COLUMBIA DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEY

What Happens After You Are Arrested for DUI?

In Howard County, DUI cases are generally heard in the county’s district court before a judge, as well as the Office of Administrative Hearings in Beltsville. In the event you don’t like a particular judge, or simply think your options are better before a jury, you have a right to have the case heard in the circuit court before a jury of your peers. Regardless, it is important that you reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney who can provide the personalized legal counsel and tailored advice you need.

OUR ATTORNEYS ARE RECOGNIZED NOW AS THE “10 BEST ATTORNEYS FOR DUI” IN MARYLAND EVERY YEAR.

At Portner & Shure, P.A., our legal strategy is typically determined by what happens after your arrest. In our initial intake, we will inquire in detail about several things, including the reason for the initial stop, the nature of the field sobriety tests you took (e.g., whether the tests were recorded), and whether you refused to take a breathalyzer or the results of the breath test. In addition, we will get a complete copy of your prior driving record. We will work with you to get an understanding of your current family situation, work status, education, and military status. From there, we can begin immediately building a solid defense strategy aimed at protecting your rights and best interests.

If you or someone you love has been arrested for DUI in Maryland, call Portner & Shure, P.A. at for a free, confidential consultation with one of our Columbia DUI defense lawyers.

What Are the Penalties for DUI in Maryland?

The statutory penalties for DUI vary depending on whether this was your first, second, or third offense. The penalties may also be enhanced if there was an accident, injuries, or if there were other people in the car. There is, however, no sense in listing the mandatory penalties you face here, since our clients are rarely sentenced to anything close. When you retain our Columbia DUI defense lawyers, we will work with you as we have with our past clients to help ensure you are not sentenced to anything close to the maximum penalties. While we—nor any attorney—cannot guarantee the outcome of any given case, we have a proven record of success in tough, complex criminal defense and DUI cases.

How We Build Your Case

When you call or text us, will immediately schedule to meet with you and work on:

• Obtaining discovery from the state (including actual files and police reports);
• Treatment options (which a court will likely recommend), including alcohol treatment and a victim impact panel class. Our clients must complete this before court.
• AA – option or alcohol court
• Character and witness statements
• Securing an alcohol counselor who will come to court, as well as others who may speak on your
• behalf

Our goal is to help you stay out of jail and minimize the damage to your permanent criminal and driving record. For younger people, we are often hired to keep their record clean for purposes of future employment, college, or graduate school applications. For others, we are hired for the purpose of enabling our clients to keep a CDL license or avoid having a conviction appear in a background check. We do a good job, as illustrated by our hundreds of five-star reviews, as well as our recognition as being among the “10 Best Attorneys Maryland” for Exceptional and Outstanding Service for both Criminal Defense and DUI.

Ready to discuss your case with our Columbia DUI defense lawyers? Call or submit an online contact form today to schedule your free and confidential consultation.