Arundel Mills DUI Lawyer
If you are arrested on the charge of Driving Under the Influence (DUI), it is imperative that you obtain professional legal counsel to assist you in your case. An experienced Arundel Mills DUI lawyer will be able to assist you in understanding the complexities of the criminal justice system that may be working against you and mitigate the consequences of the offense. To learn more or begin building a defense for your case, call and schedule a consultation with a defense attorney in Arundel Mills today.
Laws Against Driving Under the Influence in Arundel Mills
Since Arundel Mills is located in Anne Arundel County, the DUI Enforcement and Procedures (Index 1905) outlined by the Anne Arundel County Police Department helps to give a general overview of the rights of those accused of DUI in Arundel Mills and the process that law enforcement must follow. Section III(A) outlines legal representation, in which “a person must, on request, be permitted a reasonable opportunity to communicate with counsel before submitting to a chemical test.”
If this important procedure, as well as any others, were not followed correctly, a DUI attorney serving Arundel Mills can use this information to pursue your case and ensure your rights.
Potential Penalties
The State of Maryland’s DUI laws are outlined in Section 21-902 of the Transportation Article of the Maryland Code. A first-time DUI conviction could lead to up to one year in jail, up to a $1,000 fine, and/or a minimum six-month license suspension. Penalties for a second and third offense are considerably steeper, involving up to three years in jail, a $3,000 fine, and an 18-month minimum license suspension.
It is important that you cooperate with law enforcement upon a DUI arrest, since penalties for refusing to take a chemical test in Maryland can increase your punishment further.
Obtaining the assistance of an experienced DUI attorney who understands the laws related to DUI in both Anne Arundel County and the State of Maryland is imperative. Such assistance can go a long way in ensuring the best outcome possible for your case.
What Is a DUI Checkpoint?
A DUI checkpoint is a roadblock created by police to stop drivers and check their sobriety. They are generally set up at night, near areas people are likely to have been drinking.
Though law enforcement officers generally need probable cause to stop a car, it is not necessary for DUI checkpoints. However, it is important to note that there are specific requirements the police must follow when setting up a DUI roadblock.
For example, there must be signs giving drivers advanced warning of the checkpoint. Additionally, motorists must have an opportunity to turn around before the roadblock. The police cannot pull over a driver solely because they turned around before the checkpoint.
During this process, police officers generally do not check every car that passes through the roadblock. Law enforcement must use a pre-determined pattern for checking the vehicles, such as stopping every third car. When in line at a sobriety roadblock, it can be beneficial to note the pattern in which the vehicles are being checked. If someone is arrested due to discriminatory stopping at a DUI checkpoint, a defense attorney may be able to suppress any evidence found during the stop.
Benefits of an Attorney
Conviction for a DUI in Arundel Mills can have serious consequences, which may extend beyond the formal legal system in terms of future employment, education, and more.
With Arundel Mills being a traffic-heavy area thanks to heavy tourism and many entertainment attractions, prosecutors may be even more motivated to pursue DUI cases quickly and aggressively. As such, it is important to know your rights when you are arrested on a DUI charge, especially when the system may already be weighed heavily against you.
The assistance of an experienced Arundel Mills DUI attorney is integral in helping you obtain and maintain the rights you are given by the State of Maryland in this circumstance. Our attorneys can aid you in gathering information, building a defense, and ensuring your legal rights are not overstepped.
Hiring an Arundel Mills DUI Attorney
An Arundel Mills DUI lawyer can help you in many different ways, from assessing the facts and circumstances surrounding your case to preparing for and representing you at any court appearances.
If you are arrested on DUI charges, it is highly advised that you contact a lawyer to aid you in navigating the complex judicial processes that may be involved in your case and ensure that you receive the most favorable outcome possible.