Your Dedicated DUI Attorney
Our MD DUI attorney at The Law Office of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. has been trusted by Maryland drivers for decades. Our attorneys have more than 75 years of combined experience and are fully licensed and insured to practice law in the state of Maryland.
We believe that each client deserves only the best legal assistance after going through the physical and emotional pain that they have endured. While many law firms may claim to represent all of a potential client’s needs, not all of them have the willingness or ability to thoroughly investigate a case before it goes to trial. Some law firms may not have the clients’ best interest in mind and seek to maximize their profits. We have the resources to fully defend our clients while providing the utmost in service and personal care.
It is normal to experience feelings of anxiousness and uncertainty after being accused of DUI. The days following a charge can be highly stressful. The thought of facing steep fines or even significant jail time may be lingering on your mind. You want to just get your life back to normal and forget about the DUI charge. Because of these reasons, you might be hesitant to reach out to a lawyer and discuss the legal choices that you have. You might be worried that the process is too complex. However, taking the first step is not very complicated at all.
Finding a DUI lawyer you can trust is as simple as calling our office and making an appointment for a free consultation to discuss your case. We will not only give you an estimate of cost, but we will also be able to answer your questions and explain the legal process in a way that is simple and easy to understand. We can help you feel more at ease by evaluating your case and addressing any concerns you may have. Our attorneys not only work for you, but with you. Contact us today to get started.
Working Toward The Best Possible Outcome
A drunk driving record can result in severe and serious consequences. Your career, personal, and family life may be adversely affected. Once you have a DUI on your record, it will affect you for a long time. Our staff will do everything possible to resolve your case with a positive outcome before it goes to trial.
A DUI charge can be intimidating, but it does not necessarily mean that it will result in a conviction. A good lawyer may be able to spot issues with the charge that can cause it to be dropped. Several factors can lead to cracks in a charge, such as an officer’s inexperience or a faulty breathalyzer that produced inaccurate results. It is quite possible that the arresting officer and the methods used to identify you as driving under the influence are not acceptable in a court of law. If you are looking for a DUI attorney in MD, contact us. We want to help you. There can be an assortment of issues, and it takes a skilled lawyer to clearly point them out and build a formidable defense. The most successful DUI attorney MD drivers count on is the attorney with a full support staff who can assist in addressing and focusing on even the smallest of details.
Challenging The Evidence To Avoid A DUI Conviction
Facing DUI charges can be a stressful and scary experience. If you have been accused of DUI, you likely understand that a conviction could turn your world upside down and make for an uncertain future. A conviction means more than potential jail time and fines. You could also be facing other secondary consequences that may affect your ability to drive, get a job, obtain a loan, be granted a professional license, get housing, and more. These undeserved consequences can be especially devastating for those who are wrongly accused. Understanding what steps to take if you are charged with a DUI can help you avoid the worst of the consequences.
If you have been stopped, cited, or arrested for DUI, you are well-advised to take immediate steps to protect not only your driving privileges but your freedom and future, as well. A DUI defense lawyer has the knowledge and experience necessary to represent people who are facing DUI charges. An attorney can work with you to minimize the penalties associated with these charges.
How An Attorney Can Help You
The most obvious reason you should get an attorney is if you are truly innocent but failed the field sobriety test or the breath test. No matter what, if you are truly innocent then you need to get an attorney who can defend you. Don’t try to represent yourself as that often doesn’t work.
If you are guilty what an attorney can do is help you prepare yourself to go to court. They will help you understand what is to be expected of you and help you complete prior requirements before your court date. An attorney is going to be there to help you go through the process that you may have to go through anyway. They will not judge you for your actions, their only goal is to build the strongest defense for you and be an advocate for your legal rights. It is best to expedite the process prior to sentencing so your driving privileges are restored as quickly as possible.
The best Maryland DUI attorney is one that is familiar with all applicable state motor vehicle laws. Having a strong familiarity with the state and federal laws is essential to a successful defense of a DUI charge. Our attorneys on staff at Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. fully understand the laws governing the accusing persons of driving under the influence of narcotics or alcohol. Since we opened our doors in 1993, we have consistently and successfully litigated on behalf of our clients and won even the most challenging of cases. No case is too small or big for us to handle. Contact us today to learn about your rights and what to expect during your case.
