Frederick, Maryland DUI Defense Attorney

Lawyer Assisting With Charges of Driving Under the Influence in Frederick

When you have been arrested for DUI, you may face multiple types of penalties that can affect your life in many ways. During an ordinary evening out, a drive home after a work event, or another situation where you believed you were safe to drive, you may be pulled over, questioned by a police officer, asked to take sobriety tests, and arrested based on claims that you were under the influence of alcohol or another substance. DUI charges can have consequences that could have an impact on your personal and professional life. You will need to understand what steps you can take to address these charges and avoid long-term penalties.

The laws that may play a role in DUI cases can be complex, and there are many issues that could affect the outcome of your case. With representation from a skilled and experienced attorney, you can take steps to prevent a conviction, avoid the loss of your driver's license, and minimize issues that could affect your life and career. At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our lawyer can help you understand the best ways to protect your future. He will make sure you fully understand what will happen during your case and how you can present the best image when appearing in court, and he will fight to resolve the charges against you while avoiding a DUI conviction.

First-Time DUI Charges

The penalties for DUI can be significant, even for first-time offenders. A first DUI conviction could lead to a sentence that may be as high as one year in jail. The fines in these cases may be as high as $1,200. A person's driver's license may be suspended for up to 180 days.

First-time offenders may qualify for probation before judgment (PBJ). This will allow them to avoid a DUI conviction if they complete all requirements during a term of probation. However, PBJ will still appear on a person's record, leading to issues that could affect a person's career or other aspects of their life. Our attorney can help clients understand whether PBJ is a good option or whether other steps may be taken to resolve a DUI case while avoiding long-term consequences.

Multiple DUI Charges

A second DUI conviction and any additional convictions can lead to consequences that are more serious than a first-time DUI charge. After a second conviction for DUI, a person may be sentenced to up to two years in jail. The fines they will be required to pay may be as high as $2,400. A conviction will also lead to the loss of a driver's license for up to one year. Because of the serious consequences of multiple DUI convictions, our lawyer can provide guidance on the best ways to resolve these cases while minimizing long-term penalties.

Felony DUI Charges

While DUI offenses in Maryland are usually classified as misdemeanors, certain circumstances can elevate a case to a felony DUI charge. A person who is accused of causing an accident that resulted in someone's death may be charged with DUI homicide, which is a felony offense that carries a potential sentence of five years in prison and/or a maximum fine of $5,000.

Other situations where DUI may be charged as a felony include incidents in which people were seriously injured or where a person had a minor in their vehicle when they were driving under the influence. Felony DUI cases will require a strong defense to help avoid a conviction and prevent lengthy prison sentences and other penalties. Our attorney will examine the evidence in a case and the accusations made by prosecutors to determine the best defense strategies against a felony conviction.

Drug-Related DUI Charges

In addition to situations involving driving under the influence of alcohol, drivers may be charged with DUI based on the alleged use of controlled substances or other drugs. Substances like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription opioid painkillers can affect a person's ability to drive safely. A person who is accused of driving while under the influence of these substances may face the same penalties as a person charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

Drug-related DUI cases may involve unique legal issues. Arrests may be based on field sobriety tests, evaluations by drug recognition experts, or the observations made by police officers during traffic stops. Blood tests may be used to determine whether a person had certain substances in their system, but the results of these tests may be challenged for a variety of reasons. Our lawyer will review the evidence and the accusations against a person to determine the best ways to defend against DUI charges involving drugs.

Commercial Driver DUI Charges

A person who holds a commercial driver's license (CDL) may face penalties that could affect their career after a DUI arrest. The legal blood alcohol limit for commercial drivers is lower than for people who drive passenger vehicles. Commercial vehicle DUI charges may be based on alcohol use or drug use. A conviction will result in the disqualification of a CDL, which can lead to the loss of a job and difficulty finding employment in the future.

Our attorney understands what is at stake for CDL holders who have been arrested for DUI. He can look at what happened during a traffic stop, what tests were used after an arrest, and what steps may be taken to challenge DUI charges and prevent the loss of a CDL or other penalties that may affect a commercial driver.

Underage DUI Charges

Drivers under the age of 21 may face DUI charges in a variety of situations. A young person may be arrested after attending a party, or they may be accused of using marijuana or other substances before driving. Minors may be charged with underage DUI based on a chemical test showing that they had a blood alcohol concentration of just 0.02%. The penalties for underage DUI include fines and the loss of a driver's license, and a DUI conviction on a minor's record may limit their educational options or employment opportunities.

Because a DUI charge can affect a young person's life in many ways, defending against these charges can be crucial. Our lawyer will work to minimize the consequences that may affect a minor, helping them avoid a record with a DUI conviction, prevent the loss of a driver's license, and take steps to prevent other long-term consequences.

Contact Our Frederick, MD DUI Defense Lawyer

An arrest for DUI can set off a chain of consequences, and immediate action will need to be taken to minimize the effects on a person's life. At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our lawyer can provide the defense needed to resolve these cases successfully. Contact our Frederick DUI attorney at 301-762-7500 to set up a free consultation.