When arrested for a criminal offense, your brain is likely running a million miles a minute. You are taken down to the police station, handcuffed and read your rights. These rights, known as your Miranda Rights, give you the right to remain silent, as well as the right to an attorney. During interrogation, it is vital that you seek the help of a qualified criminal attorney, such as those at Bienstock Law. Our team has extensive experience representing those who have been accused of a crime. A DUI offense, or driving under the influence, can be a costly offense if you are not represented properly. Here, the Rockville criminal attorneys at Bienstock Law provide an overview of what happens as a first-time DUI offender in Maryland and the repercussions that may result from your charges.
What Can Happen If I’m Charged With a DUI in Maryland?
When charged with a DUI/DWI in Maryland, you may face a myriad of repercussions, including potential license suspension, fines and jail time. If you are a first-time offender, the penalties are less severe than in subsequent offenses, but regardless of your driving or criminal record, resolving any DUI/DWI offense is a difficult task. To be charged with a DUI in Maryland, an individual must have a blood alcohol content, or BAC, of .08% or above. Additionally, you may receive a DWI charge, or driving while impaired, if the arresting officer determines that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol over .07% but less than .08%.
Just because you’ve been charged with a DUI/DWI, does not automatically mean you are convicted of that crime. This is where a qualified DUI/DWI attorney, such as those at Bienstock Law, comes in. Our attorneys will work with you to build an extensive case, and help you keep your criminal record and license intact. For a first offense, there is no mandatory jail time associated with a DUI/DWI charge, however, a first offense DWI charge can result in a sentence of up to 2 months in jail, and a first offense DUI charge can result in a sentence of up to 1 year in jail. There are aggravating circumstances that can lead to harsher punishments for DUI/DWI, that your attorney at Bienstock Law can discuss with you.
In December of 2015, Montgomery County police officer Noah Leotta was struck and killed by a drunk driver when performing a field stop. As a result, in October 2016, Noah’s Law was enacted, which mandates ignition interlock devices for convicted drivers. This program offers alternatives of opting-in to an ignition interlock device in the event that your license is suspended.
What Are the Next Steps After You’re Charged With a DUI?
If arrested for DUI/DWI, it is vital to refrain from oversharing with the arresting officers. Officers will likely try to ask a myriad of questions in an attempt to prove that you were driving under the influence. You do not have to respond to these questions! You can simply tell the attorney that you’d like to speak with your lawyer. It is crucial that you get an attorney involved in your defense immediately So you can ensure that you have proper representation by a qualified team of attorneys that understands the many intricacies of Maryland DUI/DWI law. Once we have reviewed your case, the team at Bienstock Law will be with you every step of the way, providing documentation and evidence to support your record and allow you to get back to normal life.
When arrested, the arresting officers will confiscate your current valid driver’s license and issue you a temporary license as you wait to schedule a hearing with an administrative law judge. An administrative law judge, or an ALJ, will provide an impartial hearing in which they will examine your case and determine whether additional license suspension is justified. This hearing will also discuss whether you are eligible for a restricted license or an ignition interlock device. Additionally, you may be required to complete an Alcohol Education Program, or AEP.
Find Support and Representation Through Rockville DUI Attorneys at Bienstock Law
When involved in an offense such as a DUI or DWI, especially if it is your first offense, you are likely rattled and do not know how to proceed. Each state has intricate laws, and without proper representation, you may find yourself on the wrong side of a legal battle. That is why consulting with a team of criminal defense attorneys familiar with local and state law, such as those at Bienstock Law, should be done immediately after you are charged with a DUI or DWI. Our team has extensive experience working with people charged with DUI or DWI, be it first time or subsequent offenders, to guide them through the complex process and ensure that the necessary steps are taken to present a case to regain your license, get the charges dropped or minimized to the best of our abilities. To see how our team can help you or a loved one who has been charged with their first DUI, contact our team here: https://bienstocklegal.com/contact-us/