DUI Tests & Penalties: What You Need to Know in Maryland
If you’re facing charges for driving under the influence (DUI) in Maryland, understanding the testing process and penalties is crucial. A skilled DUI attorney in MD can help navigate the complexities of your case and protect your rights.
Maryland law enforcement uses several tests to determine impairment. These include field sobriety tests (FSTs) and chemical tests like breath, blood, or urine analysis. Field sobriety tests assess coordination and focus, while chemical tests measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In Maryland, a BAC of 0.08% or higher typically leads to DUI charges. For drivers under 21, the legal BAC limit drops to 0.02%, reflecting a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking.
Refusing a chemical test under Maryland’s implied consent law can result in automatic penalties, including a license suspension of 270 days for a first offense or one year for subsequent refusals. However, a refusal may complicate the state’s ability to prove impairment in court.
Penalties for a DUI conviction in Maryland depend on factors like prior offenses and BAC levels. For a first offense, penalties may include fines up to $1,000, license suspension for six months, and up to one year in jail. Repeat offenses result in harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences, increased fines, and extended license suspensions.
Additionally, DUI convictions may require installation of an ignition interlock device and participation in alcohol education programs. These penalties can have a lasting impact on your driving privileges, employment opportunities, and insurance rates.
An experienced DUI attorney in MD can assess the validity of the tests and evidence, identify procedural errors, and advocate for reduced penalties or case dismissal. If you’re facing DUI charges, act quickly to secure legal representation and protect your future.
Common Misconceptions About DUI Charges
If you have recently been charged with a DUI, it is important to learn the facts about this type of offense. There are many untruths about DUI charges. Here are some common misconceptions about DUI charges that you shouldn’t believe.
- Many people get charged with DUIs, so they’re not a big deal. DUI charges might be common, but that does not mean they shouldn’t be taken seriously. If you’re convicted of a DUI, you could spend time in jail and have a criminal record, which can make it difficult to find employment and a place to live. Your car insurance company may also cancel your policy or significantly raise your rates.
- When pulled over for a DUI, you must answer all the officer’s questions. If you’re pulled over for suspicion of drinking and driving, you only have to provide the police officer your driver’s license and insurance information. You’re not required to answer any other questions. In fact, it is in your best interest to stay silent. What you say to the police officer can be used against you later on. To learn more about your rights during a DUI stop, reach out to us.
- You must submit to a field sobriety test. This is false. In Maryland, you don’t have to submit to a field sobriety test after being pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving. These tests are unreliable because your balance can be affected by uneven payment and your eye responses can be impacted by flashing lights. If you take the test and fail, the police officer can use that against you in your case.
- You don’t need an attorney to fight a DUI charge. Although the court does not require you to hire a DUI attorney in MD, it’s in your best interest to do so. A DUI on your record can have serious consequences. A skilled attorney can provide you with a proper defense and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
- Breathalyzers can’t be proven wrong. This is another common myth about DUI charges. Breathalyzers actually can be proven to be defective or incorrectly administered. If the results of your breathalyzer are considered inaccurate, your case could get thrown out.
- Drinking coffee will help you sober up. Unlike popular belief, drinking caffeine won’t help you sober up any faster. You have to give your body ample time to get rid of alcohol from your system.
Maryland DUI Laws To Know
Maryland DUI laws are strict and designed to keep roads safe for everyone. Our MD lawyer emphasizes the importance of understanding these laws to avoid severe consequences and protect your driving privileges. Always stay informed and consider seeking legal advice if you face a DUI charge.
BAC Levels
In Maryland, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08%, but this can vary depending on the type of driver. Commercial drivers and minors face stricter limits. If you’re charged with a DUI, a Maryland DUI attorney will carefully review the evidence and make sure the BAC test was conducted properly and defending against any errors or issues with the testing process.
Penalties
Maryland has a range of penalties for DUI offenses, including fines, jail time, license suspension, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device. The severity of these penalties depends on factors like your BAC level and whether you’ve been convicted before. A skilled Maryland DUI attorney is essential for navigating the legal system, negotiating on your behalf, and potentially reducing the penalties you face.
