Greenbelt, MD DUI Defense Lawyers

Experienced DUI/DWI Defense Attorneys for Clients in Greenbelt

Getting charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) can come as a major shock, especially if you have never had a previous encounter with law enforcement. Considering that a conviction could mean jail time and the loss of your license, seeking legal representation for a drunk driving charge is critical. To protect your rights, reach out to a Greenbelt DUI defense lawyer.

When looking for the right attorney to take on your case, experience matters. At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, our attorneys have a history of protecting the rights of people accused of drunk driving, and many of our previous clients have left testimonials praising our effective representation.

When Can You Be Charged With DUI in Maryland?

In Maryland, you can face DUI charges whenever you operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The most common basis for a DUI arrest is registering a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent while behind the wheel. However, intoxication need not be measured solely by numbers. If an officer observes signs of impairment, they can arrest you for driving while impaired (DWI), even if your BAC is below the per se limit. Maryland law also prohibits driving under the influence of any controlled dangerous substance, including prescription drugs.

Timing matters as well. An officer may stop your vehicle based on reasonable suspicion, usually a traffic violation, and then escalate to probable cause if field sobriety tests suggest intoxication.

Will My License Be Suspended for a DUI Conviction in Greenbelt?

A DUI conviction in Greenbelt carries mandatory and administrative license consequences. Upon conviction for a first-time DUI, Maryland law requires a minimum license suspension of 180 days. For repeat offenses or high BAC readings (0.15 percent or above), suspensions can extend to 270 days or longer. Commercial drivers face even harsher penalties, including disqualification from operating commercial vehicles for at least one year.

Separate from criminal penalties, Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) can impose an administrative suspension immediately after a DUI arrest if you refuse to submit to a chemical test or if your BAC exceeds the legal limit.

You may challenge an administrative suspension through an MVA hearing within 10 days of the notice. A skilled attorney can contest the legality of the stop, the handling of your samples, or procedural errors. Successful challenges can preserve your driving privileges or at least reduce the suspension period.

Blood and Breath Test Evidence in DUI

Chemical test results are often the centerpiece of a DUI prosecution in Greenbelt. Breathalyzer machines must be properly calibrated, and technicians must follow a strict protocol. Blood tests require certified personnel, sterile procedures, and chain-of-custody documentation. Any lapse—from missed calibration logs to mishandled vials—can cast doubt on the accuracy of your BAC reading.

Field sobriety tests, though less precise, also play an important role. Maryland courts permit challenges to the administration of horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg-stand tests when conditions like uneven surfaces or bad weather compromise reliability. Video recordings of the arrest and test performance can provide evidence of improper technique.

An experienced DUI defense lawyer will scrutinize every aspect of testing. Was the breath machine serviced on schedule? Did the blood draw occur within three hours of driving? Were your rights read correctly? By demanding strict adherence to Maryland's testing standards, a defense attorney can fight for reduced charges or have critical evidence suppressed, improving your chances of a favorable outcome.

Meet With a Greenbelt, Maryland DUI Defense Attorney

At Arrested for a DUI, LLC, we understand the potential consequences of a DUI conviction. To schedule a free consultation with our firm today, call us at 301-479-5466 or contact our Greenbelt drunk driving defense lawyers.