Howard County DUI Lawyer

 

Maryland DUI laws are designed to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians from impaired or intoxicated drivers. That fact is of little comfort, however, when you are facing a criminal DUI charge. Perhaps you did not realize that the wine you had with dinner was enough to put you over the legal limit. Maybe your judgment was impaired and you made a critical mistake by taking the wheel. Maybe you were the victim of an aggressive police officer and faulty breathalyzer equipment. Regardless of your circumstances, a Howard County DUI lawyer can help you make the best decisions regarding your case.

 

Maryland DUILaws

 

In Maryland, impaired or intoxicated driving is prosecuted as either Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or the lesser offense of Driving While Impaired (DWI).

 

Howard County DWI is charged if a driver shows signs of impairment and has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.07. Although DWI penalties are lighter than DUI penalties, consequences can still be severe. A first offense of DWI in Maryland is punishable by a six-month license suspension, a fine of up to $500, and up to two months in jail.

 

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is the more serious alcohol-related driving offense. Most frequently, DUI is charged against drivers found to be operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 or greater. In special cases, however, DUI may be charged against drivers with a significantly lower BAC:

 

• Commercial Vehicle Drivers – may be charged with DUI with a BAC of 0.04
• Drivers under the Age of 21 – may be charged with DUI with a BAC of 0.02

 

As a first offense, Howard County DUI is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, and a driver’s license suspension of at least six months. These penalties are doubled if a driver is transporting a minor passenger at the time of his or her arrest.

 

Though a first DUI offense is usually charged as a misdemeanor, second and subsequent offenses are charged as felony DUI. Repeat offenders are subject to years in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, lengthy license suspension, and driving restrictions including the installation of Ignition Interlock as a requisite for a provisional driver’s license.

 

If you are arrested for DUI in Howard County, you will most likely appear before a judge at the Howard County District Court, located at 3451 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. It is in your best interest to obtain skilled legal counsel from an experienced Howard County DUI attorney who can successfully represent you in court.

When You Need a Howard County DUI Attorney

If you have been charged with DUI in Maryland, then you face significant legal, administrative, and personal consequences. Beyond jail and fines, a DUI conviction can lead to a loss of security clearance, transportation difficulties, a damaged personal and professional reputation, and a criminal record that can jeopardize future opportunities. If you have been arrested for DUI in Howard County, Maryland, do not accept conviction as your fate. Fight against the charge with quality defense from a Howard County DUI Lawyer. Whether negotiating a reduced charge or minimal sentence or fighting aggressively for a dismissal of charges or an acquittal, find a Howard County DUI attorney committed to bringing you the strongest DUI defense.

 

• 2nd Maryland DUI – up to two years in prison, maximum fine of $2,000, and a one-year license suspension; these penalties are exclusive of enhancements from aggravating factors.
• 3rd Maryland DUI – up to three years in prison, maximum fine of $3,000, and an 18-month driver’s license suspension; again, these penalties do not include enhanced penalties for aggravating factors