License Suspension
A DUI charge in Maryland can significantly affect your driving privileges. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) uses a points system, and accumulating points from offenses like DUI can lead to suspension or revocation of your license. Dealing with both MVA procedures and criminal charges requires an experienced attorney like ours who can help you build a strong defense and protect your driving rights.
Underage DUI
Maryland has a zero-tolerance policy for underage DUI, meaning minors caught driving under the influence face serious consequences. These penalties can affect not only their driving record but also their future opportunities. If you or a loved one is facing an underage DUI charge, it’s important to work with our knowledgeable DUI lawyer who can advocate for the minor’s rights and help navigate this challenging situation.
MD DUI Infographic
Maryland DUI Statistics
According to the CDC, 2% of Maryland drivers reported driving after drinking too much. Even if you aren’t handed a DUI conviction, you pose the risk of endangering yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. Impaired driving can lead to serious accidents, legal consequences, and long-lasting impacts on your record and reputation. It’s crucial to understand the risks and legal repercussions associated with driving under the influence to make informed, safe choices.
FAQs
What’s The Difference Between A DUI And DWI?
As an MD DUI attorney can confirm, many people use the terms “DUI” and “DWI” interchangeably. However, they carry different penalties in Maryland. If you have no breath result or breath result of .07 to .08, you may get charged with a DWI. However, if your breath result is .08 or higher, you may receive a DUI charge. DUI’s carry heavier penalties than DWI’s. For example, you may have to spend up to a year in jail with a DUI, but only a couple of months in jail for a DWI.
Will My Driver’s License Be Suspended After a DUI Arrest?
If a police officer arrests you over suspicion of drunk driving, you will be given a temporary driver’s license for the next 45 days. You will also have to schedule an administrative hearing within 10 days to reinstate your driving privileges. If you don’t schedule the hearing within that deadline, your driver’s license will be suspended on the 46th day after your arrest. Not having a license can make it more difficult to get to work and other places. You may have to rely on others to give you rides, which can get tiresome after a while. To avoid the hassle, schedule your administrative hearing promptly.
Should I Just Plead Guilty?
If you were drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, you may assume that you have no choice but to plead guilty. However, an MD DUI attorney would advise against this. If you plead guilty right away, you may face harsher penalties. Allow your attorney to negotiate a better deal. For example, if your attorney finds out that the police officer wasn’t properly trained on how to administer a breathalyzer, your charges may get reduced or dismissed.
Do I Have To Take a Breath Test?
Some drivers refuse to take a breath test after getting pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving. However, this often isn’t a good idea. Maryland has an implied consent law, so you automatically give consent to a breath test. If you refuse a breath test, you may face additional penalties.
Should I Talk To The Police?
After you’re arrested for a DUI, the police might ask to speak to you. They may even tell you that they want to help you. Don’t believe them. The police don’t have any interest in helping you. They just want to gather information to use against you. To avoid harming your case, tell the police that you can’t speak to them without an attorney.
Will I Go To Jail?
Many people charged with a DUI are concerned about going to jail. Whether or not you get a jail sentence will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. For example, if this is your first DUI charge and no one got hurt, our MD DUI attorney may be able to help you get probation. On the other hand, if you have multiple DUIs on your record, you have a greater chance of going to jail.
Contact Our Firm Today
When searching for a DUI attorney, choose one that is experienced and willing to go the extra mile in support of their clients. Our attorneys at Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. understand that the possibility of a DUI conviction can be extremely stressful for their clients. There are many details involved in prosecuting a DUI, beginning with the moment you are pulled over. We are very knowledgeable on proper police and legal procedures and will investigate and question every detail that we believe is in doubt. We will challenge every assumption and accusation made against you.
If you find yourself on the receiving end of a DUI charge, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our firm. We are well-versed in helping drivers get a reduction in charges, often by challenging the initial traffic stop. Get the help you need to give you the best shot at a clear record. Our defense lawyers will take every possibility into account, including the circumstances and explanations for your behavior at the time of your arrest. Call our MD DUI lawyer today.