Yes – it’s always worth it to fight a DUI.

Generally, you should always contest a driving under the influence (DUI) or a driving while impaired (DWI) charge at the start. This means that you should call our law office as soon as possible so we can explain all your rights, defenses, and options. It’s normally never an option to plead guilty at the initial arraignment. In many cases, even when it seems like the prosecution has an air-tight case, there are defenses to assert. The burden is on the prosecution to find you guilty of the DUI or DWI charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Often the prosecution cannot meet this high standard.

At Carey Law Office, we’ve been fighting for criminal defendants for 40 years. We’ll answer all your questions and guide you through each phase of the litigation process. We are interested in helping you obtain justice – not just earning a fee. If there are situations where a guilty plea or a negotiated plea is in your best interests, we’ll tell you. If we think you have a viable defense, we’ll tell you that too.

What are DUI/DWI charges in Maryland?

If the police have reasonable grounds to believe you were driving while intoxicated, they will pull you off the road. They will normally conduct a field sobriety test and ask you to take a breathalyzer test. In some cases, the police may request a blood or a urine test back at the station. Find out more about what happens when you’re pulled over for suspicion of DUI.

If the police think that you had alcohol or drugs in your system while you drove, you could be charged with:

• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or driving under the influence of alcohol per se
• Driving while impaired by alcohol
• Driving while impaired by a drug, a combination of drugs, or a combination of alcohol and drugs
• Driving while impaired by a controlled substance

You could be charged with other offenses or enhancements if someone was injured or killed due to driver intoxication or drugs, or if a minor was in your vehicle.

What are the consequences of pleading guilty or being found guilty of a DUI/DWI?

You need to understand the penalties for pleading guilty or being found guilty. The consequences are often more severe than you think.

The least serious Maryland DUI/DWI offense is generally a first offense for driving while impaired by alcohol. A conviction can result in up to two months in prison and up to $2,000 in fines, or both. The penalties for more serious offenses and subsequent offenses are longer prison sentences and higher fines.

The consequences do not end there. Additional consequences for a DUI/DWI conviction can include (depending on the seriousness and your prior record):

• Suspension of revocation of your driver’s license. Your license could be suspended for months or years. In some cases, your license could be permanently revoked.
• The requirement to install (at your own expense) and use an ignition interlock device (IID). An IID tests your blood alcohol level before your start to drive and while you’re driving.
• Increased insurance premiums. Maryland requires that drivers carry minimum liability insurance coverage. The cost of this coverage will rise dramatically (usually for years) if you have a DUI/DWI conviction on your record.

While you may be able to apply for a restricted license to drive to work and for other specific purposes, you will have to pay a lawyer to request this license and there’s no guarantee the judge will approve the restricted license.

If your DUI/DWI is a felony charge, then a conviction will show up in background checks. This means you will likely have difficulty finding a place to live and a job. You may have difficulty obtaining credit. You will likely not be able to own a firearm.

With subsequent DUI/DWIs, the penalties for a repeat conviction will be even longer and more severe.

How can a DUI defense attorney help?

Our Crofton and Bowie DUI and DWI defense lawyers assert every defense available. Many times, just knowing we have a strong defense makes a prosecutor’s case weak enough to consider a plea negotiation. Just as you have to think through the pros and cons of defending your rights, the prosecutor has to think through the pros and cons of trying a case that has some flaws.

Some of the defenses that we assert in DUI/DWI cases include:

• The police didn’t have grounds to stop you.
• The police failed to explain the consequences for refusing a chemical test.
• The police didn’t conduct the test properly.
• The equipment (breath test, radar, etc.) wasn’t properly calibrated for accuracy.
• The prosecution’s evidence isn’t strong enough to warrant a conviction
• Other defenses depending on what happened

Do I really need a lawyer to represent me for a DUI?

You have the right to present a defense with the help of legal counsel. Carey Law Office has a strong record of obtaining dismissals, acquittals, and plea reductions. In most cases, the decision whether to accept a plea agreement or try your case before a jury is made shortly before the jury trial date. That is the time when the judge has made all his/her rulings. That is the time when the prosecution has to decide how strong or weak their case is.

Defendants need to think through several key factors:

• How much is it worth to pay a lawyer to try to stay out of jail?
• What fines may be imposed?
• How much does it cost to use public transportation or pay for taxis or rideshare services?
• How much will the higher insurance premiums cost?
• How much does it cost to install an IID device?
• Do I have a substance abuse problem or was this charge likely to be a one-time event?

For most clients, it is worth the expense of paying a lawyer to fight to preserve their freedom, their reputation, and save a lot of financial expenses.

At Carey Law Office, our Crofton and Bowie DWI/DUI lawyers understand that money doesn’t grow on trees. An investment in a lawyer is like any other investment. While attorneys can never guarantee results, you can rest assured that we appreciate that hiring a lawyer does require a thorough review of the possible benefits versus the expenses. We are respected by former clients and local prosecutors for our record of strong advocacy in criminal defense cases.

If you’ve been charged with drunk or impaired driving in Crofton or Bowie, call our experienced DUI and DWI defense lawyers or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We also serve Calvert County.