Being arrested can be a traumatizing process, and if you are unfamiliar with the legal system, navigating your booking and questioning without help can be harmful. If you have been arrested for a DUI, or driving under the influence, you should seek the help of a qualified attorney, such as those at Bienstock Law, right away to make sure that you are adequately protected. Here, the Rockville criminal attorneys at Bienstock Law discuss the steps you should take after being arrested for a DUI in Maryland.
Do Not Refuse a Chemical Test from Officers
In most states, individuals are required to take a breathalyzer test or blood test if they have been suspected of driving under the influence by officers. Maryland enacts the traditional limit of .08 for your blood alcohol content, or BAC, and if you have been suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is important that you do not refuse this test. In Maryland, individuals who operate a vehicle have given implied consent for these tests, but this rule will not be enacted unless you are legally detained under the suspicion of a DUI. While you are able to refuse this test, this choice can have consequences in court, including potential license suspension and evidentiary use during your trial in an effort to prove guilt.
Hire a Qualified Criminal or DUI Attorney Immediately
It is likely that you do not have firsthand experience in navigating the court of law, arrest and other legal procedures, and if this is your first offense, you may feel stuck and overwhelmed, not knowing where to turn next. Being arrested for driving under the influence should not be taken lightly, and if not handled with care, can have severe and long-lasting repercussions on your daily life and future. While unfortunate, police corruption is an issue across the nation, and Baltimore has had their fair share of corruption, unethical tactics and arrests. At Bienstock Law, it is our job to make sure that your rights are continuously protected throughout the entirety of the legal process, and to fight for your rights if you have faced unlawful action by police officers or other officials. Outside of legal assistance, hiring a qualified DUI attorney can help you stay abreast of hearings, forms and other meetings that you may have to attend soon after your arrest, helping to expedite the process and make sure you do not face additional legal consequences.
Request a DMV Hearing and Prepare for Arraignment
Generally speaking, you will have 10 days after your arrest to formally request a DMV hearing. During this hearing, it will determine whether you are able to keep your driver’s license or not. If you are able to keep your license, it is likely that an ignition interlock device will be installed in your vehicle, requiring you to complete a breathalyzer test each time you start your vehicle. Additionally, it is important to note that if you or your attorney fail to schedule this hearing within 10 days, your license will be automatically suspended.
When preparing for your arraignment, be sure to bring all documentation, evidence and important information to your qualified DUI attorney. If you were involved in an accident under the influence that harmed another individual, it is important that you discuss the best course of action with your attorney, especially if this is not your first offense. In the midst of the coronavirus, courts have enhanced safety restrictions, and some hearings may take place online. Speak with your attorney about current procedures in your area, and be sure to prepare thoroughly for your arraignment or hearing, regardless of if it is in person or online.
Discuss Your Options With Criminal & DUI Attorneys at Bienstock Law
Regardless if this is your first criminal offense, or if you have previously been convicted, having a team of knowledgeable and experienced attorneys on your side is a must. At Bienstock Law, our job is to fight for your rights, ensuring that you have a fair trial, and that you are protected every step of the way. From the moment of your arrest, know that the help of a DUI attorney not only brings comfort, but provides an array of resources at your disposal. To see how the Rockville, Maryland attorneys at Bienstock Law can assist you, contact our office by clicking here.