A Maryland DUI Lawyer Defending Clients Facing Traffic/DUI Offenses
A Traffic or DUI charge in Maryland or Washington, D.C., can have stiff consequences for drivers. Depending upon the nature of the offense, if you are convicted, you may be looking at substantial fines, the suspension or loss of your license, and even the possibility of spending time in jail. With so much on the line, you need to be sure you have a trusted Maryland DUI lawyer on your side who can build a strong defense against the charges you are facing. Even if you intend to plead guilty, the assistance of a highly experienced lawyer can be a valuable tool to use to minimize any punishments and/or fines you may be facing.
At Timothy A. Dachille & Associates, we have years of experience defending clients facing traffic/DUI charges throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Our lawyers represent drivers in both criminal and administrative proceedings in cases involving:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Speeding tickets
- Reckless driving
- Accumulation of Points
- Other traffic violations
When you work with our firm, we will carefully explain the charges brought against you and the potential penalties and consequences you are likely to face. We will also outline your various options and, using our decades of collective experience, help you determine the best course of action for your case.
A Maryland DUI Lawyer Explains DUI Laws
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is, of course, against the law. However, people facing DUI charges need to understand how the law applies to their case to understand their options. For alcohol-related DUI charges, there are two types of DUI offenses under Maryland law:
- Driving under the influence (DUI): this is charged when you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. This is sometimes referred to as “under the influence per se.”
- Driving while impaired (DWI): this offense is charged when you have a BAC between .07 and .08. DWI is considered a lesser offense than DUI but still carries serious consequences.
There are parallel charges for driving while under the influence of drugs:
- Driving while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance: this charge is similar to a DUI and is charged when the prosecution can prove what drug you are impaired by.
- Driving while too far impaired by drugs or alcohol: this is a lesser charge, similar to DWI. It is typically charged when the state cannot identify the specific drug.
Drugged driving cases are somewhat more challenging for the prosecution because they cannot rely on breathalyzer tests. Instead, they will rely more heavily upon the arresting officer’s observations that you were impaired. However, they can request that you take a blood test to confirm the presence of drugs in your system. And again, any amount of drugs in your system could support your charge, there is no “legal limit” like there is with alcohol. This is especially important for anyone who uses marijuana to understand.
Maryland’s DUI laws are complicated. A strong defense requires an understanding of the law and a careful analysis of the facts. Working with an experienced Maryland DUI lawyer is your best opportunity to achieve a fair outcome.
Potential Consequences of a DUI Conviction
If you are convicted of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you could be facing the following consequences:
- DUI and driving while impaired by a controlled, dangerous substance: for a first offense, you could be facing up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Second-time offenders could face up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine. Those who are facing their third offense could face up to three years in jail and a fine of $3,000.
- DWI and driving while too far impaired by drugs or alcohol: First offenders face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Second offenders could face up to one year in jail and a $500 fine; third offenders could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
These penalties are in addition to suspension of your license and points, as well as possible mandatory drug or alcohol counseling. As you can see, the consequences for even a first offense can be severe. The best way to protect your future is to contact a Maryland DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
Building a Strong Defense
Oftentimes, when a client has been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, we are able to identify serious weaknesses in the state’s case. These weaknesses may include improperly performed field sobriety or breath tests, a lack of probable cause to stop the driver, or other unjustified actions on the part of the police. When warranted, we will use these issues to help build a strong defense – a defense focused on obtaining a fair and just outcome with as few negative consequences as possible.
Charged With a Traffic/DUI Offense? Call A Maryland DUI Lawyer Today
Whether you have been arrested for driving under the influence or charged with a serious traffic offense, it is important to speak with a qualified Maryland DUI lawyer who can help protect your legal rights and interests.
An attorney at Timothy A. Dachille & Associates will carefully review your case and work with you to devise the right strategies for your individual situation. Our firm offers free initial consultation in traffic/DUI cases, and our fee structure is based on the nature of the offense. Contact us online today or call 410-752-2325 to learn more about how we can help you successfully defend traffic and/or DUI charges brought against you.