone who has been accused of driving while intoxicated. Not only could a lawyer help with overall representation, but they can delve deeper into the specifics of the incident, from asking if the police officer had legal grounds to make the stop to determining if Miranda rights were read at the arrest. These questions help ensure that everything was conducted lawfully and with proper procedure.
An attorney could also act as an advocate. The process of dealing with a DUI charge can be confusing and overwhelming. With the assistance of a dedicated legal representative who can answer questions, head off surprises, and provide a shoulder to lean on, everything will be much more manageable and less stressful.
After an arrest on a DUI charge in Frederick County, your first call should be to a local legal professional. A lawyer could immediately get to work building a strong case as well as a strong attorney-client relationship.
Connect With a Frederick County DUI Attorney Today
If you are dealing with a DUI charge and have questions about your rights or how to proceed, a Frederick County DUI lawyer could help.
Price Benowitz is a firm of dedicated legal professionals working together to serve people during a time of need. We work to provide the best representation so you can get back to your life and put any stress behind you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and to learn more about how we could help you.
