Maryland Traffic & DUI Defense Attorneys Protecting Your Rights
Facing a DUI charge or serious traffic offense in Maryland can have far-reaching consequences, from license suspension and costly fines to criminal records and even jail time. At Timothy A. Dachille & Associates, our experienced defense lawyers represent drivers throughout Baltimore and across Maryland who are fighting DUI charges, reckless driving citations, and other serious traffic violations. We understand the Maryland Transportation Code, local court procedures, and how to challenge weak evidence to protect your freedom and driving privileges.
DUI & DWI Charges in Maryland
Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are two of the most aggressively prosecuted offenses in Maryland. Even a first-time DUI conviction can result in license suspension, ignition interlock device requirements, and jail time. Penalties increase sharply for repeat offenses, high BAC levels, and DUIs involving accidents or injuries. If you’ve been charged, you need a Maryland DUI defense attorney who knows how to challenge field sobriety tests, chemical results, and police procedure.
We help clients with all aspects of their case—from MVA hearings and license reinstatement to criminal court defense. Our firm handles both alcohol and drug-related DUIs, including prescription medication and marijuana impairment cases. Don't face DUI charges alone. We’ll review every detail and fight to protect your future.
Cases We Handle:
In addition to DUI and DWI, we represent clients charged with a wide range of high-stakes driving offenses in Maryland, including:
- Reckless driving and aggressive driving
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license
- Hit and run / leaving the scene of an accident
- Driving without insurance
- Speeding over 100 mph or excessive speeding
- Failure to appear in court or pay traffic fines
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) violations
- Driving while uninsured or unlicensed
Our Maryland traffic violation attorneys build strong defenses and fight to reduce points, fines, and criminal exposure.
Administrative MVA Hearings
We represent clients in hearings before the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration to stop license suspensions before they happen.
DUI with High BAC or Aggravating Factors
We defend drivers facing enhanced DUI penalties for high blood alcohol content, minors in the car, or accidents.
Under 21 DUI Charges
Maryland’s zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers means even small amounts of alcohol can lead to suspension and a record.
CDL & Commercial Driver DUI
A DUI can be career-ending for truck drivers and other CDL holders. We help protect your ability to work.
Out-of-State Drivers
We represent non-Maryland residents cited for DUI or traffic offenses while visiting or commuting through the state.
Repeat DUI or Traffic Offenders
We help clients with prior offenses seek alternative sentencing, probation, or reduced penalties.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Maryland?
Maryland DUI penalties vary based on BAC level, age, prior convictions, and whether an accident occurred. For a first offense, penalties may include up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 in fines, and a 6-month license suspension. A second offense can result in up to 2 years in jail and higher fines. Additional penalties include:
- 12 points on your driving record
- Mandatory alcohol education or treatment
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
- Higher insurance premiums and long-term license consequences
Avoiding or reducing these penalties requires a strong legal defense.
Why You Need a Maryland Traffic & DUI Lawyer
Many drivers think they can handle a traffic or DUI charge on their own—but these cases can escalate quickly into criminal matters. A skilled DUI and traffic lawyer can challenge illegal stops, faulty test procedures, or constitutional violations. We know how to negotiate with prosecutors and advocate for alternatives like PBJ (probation before judgment), community service, or dismissal. With us, you're never just a case number.
Traffic & DUI Defense FAQs from a Maryland Criminal Lawyer
If you’ve been charged with a traffic offense or DUI in Maryland or Washington, D.C., these questions and answers will help you understand your rights, penalties, and next steps to protect your freedom and driving privileges.
What is the difference between a DUI and a DWI in Maryland, and how are they punished?
In Maryland, both DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Impaired) are criminal offenses, but they carry different penalties. A DUI involves a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher and is the more serious charge, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 in fines for a first offense. A DWI, charged with a BAC of 0.07, carries lighter penalties—up to 60 days in jail and $500 in fines—but still results in a criminal record and possible license points. Our Maryland DUI lawyers assess each case individually and fight for reduced charges or dismissal where possible.
Can I lose my license if I'm arrested for DUI or another traffic offense in Maryland?
Yes. A DUI arrest in Maryland triggers both criminal and administrative consequences. Even before you're convicted, you may face an MVA license suspension if you refuse or fail a breathalyzer test. For a first DUI, your license could be suspended for 45 to 120 days, and longer for repeat offenses. Other traffic offenses like driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, or excessive speeding can also add points to your license or lead to suspension. Our traffic defense attorneys in Baltimore help clients preserve their driving privileges through hearings, appeals, and alternative penalties.
What should I do if I’ve been pulled over and the officer suspects I’m impaired?
If pulled over for suspected DUI in Maryland:
Remain calm and respectfully comply with lawful orders.
You are not required to perform field sobriety tests, and you may decline without automatic penalty.
You may refuse a breath test, but be aware it may trigger an immediate license suspension.
Do not volunteer information about drinking or drug use.
Politely ask to speak with an attorney before answering further questions.
The sooner you contact an experienced Maryland DUI defense lawyer, the more options you'll have to challenge the stop, test results, or arrest process.
Are DUI charges ever dismissed or reduced in Maryland?
Yes. A skilled Maryland DUI attorney can challenge DUI charges on several grounds, including:
Illegal traffic stop or lack of probable cause
Improper field sobriety or breath test procedures
Faulty breathalyzer calibration
Violation of constitutional rights
Even if the charges aren’t dropped, we may negotiate a reduction to DWI, or secure probation before judgment (PBJ), which avoids a conviction on your record. Our legal team has successfully defended hundreds of DUI cases across Maryland and D.C.
What happens at an MVA hearing and why is it important after a DUI arrest?
An MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration) hearing is separate from your criminal case and focuses solely on whether your license will be suspended. You must request this hearing within 10 days of your DUI arrest to preserve your right to challenge the suspension. At the hearing, your lawyer can contest the breath test results, prove mitigating circumstances, or seek a restricted license for work or medical travel. Our Baltimore DUI attorneys represent clients at both the MVA and in court to protect your record, license, and freedom.
Speak With a Maryland DUI & Traffic Defense Attorney Today
Time matters when you’ve been charged with a traffic offense or DUI. The sooner we can start building your defense, the better chance we have to protect your license and avoid a conviction. Contact Timothy A. Dachille & Associates today for a free consultation.