Facing a DUI charge in Baltimore can be intimidating and confusing. You might feel scared and unsure about your future. That's where Innovate Criminal Defense Lawyers come in. Our experienced Baltimore DUI laywers know how to handle these tough situations.
First-time and repeat DUI offenders in Baltimore, MD, need to rely on a DUI attorney to provide them with the strongest possible defense. If you are looking for the best DUI lawyer in Baltimore County, we are here to help you. Even if you did not cause a motor vehicle accident, DWI penalties can still be severe. Our law firm is here to help you.
Learn more about legal representation when facing drunk driving charges below. Then, give our law offices a call to discuss your case.
A. We Will Help You Navigate the Complex Legal Process
A Baltimore DUI lawyer knows the ins and outs of the legal process. They will guide you through every step, making sure you understand what's happening. With their help, you won't feel lost or confused about your case.
B. Give Your Case the Detailed Attention It Deserves
Every detail matters in a DUI case. Your lawyer will pay close attention to every aspect of your case. Their detailed approach can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
B. You Will Not Miss Important Legal Defenses
There are many legal defenses available in DUI cases. A skilled DUI lawyer knows these defenses inside and out. They will explore every possible defense to protect your rights. With their knowledge, you won't miss any opportunity to strengthen your case.
C. Keep Your Conviction off Your Permanent Record
A DUI can impact your job, reputation, and future opportunities. Your lawyer will work hard to prevent a conviction from going on your permanent record. They understand the stakes and will fight to protect your future.
D. Help You Keep Your License
Losing your driver's license can disrupt your daily life. A DUI lawyer will do everything they can to help you keep your license. They will represent you at MVA hearings and negotiate with prosecutors. Their goal is to minimize the impact of a DUI charge on your life.
Maryland takes DUI charges seriously. The state has strict laws and penalties for a DUI conviction. If you get a DUI in Baltimore, you could incur fines, jail time, and a license suspension. These severe penalties depend on factors like your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and prior offenses.
At Innovate Criminal Defense Lawyers, we can help you. We are proud to serve Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Montgomery County, and Carroll County. Let us help you face your DUI DWI charges.
In Maryland, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%. If your BAC is at or above this level, you can be charged with DUI. Commercial drivers, on the other hand, must adhere to a limit of 0.04%. And if you're under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to charges. These limits are in place to keep roads safe and prevent alcohol-related accidents.
It's important to know these limits and understand how alcohol affects you because alcohol can make it hard to drive safely. If you're charged with a DUI, the level of your BAC can significantly impact your case. A DUI lawyer can help you understand these limits and how they apply to your situation. Lean on our experience when facing criminal charges in DWI cases.
DUI charges in Baltimore can vary based on several factors. The type of charge you face depends on your BAC, prior offenses, and other circumstances. Understanding the different types of DUI charges can help you prepare for your case.
Under Section 21-902(A) of Maryland's transportation code, operating a vehicle while intoxicated with alcohol is a grave violation. This charge applies if your BAC is 0.08% or higher. If convicted, you can be severely fined, put in jail, and have your license taken away.
Section 21-902(B) covers driving while impaired by alcohol. This charge is for cases where your BAC is lower than 0.08% but still shows signs of impairment. The penalties for this charge can include fines and points on your driving record.
Driving while impaired by drugs (or both drugs and alcohol) is covered under Section 21-902(C). This charge applies when there is evidence of drug use, regardless of BAC levels. The penalties for this charge can be harsh, including jail time and a suspended license.
Section 21-902(D) deals with driving while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance. This includes illegal drugs and certain prescription medications. The consequences for a conviction under this charge can be severe, including jail time and a revoked driver's license.
In DUI cases, the prosecution relies on various types of evidence. This can include police reports, breathalyzer results, and witness statements. Understanding the evidence against you is crucial for your defense.
The legal process for a DUI in Baltimore involves several steps. It starts with your arrest and booking. Then, you'll have an initial circuit court appearance where charges are formally presented. Your lawyer will be with you at every step, explaining what's happening and what to expect next.
