Cecil County DUI Lawyer
Drinking and driving can result in serious motor vehicle collisions, injuries, and in some cases may be fatal. Consequently, the law in Cecil County treats DUI’s very harshly. The penalties for a DUI conviction in Cecil County include both jail time and fines. If you are faced with DUI charges, you may want to consult with an experienced Cecil County DUI lawyer. A skilled criminal defense attorney could advocate your behalf. Call and schedule an appointment to discuss potential legal strategies that may be effective in your case.
Blood Alcohol Concentration Limits
In Cecil County, the law presumes that a driver is “per se” under the influence of alcohol if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 percent or higher. Per se means that the prosecutor does not need to demonstrate other evidence of alcohol intoxication, such as failing a field sobriety test or smelling of alcohol. As a Cecil County attorney can further explain, a driver could still face DUI charges, though, if they have a BAC limit of .07 percent.
Cecil County has a zero tolerance policy in place for minors who drive while under the influence of alcohol. Since 21 is the legal drinking age, the highest legal BAC for drivers who are under the age of 21 is .02 percent.
The law holds individuals who operate commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, to a higher standard of care. The BAC limit applicable to vehicle drivers who hold a commercial license is .04 percent.
What are the Potential Criminal Penalties for a DUI Conviction?
The potential penalties for a DUI conviction largely depend upon the driver’s previous criminal record. A first-time DUI conviction can result in up to one year in jail and/or a maximum fine of $1,000.
These penalties increase significantly for second and subsequent DUI convictions. A second DUI conviction may result in up to two years’ incarceration and/or a fine of up to $2,000. A third DUI conviction can result in a maximum of three years in jail and/or a maximum fine of $3,000.
These penalties may increase even further if children are in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop. A Cecil County DUI attorney could help to minimize these consequences by arguing a defense or fighting for a plea deal.
Potential Administrative Penalties
In addition to criminal penalties, a DUI arrest or conviction may also result in certain administrative penalties. A DUI conviction adds twelve points to a driver’s permanent record. The MVA has the authority to suspend a license with between eight and 11 points – and to revoke licenses accumulating 12 or more points.
It will also take two years for those points to come off a person’s driving record. A DUI attorney serving Cecil County may request an administrative hearing in order to minimize the prospect of losing a driver’s license.
Ignition Interlock Devices
Drivers with a DUI conviction are required to install and use an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. The driver must blow into the device in order for their vehicle to start. If the device detects any alcohol on the driver’s breath, it will not allow the vehicle to start.
The driver must also pay all installation and monitoring costs for the ignition interlock device. If a driver cannot afford these costs, they may submit an application for financial hardship. If someone has further questions about ignition interlock devices, they should speak with a knowledgeable DUI attorney in Cecil County.
Talk to a Cecil County DUI Attorney About Legal Options
It goes without saying that the consequences of a DUI conviction are extremely high and the expenses involved are not cheap. If you have been charged with a DUI, you may be able to introduce a defense at trial. For instance, you may allege that the traffic stop was invalid or that the breathalyzer equipment was not working properly. A Cecil County DUI lawyer could help you introduce a defense or negotiate with the prosecutor for a charge reduction or plea deal on your behalf. Call now.