Being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) in Maryland is serious and can change your life for the worse. You should hire an experienced Frederick, Maryland DUI/DWI attorney right away. For more than 30 years, the attorneys Portner & Shure, P.A. have vigorously defended individuals charged with DUI and DWI. Call now.
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What are DUI & DWI?
In Maryland, individuals can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if they are driving and have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or greater. An individual can also be charged with driving while impaired (DWI) if they are driving a vehicle and are impaired by the effects of alcohol. Unlike driving under the influence, a driver’s blood alcohol content does not need to be known to charge or convict them of driving while impaired. When a person is pulled over and found to have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, they are generally charged with driving under the influence and driving while impaired.
As a driver in the State of Maryland, when you are issued a driver’s license, you automatically give an “implied consent” to submit to a breath, urine, or blood test if there is probable cause that you are driving under the influence. Although you can refuse these tests, your refusal will result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license. This suspension increases depending on if it is your first, second, or third DUI.
Want to know more about DUI charges in Frederick, Maryland? Watch this brief video from our YouTube channel:
How Can Portner & Shure Help with Your DUI?
During our initial intake and preliminary conversation with you, we will discuss all of the circumstances surrounding your DUI charge.
We will review the following:
- Basis for the initial stop
- Nature of the field sobriety tests taken (whether the tests were recorded)
- Whether there was a refusal of a sobriety test or the results of the breath test
- Whether the officer provided advice on the consequences of failing or refusing the sobriety tests
- Complete copy of your prior driving record
- Your current family situation, work status, education, and military status
After our initial consultation, we will work diligently to build your defense. Our attorneys will obtain the police report, your personal file, and any other relevant discovery for your case. Then, we will discuss treatment options like a victim panel class or alcohol treatment. Usually, the court will recommend treatment. By completing alcohol treatment before your day in court, you will appear proactive and demonstrate your remorse for your actions. You must convince the judge that you are of no risk to other drivers because you won’t be driving under the influence again.
Additionally, through your treatment options, we will secure an alcohol counselor who may come to court and speak on your behalf. This is often beneficial because an alcohol counselor can discuss your growth and progress since being charged with the DUI/DWI. Lastly, we will gather character statements to demonstrate your individuality and unlikeliness to commit a DUI or DWI in the future.
Potential Defenses in a DUI/DWI Case
The top questions we can consider when working on your defense are:
- Was there a valid basis for the initial stop?
- Did the officer administer the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) correctly?
- Was a breathalyzer sample provided within four hours of the stop?
- Did the officer advise you on the consequences of failing or refusing the sobriety tests or breathalyzer?
Potential DUI Conviction Penalties in Maryland
The statutory penalties for DUI vary depending on whether this was your first, second, or third offense. Additionally, penalties are increased if there were an accident, injuries, or other people in the car. At Portner and Shure, P.A., our clients are rarely sentenced to the mandatory penalties listed because we know how to negotiate down the penalties.
Penalties for a first offense DUI in Maryland may include:
- Up to a $1,000 fine
- Maximum of one year in jail
- Minimum six-month suspension of your driver’s license
Penalties for a second DUI offense in Maryland may include:
- Maximum of two years in jail
- Maximum $2,000 fine
- One-year suspension of your driver’s license
Penalties for a third DUI offense in Maryland may include:
- Maximum of three years in jail
- Maximum $3,000 fine
- 18-month suspension of your driver’s license
Potential DWI Conviction Penalties in MarylanD
Overall, the penalties for a DWI are less severe than the penalties for a DUI.
For a first DWI offense in Maryland:
- Maximum 60 days in jail
- Maximum $500 fine
- Minimum six-month suspension of driver’s license
For a second DWI offense in Maryland:
- Maximum one year in jail
- Maximum $500 fine
- One-year suspension of driver’s license
Who Should I Hire for My Frederick, Maryland DUI/DWI?
For more than 30 years, the attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. have successfully defended individuals charged with DUI and DWI in Frederick, Maryland. Our attorneys work tirelessly to ensure that our clients can get the best possible outcome.
Being charged with a DUI or DWI can change the trajectory of your entire life. You should hire an experienced and top-rated attorney from our firm. Our law firm has countless 5-star reviews, great ratings, excellent past results, and national recognition that speaks to our success. In fact, we were recognized as one of the “Ten Best DUI Law Firms” in Maryland.
We have some of the best bilingual paralegals in Maryland. Members of our team are fluent in Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Vietnamese, English, Korean, and Spanish. Do not settle for less. Expect more — hire Portner & Shure, P.A. Dial to learn more.
