Baltimore, Maryland DUI Lawyers

DUI Convictions Can Take Your Freedom of Mobility

Police and prosecutors in Baltimore firmly prosecute people that are charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) because they think it will help stop drunk driving accidents, even if there is little to no evidence that the defendant was even driving dangerously. A DUI conviction carries severe consequences such as the loss of one’s driving privilege, a permanent criminal record, possible jail time, and much more. The removal of your driver’s license might just be the most devastating thing that happens to you. Will you even be able to keep your job if you can’t drive to it?

If you are currently facing a DUI charge, a strong defense by a Baltimore, Maryland DUI attorney can minimize the consequences of a DUI conviction. The attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. have been representing people facing DUI charges in Baltimore City and the State of Maryland for more than 30 years. During this time, we have built an excellent reputation in Maryland’s legal communities and Maryland’s Hispanic, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) communities. Let us utilize our experience to protect your rights and defend you.

To speak with an attorney regarding your DUI case. Contact us at (410) 995-1515 or contact us online.

Maryland DUI Laws

People are often surprised by the number of citations they receive when they are charged with an alcohol-related driving charge. People often receive citations for Driving Under the Influence and Driving While Impaired, for example.

What are DUI and DWI?

• DUI: Driving Under the Influence is a serious alcohol-related driving offense. Driving Under the Influence carries a potential penalty of 1 year in jail, and/or a fine of $1,000.00, and 12 MVA points. A second offense carries a potential penalty of 2 years in jail, and/or a fine of $2,000.00. To be convicted of Driving Under the Influence, the State of Maryland must produce evidence that an individual’s blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) level was .08 or higher.
• DWI: Driving While Impaired is a lesser alcohol-related driving offense. Driving While Impaired carries a potential penalty of 60 days in jail, and/or a fine of $500.00, and 8 points accessed against their license. A second offense carries a potential penalty of 1 year in jail, and/or a fine of $500.00. Unlike Driving Under the Influence, the State of Maryland does not have to provide evidence of an individual’s blood-alcohol level. Instead, the prosecution must produce evidence that alcohol was present in an individual’s system and that it affected their ability to drive.

Administrative Penalties

Alcohol-related driving offenses also carry separately imposed administrative penalties. After a person receives a citation for Driving Under the Influence, the arresting officer confiscates their license and gives them a temporary driver’s license. The person then receives a letter from the Motor Vehicle Administration informing them that their license will be suspended within 45 days of the arrest. Depending on the facts of the arrest, i.e., a person’s blood-alcohol level, whether a person provides a breathalyzer sample, a person has a choice of requesting a hearing for a restricted license, participation in the interlock program, or electing to allow their license to be suspended.

The length of the suspension depends on factors such as:

• Person’s driving history
• Their blood alcohol level
• Whether they provided a breathalyzer sample

A suspension is a sanction that is imposed by the Motor Vehicle Administration. This sanction is separate from any potential penalties in the criminal case. This is because the Motor Vehicle Administration is part of the Executive Branch of the Maryland State Government. The criminal penalties are imposed by a Court, which is part of the Judicial Branch of the Maryland State Government.

Portner & Shure’s, P.A. Approach & Services

The Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City takes a harsh approach with alcohol-related driving offenses. This approach is designed to intimidate people and obtain favorable plea deals. However, a review of the State’s evidence may reveal that the prosecution lacks evidence to obtain a conviction. The Baltimore DUI attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. evaluate all aspects of a DUI case, such as whether there was probable cause to support the traffic stop, and whether the arresting officer had reasonable grounds to ask a person to provide a breathalyzer sample. In cases where a plea deal is preferable to a trial, the attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. work with their clients to mitigate the potential penalties of an alcohol-related driving offense.

Why Hire Portner & Shure, P.A.?

If you or a loved one was recently charged with a DUI, representation by a Baltimore, Maryland, you should speak with a DUI lawyer. The State of Maryland views your case as another statistic. The dedicated attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A., do not. We know the consequences that a DUI can have on your life and future. We will fight to protect your rights, freedom, and future.

To schedule a free consultation regarding your Baltimore City DUI case, contact us at (410) 995-1515 or contact us online.