Aspen Hill, MD DUI Defense Lawyer

Attorney for DUI and DWI Charges in Aspen Hill, Maryland

Being arrested for drunk driving and charged with DUI can feel overwhelming. Whether you were stopped at a checkpoint, pulled over after leaving a restaurant, or arrested following an accident, a DUI arrest can leave you wondering what to do next. You may be worried about losing your license, being required to pay fines, being sentenced to jail, losing your job, or other issues. Because of these serious consequences, you will need to make sure you have legal representation as you defend against DUI charges.

At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our attorney understands how much is at stake in a DUI case, and he can help you understand the best steps to take during your defense. He is ready to advocate for you in court and throughout every stage of your case, helping you avoid a conviction and minimize the ways your life may be affected by DUI charges.

Understanding DUI and Intoxicated Driving Charges in Maryland

There are two offenses detailed in Maryland law that address intoxicated driving. Driving under the influence (DUI) is the more serious charge, and it will usually apply in situations where a person was allegedly over the legal limit while driving or was substantially impaired by alcohol or drugs. Driving while impaired (DWI) is a less serious charge, and it may apply when a driver is accused of being impaired to some degree but was below the legal limit.

For alcohol-related offenses, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% for adult drivers. DUI charges may apply if a person allegedly exceeded this legal limit while driving or if they were under the influence of drugs. A person who had a BAC below 0.08% could be charged with DWI. Commercial drivers face a stricter legal limit of 0.04%, and a person charged with DUI while operating a commercial vehicle could lose their commercial driver's license (CDL). Drivers under the age of 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance policy, and they may face charges of intoxicated driving if they allegedly drove with a BAC of 0.02% or more.

Reasons People May Be Charged With DUI

DUI charges may be based on allegations that people have used a wide range of substances that impaired their ability to drive safely, including:

Alcohol

Intoxication by alcohol is the most common reason for DUI charges. Police may initiate a traffic stop based on behaviors such as swerving between lanes, running red lights, or driving below the speed limit that could indicate that a person is intoxicated. During a traffic stop, an officer may ask a person to take field sobriety tests or breathe into a portable breathalyzer device to determine if they are under the influence of alcohol. The results of these tests or other indications that a person has been drinking may provide an officer with probable cause to arrest the driver for DUI.

Marijuana

While recreational marijuana has been legalized in Maryland, people are prohibited from driving while under the influence of marijuana. Unlike alcohol, there is no legal limit for marijuana, but a person may be arrested for DUI if a police officer believes that their use of marijuana has caused their driving ability to become impaired. Arrests may be based on an officer's observations of a person's behavior, field sobriety tests, and evaluations by drug recognition experts (DREs).

Prescription Drugs

Medications that have been prescribed by doctors and used lawfully can serve as the basis for DUI charges if they cause a person to become impaired. Opioids, muscle relaxants, sleep aids, and other medications may affect a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely. A person who has used a prescription drug may be arrested for DUI based on an officer's observations and claims that these substances had impaired their driving ability.

Controlled Substances

Driving while under the influence of illegal drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin can result in DUI charges. While an officer may arrest a person based on observations of their behavior, DUI charges will often be based on drug tests that show that a person had a controlled substance in their system.

Our Client-Focused Approach to DUI Defense

At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we believe that people facing criminal charges deserve legal representation from an attorney who will stand by their side throughout their case. Our lawyer will not just show up for a court date and encourage you to plead guilty. He will take the time to explain every step of the legal process, answer your questions honestly, and make sure you are fully prepared for what will happen during your case.

Keeping You Informed From Day One

From your first consultation through the resolution of your case, our attorney will make sure you understand what is happening and why. He will explain the charges against you, the potential penalties, the court process, and the realistic outcomes.

Preparing for Legal Proceedings

Before appearing in court, we will make sure you are fully prepared. That includes practical guidance about what to wear to court (including providing you with a tie if you need one), how to conduct yourself before the judge, and how to answer questions that you may be asked. First impressions can be important during criminal proceedings. Appearing in court in professional attire and conducting yourself respectfully can make a difference in your case.

Building a Comprehensive Strategy

Our lawyer will take the time to review the evidence in your case, including police reports, dashcam and bodycam footage, calibration and maintenance records for breathalyzer devices, and witness statements. He will look for weaknesses in the prosecution's case and build a defense strategy to help you avoid a DUI conviction.

Contact Our Aspen Hill DUI Defense Attorney

Because DUI charges are serious, they will require skilled legal representation. The decisions you make after your arrest may affect the outcome of your case. At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our attorney can provide guidance on what you should and should not do, and he will advocate for solutions that will minimize the impact on your life and allow you to put this situation behind you. Contact our Aspen Hill, MD DUI lawyer at 301-762-7500 to set up your free consultation.