Germantown DUI Defense Attorneys

Aggressive Drunk Driving Defense Lawyers in Germantown, Maryland

Accusations of drunk driving can result in serious criminal penalties. Law enforcement officers do not treat driving under the influence (DUI) lightly, so you can expect strict prosecution even for a first offense. To protect your rights in court, get in contact with a Germantown, MD drunk driving defense lawyer who can help you strategize against the charge in court.

At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, we can help you fight a DUI charge, building a defense tailored to the circumstances of your case. We have helped numerous clients in the past, so you can count on us to provide you with superior advocacy for any drunk driving charge.

DUI vs. DWI in Maryland

In Maryland, the terms DUI and DWI are often used interchangeably, but they carry distinct meanings. Driving under the influence (DUI) refers broadly to operating a vehicle with alcohol in the bloodstream at or above the legal limit, or under the influence of controlled dangerous substances. Driving while impaired (DWI) typically applies when a driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the statutory limit, yet impairment is still evident through behavior or coordination. The legal threshold for DUI per se is .08 percent BAC for drivers over twenty-one years of age. Commercial drivers face a stricter limit of .04 percent BAC, and drivers under twenty-one may be charged with a zero-tolerance offense at .02 percent BAC.

Understanding these distinctions matters because the penalties shift according to the specific charge. A DUI per se conviction brings mandatory license suspension, fines, and potential jail time. A DWI conviction for impairment below the .08 percent limit may carry lesser penalties, yet it still creates a permanent criminal record. In addition, Maryland's implied consent law means that refusal to submit to a breath or blood test after an arrest can result in an administrative license suspension, separate from any criminal penalty.

Reasonable Suspicion in Germantown DUI Stops

Police in Germantown must establish reasonable suspicion before initiating a traffic stop on suspicion of impaired driving. Reasonable suspicion arises from specific, articulable facts suggesting that a driver is breaking the law or has already broken the law. Examples include swerving between lanes, drifting onto the shoulder, stopping without cause in traffic, or failing to signal turns. In Germantown's residential streets and busy thoroughfares, even slight weaving may trigger an officer's intervention.

Once a stop occurs, the officer may observe signs of impairment such as bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, or the odor of alcohol. Those observations can elevate reasonable suspicion into probable cause, justifying a request for field sobriety tests or chemical testing. However, an improperly justified stop can form the basis for challenging all subsequent evidence. By scrutinizing police reports, dashcam video, and witness statements, a skilled defense attorney can identify weaknesses in the initial stop and move to suppress illegally obtained evidence.

Fighting a DUI Charge

Challenging the validity of a DUI arrest often begins with attacking the stop and testing procedures. If the initial traffic stop lacked reasonable suspicion, any evidence gathered afterward may be inadmissible.

Breathalyzer and blood tests must also meet strict technical standards. Calibration records, maintenance logs, and the training credentials of testing technicians are critical documents. Errors in machine calibration or procedural lapses can introduce reasonable doubt about a reported BAC.

Beyond contesting the evidence, defense options may include negotiating for reduced charges or alternative sentencing. First-time offenders might qualify for Maryland's Ignition Interlock Device Program in lieu of license suspension. In other situations, diversion programs or treatment-based probation can allow a driver to avoid jail time while addressing underlying substance use issues.

Meet With a Germantown, MD Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with a drunk driving offense, seeking legal representation is in your best interests. At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, we have the legal knowledge and argumentative skills to provide you with a strong defense in court. To schedule a free consultation, contact our Germantown DUI defense attorneys or call us at 301-479-5466.