DUI/DWI Law

DUI and DWI charges can carry severe consequences such as driver's license suspension, fines, and jail time. Therefore, it is important that you obtain qualified and competent legal representation. Before getting to the substance of the crime charged, there may be challenges that can be made to the reason why you were stopped, searched, and/or arrested to begin with. We can also challenge the validity of the Field Sobriety Tests and/or the intoximeter (breathalyzer) results. These are just some of the numerous ways to challenge and beat a Maryland DUI/DWI arrest. Remember, the best way to avoid a DUI is to not get behind the wheel after drinking.

Maryland DUI or DWI arrests must be legally dealt with in two separate arenas:

1. The MVA administrative hearing (if you are a Maryland License holder). You only have 10 days from the date of arrest to request an MVA hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings, located in Hunt Valley, Maryland (you must include a check for $125 with your Hearing Request). If you are arrested for a DUI or refuse the breathalyzer test and you do not request the hearing on time, your license will be automatically suspended. An Administrative Law Judge can only suspended a Driver's license. The judge cannot put points on a license, put a driver in jail, or impose a fine.


2. The Court Process: There are severe consequences possible for anyone charged with a DUI or DWI in Maryland. A DUI conviction can result in probation, fines, or jail time. Maryland DUI is prosecuted under two different theories: that the defendant is under the influence of alcohol, which is where the driver's normal coordination has been substantially impaired as a result of the consumption of alcohol, or by violating Maryland's "per se" law of driving with .08% or more BAC (blood alcohol concentration).