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

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

The legislation requires the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to now impose a one-year driver’s license suspension on a person convicted of either DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while impaired) more than once in a five-year period. The law allows the MVA to issue restricted licenses for the suspension period if the person participates in the Ignition Interlock System Program (IISP).

The IISP prohibits drivers from driving any vehicle not equipped with the ignition interlock system, and allows the person to drive only to and from school, to and from work or to and from an alcohol/drug treatment program and health care treatment

The legislature also increased the “look-back period”, doubling the length of time, from five to 10 years during which there can be no previous DUI related Probation Before Judgment dispositions in order for the Court to consider a PBJ in the instant case.

Under current Maryland law, drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of between .04 and .08 are usually charged with DWI. Those with a BAC of .08 or higher are normally charged with DUI. A first-time DWI conviction means being faced with up to two months in jail, a $500 fine and a driver’s license suspension of 60 days. Penalties for a first-time DUI are more severe, including up to one-year in jail, up to a $1,000 fine and a 45-day or more driver’s license suspension.

A second DUI conviction increases the fine to $2,000, a one-year license suspension (followed by one-year of restricted driving privileges) and can mean up to two-years in jail. A second DWI conviction can cost up to $500 in fines and up to a one-year jail term.

The legislature also passed a bill increasing penalties for violating any alcohol restriction on a driver’s license. The misdemeanor violation is now punishable by a fine of $500 and two months in jail.

About the Author:

The Maryland criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Richard P. Arnold focus exclusively on defending people who have been accused of felony or misdemeanor crimes. Based in Greenbelt, attorney Arnold has successfully defended hundreds of DUI/DWI cases.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Maryland Legislature Passes New Drunk Driving Laws