Here’s a fact: almost one-third of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve alcohol. Before new laws went into effect in the state of Maryland, DUI penalties were relatively mild compared to the rest of the nation. Now, offenders face license suspension for up to a year, harsher fines – and even jail time if one furnishes alcohol to a minor.

Drivers under the age of twenty-one who are charged with DUI also face possession charges.

The Legal System In Maryland

Under Maryland state law, DUI cases are handled by county courts under a two-tier system. If the offender had a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of less than .08, it is considered an “A” offense. If you are charged with DUI, you have the right to what is known as an administrative per se (APS) before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This judge has a fair amount of discretion when if comes to suspension of driving privileges; s/he can dismiss the suspension altogether, or make exceptions for driving to a place of employment.

The second tier involves a BAC level of over .08. This is actually called “driving while intoxicated” (DWI), and is classified as a “B” offense.

If it is your first offense within a ten-year period, you may be eligible for what is known as probation before judgment (PBJ). If you agree to a year of probation and attend an alcohol abuse education and rehabilitation program, your record will be cleared.

Refusal to Take a Blood Alcohol Test

You have the right to refuse a blood alcohol test, but if you do refuse, you may lose your driving privileges for four months – or up to a year if it your second offense within ten years. In addition, you may face criminal penalties if someone was injured as well as substantial fines if a minor was in the vehicle at the time you were stopped.

Again however, this may be appealed before an Administrative Law Judge, who may modify the suspension, allowing the offender to drive to work, school or alcohol treatment on the condition that an “alcohol interlock” – a device that requires the driver to blow into a breath analyzer before an automotive engine can be started – is installed in the vehicle.

Penalties

If you are convicted of either DUI or DWI, new laws provide for fines of up to $3000 and jail sentences of up to three years in addition to loss of driving privileges. Much of this depends on the circumstances surrounding the offense. Second and third offenses as well as those involving a minor, carry larger fines and longer sentences.

The bottom line for drivers? Make sure you consult a Maryland DUI Lawyer if you are charged with a DUI/DWI offense.

If you are guilty of a DUI or DWI offense in Annapolis, you face a period of probation and a term of incarceration. You could face huge fines and stand the risk of having your driving license confiscated. You could also end up paying huge insurance premiums and face a possible loss of employment. All these are dire consequences.

However, the consequences you face depend on the legal expert you choose to defend yourself. A highly skilled and aggressive attorney can help you avoid these undesirable consequences.

Before you choose a DUI/DWI attorney in Annapolis, it is important to make sure that the lawyer has been trained and certified in DUI/DWI detection. They must also have sufficient knowledge and expertise in evaluating the proper conduct of field sobriety tests. Only such kind of extensive and in-depth knowledge can help you enjoy a more desirable outcome.

The government’s lookout is to get you arraigned as soon as possible. That is why you must hurry and find the right DUI/DWI attorney in Annapolis. Instead of retaining a defense attorney, employ a lawyer of your own. You could get help from friends or relatives, search through the Yellow Pages or even use the Internet to find a DUI/DWI attorney in Annapolis. In this way, you can equip yourself with a huge list of lawyers who have the potential to represent you.

However, all attorneys are not equal and if you want to protect your driving license, you need a lawyer who has sufficient experience and expertise in DUI/DWI cases in Annapolis. Only such an attorney knows enough about laws, rules and procedures. Such lawyers will also have some amount of rapport with bailiffs at court and the judges. They also enjoy access to many top experts in the fields of police procedures and field sobriety testing.

A good DUI/DWI attorney from Annapolis will not make any promises regarding the outcome. Doing so is not only unethical and illegal but it also amounts to giving clients false hopes about a situation that the lawyer cannot really predict. Even the best cases cannot be stated as won until the judge gives their sentence. However, good attorneys will have a history of victories and they would have bagged a fair share of positive outcomes.

It is important to choose a DUI/DWI attorney who is a member of prominent legal associations in Annapolis. Attorneys who are actively involved in such groups will be aware of the latest changes in legislation. Such knowledge has great value as it can impact the outcome of the case.

Lastly, before you hire, it is important to talk about the lawyer’s fee. You might want to shop around for competitive rates but the trick is to find someone who offers competitive rates combined with razor sharp skills and a wealth of experience.

About the Author:

Cochran, Cochran & Chhabra, LLC are experienced DUI attorneys with extensive knowledge of DUI law in Annapolis, Maryland.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Tips to choose a DUI/DWI Attorney in Annapolis