Maryland MVA Hearing Lawyer
In Maryland, the circumstances of a DUI or DWI charge can instantly affect the status of your driver’s license. When you were being arrested, if you refused or failed a breathalyzer test, the result is an automatic suspension of your driver’s license on the 46th day after you were pulled over. The police will confiscate your license and issue a temporary one that is good for 45 days. Many people are unaware that the MVA administrative proceedings occur separate and distinct from the criminal proceedings. These administrative proceedings are extremely important because they determine whether or not your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked, and for how long. A Maryland MVA hearing lawyer can explain this process to you in further detail and walk you through the next steps in securing your driving privileges.
Timing Matters
Afterwards, you must request a MVA hearing within ten days of your arrest. You’ll find it is one of the many administrative tasks ahead of you after a DUI/DWI arrest. After your hearing request is received, you receive an extension of your driving privileges. You are issued a temporary license and extension letter, and must have them with you while driving.
If you are charged with a Maryland DUI/DWI, but fail to request an MVA hearing within ten days, your driving privileges are suspended. If you request a hearing after more than ten days, but in less than thirty days, this may result in a license suspension, pending your MVA hearing.
Getting arrested for a DUI/DWI charge is challenging and stressful. In addition, having your license suspended is only one way such charges impact your life. Being unable to drive can also impact work, family, or lifestyle obligations. Even in the absence of a conviction for a DUI/DWI charge, you still may face consequences with the MVA.
The Importance of Legal Counsel
During a MVA hearing, your attorneys can fight to prevent any suspension from being imposed. They can also question things such as whether you were adequately advised about MVA sanctions. This advisement is something that law enforcement is required to do when you take or refuse a breathalyzer test. Your legal representative can also challenge incorrectly administered tests.
Since things like MVA advisement and breathalyzer tests can affect the ultimate status of your license, having a skilled Maryland attorney to discuss them with prosecutors is very important. Your lawyer can also attempt to retain your driving privileges for work / school purposes during the period of your suspension. He or she can also ask for retention of your driving privileges by offering to have an Ignition Interlock Device installed in your vehicle.
Finally, a Maryland DUI attorney can help you navigate the administrative quagmire that often comes with a DUI or DWI arrest. He or she can also examine your case from every angle, and make sure that your rights are being vigorously protected. Don’t put your license at risk. Contact attorney Seth Okin today.