Takoma Park, Maryland DUI Defense Attorneys

Skilled DUI Defense Lawyers for Clients in Takoma Park, MD

The use of drugs or alcohol can severely impair a driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. And while driving under the influence (DUI) can put everyone on the road in physical danger, the state of Maryland can also impose heavy penalties on drivers who fail to abide by the rules of the road. Since even first-time DUI convictions can have lasting consequences, understanding the effects of DUI both in and out of the courtroom can mean the difference in having a criminal record. If you are facing DUI charges in Takoma Park, a reliable Maryland defense attorney can help you fight against criminal allegations.

The DUI defense lawyers at Arrested for a DUI, LLC are committed to helping you defend your rights. We pride ourselves on our diligent, aggressive approach to safeguarding your future and are available 24/7 to help you with your legal needs, in both English and Spanish. The criminal justice system can be difficult enough to manage without the threat of legal consequences; we can help you navigate your case with confidence.

What Counts as Driving Under the Influence in Maryland?

Police officers and state prosecutors categorize different DUI charges based on the given circumstances. Like most states, Maryland has a legal limit for the amount of alcohol a driver can have in their system before the state can deem them unfit to drive safely. In Takoma Park, drivers can be charged with DUI if chemical tests reveal their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to be at least 0.08 percent.

However, drivers can still be charged with DUI, or more accurately, driving while intoxicated (DWI), even if their BAC is under the legal limit. While DWI is usually a lesser charge, police officers can use their observations and discretion when deciding to arrest a driver for being impaired behind the wheel.

Since alcohol behaves differently from THC, the main component in cannabis, in the body, law enforcement may focus entirely on physical signs they can observe. When deciding whether or not a driver is impaired, police officers are taught to recognize and respond to specific behaviors both before and during a traffic stop, including:

• DUI Checkpoints: The likelihood of people driving under the influence is perceived as higher on weekends, holidays, and during local events. For this reason, law enforcement can set up checkpoints to screen drivers for intoxicated driving. Officers may briefly assess each driver to ensure no one is showing signs of impairment.
• Accidents: Motor vehicle collisions, wrecks, and accidents can be caused by drivers who are not in full control of their vehicles. Especially during late-night or early-morning hours, officers can investigate whether drugs or alcohol were involved in a crash.
• Erratic Driving: At the very least, reckless driving can put everyone in danger. Police officers may use failure to maintain a consistent speed, sudden braking, or swerving between lanes as grounds to investigate someone for driving under the influence.
• Traffic Violations: Failure to abide by traffic laws is illegal, regardless of whether or not the driver is intoxicated. Police officers may conduct a traffic stop if the driver fails to stop at a stop sign, does not use their turn signals, or runs a red light.

First-Time DUI Penalties

While a first-time DUI charge is considered a misdemeanor in Maryland, a conviction can still have lasting impacts on your wallet, driving privileges, and employment opportunities. First-time DUI offenders can be fined up to $1,200 and face up to one year in jail, while first-time DWI offenders can be fined up to $500 and face up to two months in jail.

Notably, Maryland prosecutes driving under the influence charges through two distinct tracks: the criminal case and the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). This means that in addition to criminal and financial consequences, offenders can face license suspension. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to request an ignition interlock device through the MVA, which is a lesser consequence of DUI that requires drivers to pass a breathalyzer test before turning on their vehicle.

Meet with a Takoma Park, MD DUI Defense Attorney Today

Making safe decisions behind the wheel and successfully defending your rights stem from understanding how the state defines and prosecutes driving under the influence. The defense lawyers at Arrested for a DUI, LLC are more than equipped to protect you from DUI allegations in Takoma Park. To set up a free consultation, contact our Maryland DUI defense attorneys online or call our offices at 301-479-5466.