Clarksburg, Maryland DUI Defense Lawyers

Skilled DUI Defense Attorneys Assisting With Cases in Clarksburg

For many people, getting charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is their first interaction with the criminal justice system. Whether or not it is a first offense, a DUI charge can have severe legal consequences, including hefty fines, jail time, and the loss of a person's driver's license. However, a DUI charge is not the same as a conviction, and choosing the right attorney can make the difference as you evaluate your options and take steps to avoid a criminal record.

If you have been accused of DUI in Clarksburg, it is crucial that you understand how to defend your rights at every stage of the legal process. The DUI defense lawyers at Arrested for a DUI, LLC have years of experience helping people understand the intricacies of these cases while fighting for outcomes that protect our clients' best interests.

Be Prepared for the DUI Process

Being accused of any crime can be stressful and confusing. By understanding how law enforcement investigates DUI cases and how the state prosecutes these offenses in court, you can remain calm and begin building a solid defense strategy. Some of the factors in your case that you will need to understand include:

• Traffic Stop: Police officers generally look for erratic, dangerous, or suspicious driving behavior. Speeding, swerving, or braking abruptly can all be grounds for law enforcement to pull you over.
• Behavior and Appearance: Upon pulling you over, the police officer will look for signals of intoxication. The smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech are issues that an officer may notice that could result in DUI allegations. Notably, you have the right to remain silent when a police officer asks you questions during a traffic stop.
• Field Sobriety Tests: If the officer observes signs that could indicate drug or alcohol use, they can ask you to perform tests to assess your level of intoxication. The walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and/or horizontal gaze tests may be used by an officer to gauge your coordination, balance, and ability to follow instructions, which can all be impaired while intoxicated. These tests are not mandatory, and you have the right to decline to take them.
• Portable Breath Tests: The officer may want to test your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) using a breathalyzer. In Maryland, any adult over 21 must have a BAC lower than 0.08 percent in order to legally operate a vehicle. However, portable breathalyzers are not always accurate, and they will only provide an estimate of a person's BAC. As with field sobriety tests, you can decline to take a portable breath test during a traffic stop. If you did take a test that indicated that you were intoxicated, it may be possible to challenge these results in court.
• Arrest: Based on the officer's observations, field sobriety tests, and the results of a portable breath test, you may be arrested and taken to a police station. Once at the station, you will be asked to take additional blood or breathalyzer tests. These tests are mandatory, and your license will be suspended if you refuse.

Categories of DUI in Maryland

People may face several different types of DUI charges depending on the circumstances of a case. These may include:

• Underage DUI: People who are under the age of 21 are not permitted to have any detectable levels of alcohol in their system while driving.
• Driving While Impaired: A driver who has been drinking or using other substances may be considered to be unable to safely operate a vehicle, even if their BAC is below 0.08 percent. Law enforcement can charge you with DWI if they suspect that drugs or alcohol have impaired your driving.
• Driving Under the Influence: This is the most common charge that may apply to drivers with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher.
• Commercial DUI: Drivers of commercial vehicles such as buses, semi-trucks, and construction equipment can be charged with DUI if their BAC is above 0.04 percent.

Contact Our Clarksburg, MD DUI Defense Attorneys

DUI cases in Maryland will involve complex rules and procedures, and the legal issues involved in a case can overwhelm the average person. At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, our attorneys are available 24/7, and we can provide legal services in both English and Spanish. We will help you understand the possible penalties you may face, and we will work with you explore your options for defending against a DUI conviction. To arrange a free consultation, contact our Clarksburg DUI lawyers at 301-479-5466.