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Maryland DUI Lawyer | Protect Your Rights and Your Future

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Maryland, the decisions you make now can have a lasting impact on your life. An experienced Maryland DUI attorney can help you fight the charges and protect your future.

The law firm of Houlon, Berman, Finci & Levenstein, LLC has extensive experience defending those charged with DWI or DUI in MD. We know which defenses to employ to help you avoid Maryland DWI/DUI penalties.

In order to prove the offense of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Driving While Impaired by Alcohol, the State must prove the following elements of the offense:

(1) that the defendant drove a vehicle; and

(2) that, at the time, the defendant was either under the influence of alcohol or impaired by alcohol.

Our Greenbelt and Rockville DUI attorneys can help those facing DWI/DUI charges in Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, and the surrounding communities.

If you need legal assistance to avoid being convicted of a DWI/DUI in Maryland, the attorneys at Houlon Berman are here to help. Schedule your free consultation today.

DWI vs. DUI in Maryland

In Maryland, DWI (Driving While Impaired) and DUI (Driving Under the Influence) are two different levels of alcohol-related offenses. DWI is generally considered the lesser charge, while DUI involves a higher level of impairment and carries more severe penalties.

A driver in Maryland may be charged with either DWI or DUI depending on their level of impairment and the circumstances of the case. However, according to Maryland blood alcohol limits, a BAC of 0.08% or higher can be evidence of DUI per se or on its own.

Police officers may pull drivers over to test their blood alcohol concentration in Maryland if they suspect motorists are driving while impaired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They may also detain drivers at sobriety checkpoints, particularly if their behavior is suspicious.

While citizens may refuse to have their BAC tested, this could lead to license suspension and other penalties, depending on whether it is their first DUI offense. Click here to learn more about MD DWI/DUI penalties.

How Attorneys Fight DUI Charges

It is the state’s responsibility to prove you were operating a vehicle while drunk or on drugs. Therefore, to beat a DUI, you must be able to defend against the state’s claims or argue that legal errors were made in your case. Keep in mind that the best way to ensure that your defense is presented properly is to hire an experienced DUI defense lawyer with strong knowledge of Maryland DUI laws. Attorneys often use the following arguments to defend these cases:

Being intoxicated and in a car is not always enough to support a DUI conviction. The prosecution must prove actual operation or control of the vehicle. The police must prove the suspect was either driving the vehicle or in a position to operate the vehicle. This can be difficult, especially in cases where no witnesses can attest to who was operating the vehicle.
A court can dismiss evidence obtained when a police officer did not have probable cause to stop, detain, or arrest the suspect. Roadblock cases may fall in this category.
If a police officer failed to read the proper Miranda warnings to the suspect, any statements made during the stop may be suppressed.
If the police officer did not warn the suspect about the implications of refusing a field sobriety test, this can affect any legal case or license suppression stemming from the incident.
The opinion of a police officer regarding whether a suspect was under the influence of alcohol can be questioned, especially if witnesses were present who believe the suspect was sober.
Many problems exist with field sobriety tests. Some breathalyzers, for example, register chemical compounds that may be found on human breath that are not alcohol. Radio interference can also negatively impact readings. If field sobriety equipment is not properly maintained, it can produce skewed readings.
Any field sobriety test is inaccurate if administered during the absorptive phase, which generally occurs within 45 minutes of taking a drink. It can also be difficult to extrapolate the results of a field sobriety test back to the time at which the alcohol was consumed.

These are just some of the many approaches for beating a DUI charge.

What Constitutes a DUI in Maryland?

Driving under the influence (DUI) in Maryland is defined by the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels:

0.08% or higher for drivers over 21 years
0.02% or higher for drivers under 21 years
0.04% or higher for commercial drivers

Penalties for DUI in Maryland

Maryland imposes strict penalties for DUI offenses, which can include:

Fines: Ranging from $500 to $5,000 depending on the offense
License Suspension: Up to 120 days for first-time offenders
Imprisonment: Possible jail time ranging from a few days to several years
Ignition Interlock Device: Mandatory installation for repeat offenders

Why You Need a DUI Attorney in Maryland

The Role of DUI Attorneys

DUI attorneys specialize in defending individuals charged with driving under the influence. They provide:

Legal Representation: In court and during administrative hearings
Negotiation Skills: To potentially reduce charges or penalties
Expert Advice: On your rights and options

Choosing the right attorney is critical. Learn more about what to look for in a defense lawyer in our detailed guide : How to Choose the Best DUI Lawyer in Maryland

Finding DUI Defense Attorneys Near You

Searching for “DUI Defence Attorney Near Me”

When searching for a DUI defense attorney, use specific keywords like “DUI attorneys” and “lawyers near me DUI” to find specialized legal assistance in your area. Consider the following:

Specialization: Focus on attorneys who specialize in DUI law
Location: Choose lawyers who are familiar with local Maryland laws and courts

Evaluating the “Top DUI Attorney Near Me”

Assess potential attorneys based on:

Experience in Maryland Courts: Familiarity with local judges and prosecutors
Client Testimonials: Insight into the attorney’s effectiveness and client satisfaction
Fee Structure: Transparency in billing and affordability

The Legal Process: What to Expect in a DUI Case

Pre-Trial: From Arrest to Arraignment

Initial Arrest: Your first encounter with law enforcement
Arraignment: The formal reading of charges where you enter a plea
Bail and Pre-Trial Motions: Decisions on bail and potential pre-trial motions

Trial: Presenting Your Defense

Jury Selection: Choosing impartial jurors
Opening Statements: Both sides outline their case
Presentation of Evidence: The prosecution and defense present evidence and witnesses
Closing Arguments: Final arguments before jury deliberation

Post-Trial: Sentencing and Appeals

Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes penalties
Appeals Process: The opportunity to challenge the conviction or sentence

Understanding DUI Lawyer Costs

The cost of hiring a DUI attorney can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the experience of the lawyer. Learn more about DUI lawyer costs

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Cases in Maryland

What Should I Do If I’m Pulled Over for a DUI?

If you’re pulled over for suspected DUI, remember to:

Stay Calm: Cooperate with the officer’s requests
Know Your Rights: You have the right to remain silent and request an attorney
Avoid Self-Incrimination: Be cautious with your words and actions

Can a DUI Charge Be Expunged from My Record?

In Maryland, DUI charges generally cannot be expunged. However, under certain conditions, records of an arrest or charge that did not result in a conviction may be eligible for expungement.

How Long Will a DUI Affect My Driving Record?

A DUI conviction can remain on your driving record for several years, impacting insurance rates and employment opportunities. Typically, the points associated with a DUI conviction stay on your record for two years in Maryland.

Serving as DUI Lawyers in these locations and more:

Contact a DWI/DUI Defense Attorney

\If you need a DUI/DWI defense attorneys in Maryland to help with your case, contact us online today to schedule a free consultation. Let our attorneys give you the personal attention required to help you fight these charges.

The law firm of Houlon, Berman, Finci, Levenstein & Feldman, LLC is the proud holder of a Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ certification of AV®. Let us assist you with criminal and traffic law in Maryland and the District of Columbia, including Potomac, Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, College Park, and Upper Marlboro.

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