Monday Is Always Busy For New Client Intake
If you were wondering when the most crucial time to contact an experienced DUI lawyer in Rockville, MD, might be, data consistently shows that it is often immediately following major holiday weekends. In Maryland, law enforcement agencies frequently increase patrols and set up sobriety checkpoints during holiday periods, which predictably leads to a temporary spike in the number of drivers charged with impaired driving offenses.
Holidays are a time for relaxation and celebration: you spend time with family and friends laughing, eating, and, often, drinking alcohol. When a person has consumed too much alcohol, their judgment becomes impaired, which unfortunately is what sometimes leads to the decision to get behind the wheel. This is particularly common on holidays when a designated driver may not have been established because everyone in the group is celebrating. This is precisely why you need a dedicated DUI lawyer’s help right away.
What Are the DUI Laws in Maryland?
In Maryland, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher. This is the standard for a charge of Driving Under the Influence (DUI). However, Maryland also has laws for Driving While Impaired (DWI), which applies to drivers with a BAC below .08 but whose driving is still impaired “to some extent.” Trying to navigate these distinct charges and their nuances on your own can be tricky. That is why we recommend hiring an experienced lawyer to represent your case.
The attorneys and staff at The Law Office of Christopher G. Moschkin, Esq. have years of experience fighting for those charged with driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Maryland. They will work tirelessly on your behalf and make sure you have the strongest possible defense in court.
Penalties for Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
The first time someone is convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI), the charge is a misdemeanor, which can result in:
- A fine of up to $1,000.
- Imprisonment for up to one year (or up to 2 years if a minor is a passenger).
The penalties increase significantly for subsequent convictions and for cases involving high BAC levels. However, each case is unique, which is why you need an experienced lawyer on your side to help. These are only the immediate criminal penalties. A DUI charge also comes with steep indirect expenses, including attorney fees, court costs, MVA administrative fees, higher insurance premiums, and probation fees.
How an Experienced Attorney Can Help
A DUI charge can have a profound and lasting effect on your life and the lives of those around you, from employment and licensing to family matters. This is not something to take lightly.
Lawyers with experience defending DUI charges know how to advocate for their clients and are intimately aware of the nuances in this area of law, including:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop.
- Scrutinizing the Field Sobriety Test procedures.
- Questioning the calibration and accuracy of breathalyzer devices.
We understand that on holiday weekends especially, everyone makes mistakes. While law enforcement efforts lead to frequent impaired driving arrests, we know these situations can happen at any time. If you or someone you know has been arrested for a DUI, contact The Law Office of Christopher G. Moschkin, Esq. immediately for help with your case. There’s simply too much at stake.