Here are some startling statistics:

Fatality resulting from drunken driving was at its maximum in 1986, when approximately 407 deaths were recorded. The same was at its lowest in 2008, with 186 deaths reported. Even so, in the year 2008, 26% of traffic fatalities involved a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of .08 or higher!

Given the above facts, it is only natural that as people begin to unwind in the summer, the police will tighten its stranglehold on drunk drivers. They will try to amass maximum numbers of drunk drivers through speeding traps, field sobriety checks and by actually searching out watering holes. As a result, the chances of anybody being stopped and arrested for drunken driving are much greater than they were, say, a few years ago.

If you are stopped for suspected drunk driving in Maryland, a lawyer is your best bet against arrest. Keep in mind that as of February, 2009, a number of changes have been proposed in the existing laws pertaining to drunken driving in Maryland. So, a lawyer will have the latest information and they will be able to guide you on your rights and duties.

But, there are certain things you need to know of before your lawyer can reach you. Your actions and reactions in the first few minutes are important because they provide important evidence to prosecutors when you are in court. The key is to be on your best behavior. Do not argue with the police. You need not take the field sobriety test if you do not want to. You do not have to answer the questions of the officer (in fact, you should try not to answer them because your answers could be used as evidence against you). Refusal to take PBT (Preliminary Breath test) may lead to a confiscation of your license. However, the result of this test is admissible in court if they are favorable to you and inadmissible if they are unfavorable. So, you do not lose anything by taking this test. Understand your rights.

If you are charged with DUI/DWI, it is a serious infraction. But, this generally happens only if your blood alcohol concentration is .8% or above. The punishment is extremely severe in Maryland as the crime could lead to immediate revocation of your license and 12 points could be automatically marked against you. The monetary costs are also high as you would have to pay a fine and also hire a DUI/DWI lawyer who can take care of the drunken driving offense in Maryland.

About the Author:

Drunk driving defense attorneys possess the knowledge, skills, experience, and expertise to properly handle your case and ensure the protection of your legal rights.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Consequences of drunk driving in Maryland: a Lawyer’s perspective

Whats the best plea bargaining that can happen in a Michigan OUI charge?

Does the lawyer basically know what will happen or what not? How does plea bargaining in a drunk driving case work? I hear it all depends upon the facts about your case. How much the lawyer can defend your constitutional rights.

A OUI charge?

Just say “NON”!

Some people are tempted to refuse to take a roadside test, particularly the breath test, thinking they’re protecting their Fifth Amendment Right of not incriminating oneself by withholding evidence that police will use against them.

As a stipulation of getting your driver’s permit or license, Maryland requires you to sign an agreement acknowledging that you know your driver’s license will be confiscated if you refuse the roadside breath test, even if you are not in violation of any law. Confiscation of your driver’s license is authorized based upon your refusal, not your level of impairment.

Probable cause

Don’t forget that if an officer pulls you over, he can ticket you for any violation he feels you’ve committed. Refusing the roadside tests will probably aggravate the officer. If you refuse to cooperate, you may be viewed being uncooperative.

Once a police officer begins speaking with you, he has an opportunity to smell the odor of alcohol, observe slurred speech, blood-shot eyes, and other key indicators of intoxication. If these indicators exist they give him probable cause to arrest you for an impairment-related offense. So, refusing to take the breath test won’t prevent your arrest, but it will compound the consequences of both.

The high price of refusal

In Maryland, the penalty for refusing a roadside test is an immediate 120-day suspension of your license. Any subsequent refusal will suspend your license for a full year, so you can see that even refusals stay on your driving record. If you depend upon driving for work or other critical needs, you will have to find alternative ways to get wherever you need to go. This is at minimum, a huge inconvenience if not an outright risk. Not only could it put your job in jeopardy if you don’t have reliable transportation, but because this goes on your driving record, it will most likely result in an increase in insurance rates.

Consequences are far more severe if you hold a commercial driver’s license. The first offense for a CDL holder is disqualification from driving a commercial vehicle for one year, or three years if you were hauling hazardous materials at the time you refused the test. Permanent disqualification for a CDL is mandatory upon any second incident of refusal to take a breath test. This penalty is imposed upon any CDL holder even when driving a personal vehicle. Losing your CDL would be the equivalent of a doctor or nurse having their license revoked. You’d not only be out of a job, you’d have to find a new career.

If you refused a roadside breath test, you’ll need and experienced Maryland DUI attorney to help restore your driving privileges. Please visit the website of Jimeno & Gray, DUI Lawyers in Maryland to have your case evaluated.

About the Author:

If you refused a roadside breath test, you’ll need and experienced Maryland DUI attorney to help restore your driving privileges. Please visit the website of Jimeno & Gray, DUI Lawyers in Maryland to have your case evaluated.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Refusal of Roadside Sobriety Test

Can I get fired for a misdemeanor?

After working at a company for two years, we are now required to fill out forms reporting any misdemeanor or felony on our record. At the time I was hired, I had not yet been convicted, so did not lie on my application. I work in finance and reputation/integrity is extremely important since we deal with large sums of investor money. Will I be fired for reporting that I plead guilty to the misdemeanor offense of “Disrupting the Legal Process” as a plea bargain after being arrested (not convicted) for drunk driving three years ago?
Mary B, to re-state, I was arrested for drunk driving, and plead guilty to the lesser charge of Disrupting the Legal Process as a part of a plea bargain. Thanks to the others who offered constructive thoughts.

Some companies have either a written or unwritten clause that pertains to moral turpitude, which essentially means if you don’t hold yourself to high moral standard they won’t either.
Fire you I doubt it, for the crime you commit ed however they may do a background check to determine if you warrant termination or they may watch your sick days for signs of that type of behavior