North Laurel DUI Defense Lawyers

Attorneys Helping People Charged With Driving Under the Influence in North Laurel, Maryland

If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in North Laurel, you may face consequences that could have a huge impact on your life. After being pulled over by a police officer, questioned about whether you had been drinking alcohol, taking field sobriety tests, being placed in handcuffs, being taken to a police station, undergoing breath or blood tests, and appearing before a judge, you may be looking at charges that could result in the loss of your driver's license, large fines, potential jail time, and other penalties. You need someone on your side who can help you defend against DUI charges successfully.

At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our lawyers can provide the representation you need after a DUI arrest. We have decades of experience representing clients in Maryland courts. We can review what happened during and after your arrest to determine the best options available. We will fight to protect your rights as we help you defend against a DUI conviction.

We understand the stress you are experiencing as you deal with DUI charges, and our goal is to help you get through your case successfully while providing support along the way. We will take the time to explain the charges against you and the ideal options for defense. We will also make sure you will be prepared to appear in court when necessary, including by coaching you on what to say and how to answer questions and making sure you are properly dressed to present a professional appearance. Our goal is to make the process as easy as possible while fighting for an outcome that will limit the effects that DUI charges will have on your life.

Understanding DUI and DWI Charges in Maryland

Maryland law recognizes two general types of drunk driving offenses. Charges of driving under the influence (DUI) may apply if a person is accused of driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more or if a person was allegedly driving while under the influence of controlled substances. Charges of driving while impaired (DWI) may apply if a person was under the legal BAC limit, but an officer believes that their use of alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, or other substances affected their ability to drive safely.

The penalties a person may face can be different depending on whether they have been charged with DUI or DWI. A DUI conviction may result in a fine as high as $1,200 and a jail sentence that could last for up to one year. A DWI conviction carries a potential fine of $500 and a possible two-month jail sentence. The penalties for DUI or DWI convictions will increase for a second or subsequent offense.

How Breath and Blood Test Results Can Affect a Driver's License

The results of chemical tests performed after a DUI arrest can play a key role in a case. If a chemical test shows that a person operated a vehicle while they were above the legal BAC limit or were using controlled substances, their driver's license will be automatically suspended. The following license suspensions may apply in these cases:

• BAC Higher Than 0.08: When a person is found to be above the legal limit, they will generally face a 180-day suspension.
• BAC of 0.15 or Higher: When a person has a BAC that is much higher than the legal limit, a first offense will typically result in a 180-day suspension, but a second or subsequent offense will lead to a 270-day suspension.
• Refusal to Take a Chemical Test: A person who does not submit to chemical testing after being arrested for DUI will face a 270-day suspension for a first refusal and a two-year suspension for a second or subsequent refusal.

Chemical tests performed after DUI arrests will often involve the use of breathalyzer machines. The proper steps must be followed during breath tests, including observing waiting periods. In some cases, blood tests may be performed, and blood must be drawn by qualified medical professionals and analyzed by trained lab technicians. Our attorneys can determine what options for challenging breath or blood tests may be available as we help clients defend against DUI convictions.

How DUI Charges Can Affect Commercial Drivers

People who hold commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) will often face higher stakes in DUI cases. When operating a commercial vehicle, the legal limit drops to 0.04, and a minimal amount of alcohol could lead to an arrest. When a commercial driver is convicted of DUI for the first time or refuses to take a chemical test after being arrested, they will typically face one-year CDL disqualification. For a second conviction or refusal, a person's CDL may be disqualified for life.

Penalties for Underage DUI

In Maryland, drivers under the age of 21 are not allowed to operate vehicles after drinking any amount of alcohol. To enforce these laws, officers may arrest young people who are suspected of drinking alcohol or using marijuana or other drugs before driving. Underage DUI charges may apply if a chemical test shows that a minor had a BAC of just 0.02 while driving. A conviction will typically lead to a driver's license suspension, but more serious penalties may apply if a minor was above the adult BAC limit of 0.08 or if they were allegedly intoxicated by controlled substances.

The Role of Field Sobriety Tests in DUI Cases

During traffic stops, officers will often ask drivers to take one or more physical tests that will help determine whether they may be intoxicated. These field sobriety tests are typically performed on the side of a road, and an officer may ask a person to perform tasks like standing on one foot or walking several steps in a straight line. An officer may believe that a person is intoxicated if they lose their balance, fail to follow instructions correctly, or show other signs of impairment.

In some cases, officers may come to the wrong conclusion that someone "failed" a field sobriety test. Factors that have nothing to do with alcohol or drugs can affect a person's performance, including:

• Surface Conditions: Uneven pavement, gravel on a road's shoulder, a sloped surface, or other conditions can make balance tests difficult.
• Medical Issues: A person who has back problems, knee injuries, or other physical issues may not be able to perform tests correctly, even if they are not intoxicated.
• Footwear and Weather: High heels or work boots may affect a person's ability to perform certain tests. Conditions like rain or cold temperatures can also affect a person's performance.
• Nerves: Flashing lights, passing traffic, and the stress of being pulled over can make a person anxious, affecting their steadiness or causing them to make mistakes.
• Improper Instructions: Officers may fail to perform tests correctly, or they may give vague instructions that prevent drivers from taking the right actions to demonstrate that they are sober.

Our lawyers can compare footage from body cameras or dashboard cameras used by police with the reports provided by officers. We can highlight issues that led to an incorrect determination of intoxication and a wrongful arrest. We will work to challenge the evidence in a case and help a person defend against a DUI conviction.

Contact Our North Laurel, MD DUI Defense Attorneys

At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we are ready to assist with DUI charges. We will explain your options, challenge the claims made by police officers, and take steps to prevent a conviction whenever possible. Contact our North Laurel, Maryland DUI lawyers at 301-762-7500 to arrange your free consultation.