Top 3 Things To Know About DUI Charges in Prince George’s County

If you have been pulled over and suspected of driving under the influence in Prince George’s County or elsewhere in Maryland, the following are the three most important things you need to know in order to minimize the harm done at the DUI stop. To learn more or begin building a defense, call and schedule a consultation with a Prince George’s County DUI lawyer today.

#1: Do Not Make Any Statements To Police

The number one things that everyone should know at any traffic or DUI stop is to remain silent and not say anything to police beyond identifying yourself and handing them your license and registration. Under no circumstances is it ever a good idea to admit to drinking or to admit to coming from a place, such as a bar or sporting event, where drinking may have taken place.

Do not give them any reason whatsoever to believe that you are under the influence or could even remotely, possibly be under the influence at all. One of the best ways to do this is simply not say anything and make your interaction with law enforcement as short and straightforward as possible.

#2: Do Not Submit To Field Sobriety Tests or a Preliminary Breath Test

Secondly, most attorneys will suggest that you refuse to submit to any tests an officer asks you to take at the scene. The reason for this is simply that once an officer determines someone may be under the influence they are likely going to take them into custody no matter how that person performs on a field sobriety test or a preliminary breath test. Taking that into consideration, these tests become a lose-lose situation. Either you take the tests and do well and you get arrested anyway, or you take the tests and do poorly and now there is more evidence that can be used against you.

For these reasons, and the fact that you are within your right to refuse both of these tests it is often in your best interest to politely refuse.

#3: Hire An Attorney

The third most important thing to remember at a DUI or traffic stop is hire an attorney as soon as possible. There are many attorneys with experience working with the Prince George’s County judicial system and as a result they know what kind of defenses can expect the best response from local prosecutors and judges. The important thing not to do, is try and represent yourself. Although it may seem like a good idea, and like you may be able to save money, it will often end up hurting you in the long run. Both the judge and the State’s attorney do this for a living and know how the legal system works, you are not going to be able to outsmart them.

For this reason, it’s important to remember that an attorney is really an investment in yourself and your freedom. Additionally, Maryland does not allow for expungment of DUIs so it will be on your record forever.