Gaithersburg, MD DUI Defense Attorney

Experienced Defense Lawyers for DUI Charges in Gaithersburg

A drunk driving charge should be taken seriously, regardless of whether or not it is your first offense. Depending on the circumstances behind your arrest, there is a very real possibility that you could face a long prison sentence for a conviction. With help from a Gaithersburg DUI defense lawyer, you can fight the charges against you.

When it comes to defending against drunk driving charges, Arrested for a DUI, LLC is more than up to the task. Our lawyers have a strong background in criminal defense, drawing on decades of legal experience to devise effective legal strategies. We will seek the best possible result for your case, providing you with highly individualized counsel from start to finish.

What Should I Do After a DUI Arrest?

If you have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, you should know that statements you make in police custody could be used as evidence against you. With that in mind, it is highly advisable to exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent when questioned by police—even if you think that talking will help your case.

After your arrest, your first priority should be to get in contact with a DUI defense lawyer who can advise you of your best course of action. Our lawyers are available 24/7, so do not hesitate to call us if you have been charged with a drunk driving offense.

While in police custody, you may also have to submit to a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol concentration, or BAC. Police officers are allowed to do this under the state's implied consent laws. If you refuse this test, your license will be automatically suspended for 270 days.

Is DUI a Misdemeanor or a Felony?

In Maryland, the crime of driving under the influence is typically charged as a misdemeanor. However, there are some specific cases where a drunk driving offense may be charged as a felony. Having a skilled DUI defense lawyer at your side is critical for minimizing the charges against you.

Without any aggravating factors, DUI is a misdemeanor crime punishable by up to a year in prison and fines of up to $1,200. On a second conviction, both of these penalties are doubled.

You will face much more stringent prosecution if you end up causing the death of another person by drunk driving. The crime of homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence is a felony crime punishable by up to three years and a possible fine of up to $5,000.

Is Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana a Crime?

Contrary to what some may believe, DUI is not just charged in cases involving alcohol. You can also be charged with driving under the influence of marijuana. Maryland law prohibits motorists from driving while impaired by a "controlled dangerous substance" or while impaired by any combination of drugs or alcohol.

If convicted of this crime, you could face anywhere from two months to a year in prison for a first offense. Determining the amount of cannabis in a person's system is not as simple as detecting alcohol in a blood or breath test, so the central argument in your case could revolve around the scientific evidence. At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, our lawyers can review the prosecution's case carefully to look for any weaknesses.

Contact a Gaithersburg, Maryland DUI Defense Lawyer

At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, we have the resources to help you effectively contest a drunk driving charge. We will do everything we can to protect you from the penalties of a conviction, looking for mitigating circumstances or possible defenses to help with your case. To arrange your free consultation, call us at 301-479-5466 or contact our Gaithersburg, MD DUI defense attorneys today.