Facing arrest for DUI in Maryland is a serious matter that can significantly impact your life. A fun night can quickly lead to life-changing consequences that affect your reputation, career, freedom, and personal relationships. However, with a persistent legal team by your side, you may be able to effectively resolve the charges and avoid a conviction. A dedicated criminal defense attorney could assist you with your case and guide you through the complex legal process.
In a criminal proceeding, it is often not recommended to represent yourself in court. A single misstep could jeopardize your defense and result in a conviction that has long-term impacts on your life. With the help of a St. Charles DUI lawyer, your charges could be greatly reduced or even dismissed.
Penalties for DUI
Law enforcement treats DUI arrests seriously and may use all of their available resources to secure a conviction. Even a first-time offense could drastically impact a person’s life.
A first-time conviction can result in the following consequences:
- A fine of $1000
- Up to one year in jail
- Twelve points on a person’s driving record
- A driver’s license suspension of up to six months
- A mandatory ignition interlock device installed in the vehicle
Penalties increase with the number of prior convictions. Eventually, a DUI can be classified as a felony, which could result in years of prison time. As a convicted felon, an individual may face other difficulties, such as finding employment or housing.
An accused person has a limited time to challenge the prosecution, so it is crucial to promptly seek help from a DUI attorney in St. Charles.
Noah’s Law
The state also adopted Noah’s law, which affects even first-time offenders. If a person is convicted of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher, their license will be suspended for at least 180 days.
These penalties increase substantially if someone refuses a breathalyzer test. This means that their driver’s license would be suspended for at least 270 days.
However, a person can challenge the license suspension by requesting a hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) within 10 days of the arrest. It is essential to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest to protect temporary driving privileges.
A resourceful lawyer could evaluate the prosecution’s evidence and identify possible defenses. They could negotiate a plea deal or advocate for an alternative sentence to help mitigate the serious consequences of a DUI conviction.
Common DUI Defenses
Although facing DUI charges can be stressful, a St. Charles attorney could utilize various defense strategies to help someone secure an acquittal. The common strategies include challenging the legality of the traffic stop or contesting the accuracy of the tests.
Police must have reasonable suspicion that a crime or traffic violation has been committed to stop a driver. If they pull a driver over without proper cause, any evidence collected at the time may be excluded in court.
Additionally, blood, breath, or urine samples are often the prosecution’s most compelling evidence. However, the results of these tests may be excluded from trial if they were not properly collected or securely stored.
Schedule a Consultation With a St. Charles DUI Attorney Today
If you have been arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence, it is critical to speak with seasoned legal counsel as soon as possible. A St. Charles DUI lawyer could review the charges against you and develop a persuasive defense strategy to successfully dispute the allegations. Call Restoration Law LLC today to schedule an initial consultation.
