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Westminster DUI Lawyer

Local, state, and national law enforcement authorities have all made great efforts to crack down on drunk and impaired driving nationwide. Even a first-time conviction for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol could result in a lengthy license suspension and steep criminal penalties, with even harsher sanctions for repeat offenders.

If you want to fight back against a DUI or DWI charge effectively, having guidance from a seasoned Westminster DUI lawyer could be essential. Whether you have similar past convictions or are going to court for the first time, a dedicated defense attorney could make sure you understand your rights and work tirelessly to present the strongest possible defense on your behalf.

DUI Versus DWI in Westminster

DUI and DWI, or “driving under the influence” and “driving while impaired,” are distinct criminal offenses in Maryland, with the former being a more serious crime than the latter. Maryland Code, Transportation §11-174.1 specifies that a person is “per se” under the influence if tests reveal they have an alcohol concentration of 0.08 grams per 210 liters of breath or per 100 milliliters of blood. Though this statute does not establish a specific definition of impairment, a charge may be a DWI instead of a DUI if a person tests close to or around this legal BAC limit.

These same offenses may also be applied to anyone who is impaired by or under the influence of legal prescription drugs, and courts may impose more severe penalties for anyone driving while inhibited by illegal controlled substances. A local attorney could go into more detail as needed during a private consultation about the practical differences between DUI and DWI charges.

Possible Sanctions from a Drunk Driving Conviction

According to Maryland Code, Transportation §21-902, someone convicted of a DUI or DWI offense may face the following maximum sanctions based on the type of offense and whether they have any prior convictions:

  • First offense for driving while impaired by alcohol or legal drugs – two months imprisonment, $500 fine, and six-month license suspension
  • Second offense for driving while impaired by alcohol or legal drugs – one year imprisonment, $500 fine, and nine-month license suspension
  • First offense for DUI involving alcohol or illegal drugs – one year imprisonment, $1,000 fine, and six-month license suspension
  • Second offense for DUI involving alcohol or illegal drugs – two years imprisonment, $2,000 fine, and nine-month license suspension
  • Third and subsequent offenses for DWI or DWI of any kind – five years imprisonment, $5,000 fine, and 12-month license suspension

Courts may also impose harsher sanctions for each tier of offense if the convicted party had a child under 18 in the vehicle with them when they allegedly committed the crime. Additionally, as a DUI lawyer in Westminster could explain, courts can also require a defendant to install ignition interlock devices in all personal vehicles.

What Should I Do After Getting Pulled Over? 

If you have been pulled over for DUI in Maryland, there are several important points to keep in mind. First, move to the side of the road as quickly and safely as possible. From here, you should make sure that the officer can see your hands at all times and should carefully follow all of their instructions. This means not getting out of your car unless you are asked to do so.

Remain Calm

Being pulled over on suspicion of DUI is nerve-racking, and if you are feeling anxious, it’s perfectly normal. Nevertheless, you should do what you can to remain calm. Now is not the time to launch into an explanation or to become hostile. Your job is to treat the officer with respect and provide them with basic identifying information about yourself when asked.

Consider Your Best Options

The officer needs to have a reasonable suspicion that you are impaired to pull you over for DUI in the first place, and you can expect them to request that you take a preliminary breath test (PBT) at this point. This roadside test is far less exact than the one the police administer at the station. 

You are not required to take this handheld test; the results generally cannot be used against you in court, and there is no specific legal consequence for refusing. However, your refusal could be a deciding factor in establishing the probable cause necessary to take you to the station for testing. If you refuse to be tested at the police station, you face an automatic driver’s license suspension.

Whether or not it is in your best interest to accept or refuse a PBT will depend on the situation at hand. This makes now a good time to invoke your constitutional rights.

Voice Your Rights

The next step in the process is letting the officer know that you are invoking your constitutional rights to remain silent and to have an attorney present. The sooner you invoke your right to an attorney, the better off you will be. When it comes to talking to the police, less is always more. This makes it in your best interest to remain silent until your DUI lawyer advises you otherwise. 

Reach Out to a Capable DUI Attorney

Once you have the trusted legal counsel of a formidable drunk driving lawyer in Westminster in your corner, you can count on them to help guide your case toward its best possible resolution. This can mean any one of the following:

  • Having the charge against you thrown out altogether, which is ideal
  • Negotiating a beneficial plea deal that may include a diversion program or another alternative to jail time
  • Taking your case to court in a skilled pursuit of a not-guilty verdict 

Resources for DUI Offenders in Westminster

If you are facing a DUI charge in Westminster, there are a number of resources available that can help you navigate the challenging road ahead. The stakes are high, however, which makes your persuasive DUI attorney your primary and most important legal resource. 

Seek additional information from the following reputable Westminster sources:

  • Westminster Alcoholics Anonymous meetings offer those struggling with alcohol dependency the support they’re looking for. It could also give you leverage when it comes to negotiating an advantageous plea deal. 
  • Your case will likely be heard at the Carroll County District Court in Westminster. Here, you can find information about any upcoming court dates that apply to your case as well as applicable court procedures.
  • An Alcohol and Drug Education Program at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration can help you educate yourself about the dangers of impairment behind the wheel, which could strengthen your bid to reduce any legal penalties that may apply to your case.
  • The Maryland State Bar Association supplies legal information related to DUI and DWI charges, which could prove beneficial as you move through the legal process.
  • You’ll turn to the Maryland Ignition Interlock Program if your case leads to an ignition interlock requirement. These devices help drivers who have been convicted of DUI maintain their driving rights under specific circumstances while helping to ensure they remain sober behind the wheel.

A Westminster DUI Attorney Could Help

Law enforcement agencies in Westminster take drunk driving extremely seriously, and anyone found to have driven while impaired or intoxicated could face substantial legal and procedural penalties. However, it is possible to contest these charges and proactively protect your rights with assistance from skilled legal representation.

Support from a Westminster DUI lawyer could make a difference in having a favorable outcome for your individual case. Learn more about how we can help by calling today.