After your initial appearance, your case may go to pre-trial hearings. This is where your lawyer can negotiate with the assistant state's attorney and argue for reduced charges or penalties. Your lawyer's knowledge and negotiation skills can make a big difference during these hearings. We may recommend you plead guilty to a lower charge as part of an agreement, or we may fight to get your case dismissed before a jury trial.
If you're charged with a DUI, you'll also face a hearing with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). This hearing is separate from your criminal case. It focuses on your driving privileges and whether your license should be suspended.
Your lawyer will represent you at the MVA hearing. They will argue for your right to keep your license and present evidence on your behalf. Having an experienced lawyer at this hearing can greatly improve your chances of keeping your driving privileges.
A. Bail
After a DUI arrest, you may need to post bail to be released from jail. Bail amounts will depend on the severity of the charges and your criminal history. Your attorney can push for a lower bail or your release without bail.
B. Towing Fees
If your car was towed after your arrest, you'll have to pay towing fees. These fees can multiply fast, especially if your car is impounded for several days. Your lawyer can help you navigate this process and retrieve your vehicle.
C. Car Insurance
A DUI can cause your car insurance rates to skyrocket. Insurance companies see DUI convictions as high-risk and adjust rates accordingly. Your lawyer will work to prevent a conviction and keep your insurance rates from increasing.
D. Hearing With the Motor Vehicle Administration
The MVA hearing can result in additional fees. You may need to pay for a new driver's license or ignition interlock device. Your lawyer will represent you and seek to minimize these penalties.
E. Legal Fees
Hiring a lawyer for a DUI case involves legal fees. However, the cost of not having a lawyer can be much higher. Your lawyer will provide invaluable guidance and defense, potentially saving you from hefty fines and penalties.
There are several legal defenses available in DUI cases. Your attorney will look at the details of your case and choose the best defense strategy. They will challenge the prosecution's evidence and work to protect your rights.
If you were not given a chance to contact an attorney after your arrest, this could be a strong defense. The law requires that you have the opportunity to seek legal advice. If this right was denied, it could impact the validity of the charges against you.
Your lawyer will investigate this aspect of your case. They will argue that your rights were violated and seek to have evidence excluded or charges dismissed. Protecting your rights is their top priority.
An illegal stop occurs when a police officer stops you without a valid reason. This could be a key defense if your DUI charge resulted from an illegal stop.
If the stop was illegal, evidence gathered during the stop may be inadmissible in court. Your lawyer understands the importance of a legal and justified stop in DUI cases.
Breath and blood alcohol tests are not always accurate. Factors like breath test machine calibration, operator error, and medical conditions can affect the results. Your lawyer will scrutinize these tests and challenge any inaccuracies.
Challenging the accuracy of these tests can be a strong defense in a DUI case. Your lawyer will work to show that the results are unreliable and should not be used against you. They understand the science behind these tests and how to question their validity.
Field sobriety tests are often used to determine impairment. However, these tests are not foolproof. Factors like nervousness, medical conditions, and uneven ground can affect the results. Your lawyer will challenge the validity of these tests and any conclusions drawn from them.
If the field sobriety test is invalid or inaccurate, this can strengthen your defense. Your lawyer will argue that the results are unreliable and should not be used as evidence. They know how to question the administration and interpretation of these tests.
For a DUI charge to stick, there must be evidence that you were driving or in control of a vehicle. If there's no evidence of you driving, this can be a strong defense. Your lawyer will examine the facts and argue that you were not operating a vehicle at the time.
Lack of evidence of driving can lead to charges being reduced or dismissed. Your lawyer will work to show that the essential element of driving is missing from your case. They understand the importance of this evidence in a DUI charge.
You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a DUI arrest. Time is crucial in these cases.
The MVA hearing focuses on your driving privileges, while the criminal court process addresses the legal charges.
Yes, you can contest the evidence against you in a DUI case. Your lawyer will challenge the accuracy and legality of the evidence.
If you're facing a DUI charge in Baltimore, don't face it alone. Our experienced DUI defense lawyers at Innovate Criminal Defense Lawyers are here to help. Contact us today for your free consultation.
