Frederick Second DUI Lawyer

In Frederick, there are serious penalties imposed for a second DUI conviction within five years of a prior DUI. If you have a past conviction and have been arrested again, contact a Frederick second DUI lawyer for help determining what options you might have to try to avoid being convicted or to try to reduce the serious penalties that can occur with a guilty verdict. A Frederick DUI lawyer is available to advocate on your behalf and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

What a Frederick Second DUI Lawyer Can Do For You

An attorney representing clients in DUI cases can provide invaluable assistance to those who are charged with driving under the influence and who already have a past conviction on their record. The legal representation you receive will be tailored to the specifics of your situation.

Maryland has a five year look back period in determining if a past conviction counts against you. If your second arrest has happened within close to this five year period, your attorney may be able to raise arguments about when the clock started counting and when a past conviction should be considered.

Your Frederick second DUI attorney can work to have the charges against you dropped or reduced so you won’t face the penalties a second conviction can bring. If there is not sufficient evidence of your impairment or if you were searched or tested illegally for drugs or alcohol, suppression of evidence is possible. Your attorney can file a motion with the court to prevent the evidence from being used against you and can then file a motion for dismissal if the prosecutor no longer has a case.

A Frederick second DUI lawyer can also help you to determine if pleading guilty and negotiating a deal with the prosecutor is a good choice for minimizing penalties, or if there are arguments to raise in court that could potentially result in a verdict of not guilty.  You do not have to prove you didn’t drive while impaired, since a prosecutor has the legal burden of showing guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If your attorney can raise questions about how the evidence was collected or handled, this can create the doubt you need to avoid a guilty verdict.

Second DUI Convictions in Frederick

A second DUI conviction in Frederick means longer jail time, a longer license suspension, and larger fines. Maryland Vehicle Code Section 27-101 sets forth the consequences for repeat convictions.

A second offense can result in a jail term of up to two years for DUI (or up to one year for the less serious offense of DWI).  The maximum fine for a second DUI conviction in Frederick is $2,000 and you may face a one year suspension of your driver’s license as opposed to a six month suspension for a first offense. You may also be required to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle at your expense.

Getting Help From a Frederick Second DUI Lawyer

A second DUI lawyer in Frederick can provide you with aggressive legal advocacy as you fight serious charges that could have a profound impact on your future. Call today to schedule a consultation with an attorney and learn more.