Ellicott City DUI Lawyer

 

A Maryland DUI arrest and charge can be a frightening ordeal, particularly for people who have never been in legal trouble before. Being handcuffed and booked into jail is only the beginning. After your arrest, you face a criminal charge that could result in the long term suspension of your driver’s license and could even lead to a lengthy jail term. However, an arrest is not a conviction—just because you have been arrested for DUI does not mean you have to plead guilty. You can fight the charge with the help of a skilled Ellicott City DUI Lawyer.

 

DUI in Ellicott City Maryland

 

In Maryland, drivers impaired by alcohol are generally charged with one of two offenses.

 

Driving while impaired, or DWI, is an alcohol-related driving offense that is charged if a person is found to be driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.07. As a first offense, DWI is a misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine, a six-month license suspension, and up to two months in jail.

 

Driving under the influence, or DUI, is the more serious offense. Drivers are charged with DUI if they are found to be driving with a BAC of 0.08 or greater. Commercial drivers may be charged with DUI with a BAC of only 0.04. For drivers under the age of 21, Maryland has a zero-tolerance policy against drinking and driving. Underage drivers can be charged with DUI with a BAC of only 0.02.

 

If you are arrested for DWI or DUI in Ellicott City, your case will most likely be heard by a judge at the Howard County District Court, located at 3451 Courthouse Drive. Finding an Ellicott City DUI attorney to represent you in court can maximize your potential for a successful outcome.

 

A first DUI offense is a misdemeanor crime punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1000. Additionally, a first DUI conviction results in suspension of the driver’s license for a minimum of six months. Penalties are increased if a driver is carrying a minor passenger at the time of arrest or if he or she causes an accident resulting in injury or serious property damage.

 

Second and subsequent DUI offenses are charged as felonies. A second Maryland DUI conviction within five years of the first is subject to a maximum fine of $2000 and two years in jail. Furthermore the driver’s license is suspended for one year, and the installation of an Ignition Interlock device is required in order to retain a provisional license once the suspension period is over.

 

Administrative MVA Penalties for DUI in Maryland

 

It is important to find an Ellicott City DUI attorney as soon as possible after you have been arrested. Upon arrest, your driving privileges will be revoked and your license will likely be confiscated pending the outcome of your case. You have only ten days to request a hearing with the Maryland MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration) in order to restore and protect your driving privileges. Your attorney can file the request for an MVA hearing within the allotted time frame. An Ellicott City DUI lawyer can represent you at your MVA hearing to protect your driving privileges.

 

Ellicott City DUI Defense Lawyer

 

If you are charged with an alcohol related driving offense in Ellicott City, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney who can offer sound legal advice and quality defense against your DUI charge. For an evaluation of your case and an explanation of defense options available to you, contact an experienced Ellicott City DUI lawyer.