Greenbelt, Maryland DUI Lawyer

Received A DUI? Call Portner & Shure, P.A.

Driving after consuming too much alcohol is dangerous, but it is a mistake people unintentionally make all the time. Does that mean they should always have their lives ruined by driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) charges, especially if no one got hurt? Our attorneys from Portner & Shure, P.A. in Greenbelt, Maryland don’t think so.

An alcohol-related driving offense is a serious matter, and a conviction can result in jail time, the loss of one’s driving privileges, and a permanent criminal record. If you were recently charged with DUI or DWI, you should consult one of our attorneys immediately. We have been defending individuals accused of alcohol-related driving offenses for more than 30 years. Our attorneys can work with you to protect your freedom and driving privileges.

To learn how we can help you, call (410) 995-1515 for a free consultation.

Alcohol-Related Driving Offenses in Maryland

When a person is arrested for an alcohol-related driving offense, they often receive multiple citations, including citations for both a DUI and DWI.

The most serious alcohol-related driving offense is driving under influence. To be convicted of DUI, the prosecution must prove that the accused’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level exceeded 0.08, which is the legal limit in all states. Pursuant to Maryland Transportation Code § 21-902(a), a DUI conviction can result in a 1-year jail sentence and/or a $1,000 fine along with 12 points. The penalties increase for subsequent offenses. For example, a conviction for a second offense can result in a sentence of 2 years in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.

DWI is a less serious alcohol-related driving offense, but such a charge should still be adamantly fought in court with the help of an attorney. To be convicted of DWI, the prosecution merely needs to prove that a person was impaired by alcohol and that they were driving. A DWI does not require evidence of a person’s blood-alcohol level, which works in favor of the prosecution.

The potential penalties for a DWI are severe and include:

· Jail sentence of 60 days

· Fine of $500

· 8 points against the driver’s license

Administrative Penalties for a DUI

When you are charged with an alcohol-related driving offense, several things occur. The arresting officer will confiscate your license. Additionally, you will receive a court summons and a notice from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) informing you that your license will be suspended within 45 days of your arrest.

This is because two cases are created when you receive a DUI:

· A criminal case is generated by the local prosecutor and adjudicated in a Maryland Court.

· An administrative case is generated by the MVA and adjudicated by the Office of Administrative Hearings.

The outcomes of these cases usually will not affect one another. When you are charged with an alcohol-related driving offense, the administrative penalty you face is a suspension of your driving privilege. The length of the suspension depends on whether you provided a breathalyzer sample and/or your blood alcohol content.

You have several options with regards to the administrative penalties:

· Undergo a suspension of your driving privilege

· Request a hearing for a restricted driver’s license

· Enroll in the ignition interlock program

Possible Outcomes of a DUI Case

One of the reasons that you might be charged with multiple offenses as a result of an alcohol-related driving offense is because the prosecutor wants to intimidate you into pleading guilty. To be convicted of a crime, the prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A review of the evidence may reveal that the State is unable to meet this burden.

The attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. carefully review the evidence to determine whether probable cause existed for the initial traffic stop, whether the police had sufficient grounds to request a breathalyzer sample, and whether the sample was legally obtained. In some cases, a plea deal is preferable to a trial. In those cases, our attorneys work towards negotiating the most favorable plea deal for our clients by building compelling arguments to mitigate the potential legal consequences.

Why Hire Portner & Shure, P.A.?

Experienced representation is crucial if you are charged with an alcohol-related driving offense. The attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A. have been representing individuals charged with alcohol-related driving offenses for more than 30 years. During this time, we have built an excellent reputation because of our ability to obtain favorable results for our clients. This reputation can be seen in reviews written by prior clients and the awards our attorneys have earned. Also, the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys of 2020 recently recognized Portner & Shure as one of Maryland’s “10 Best Law Firms”!

To schedule a free consultation regarding your Greenbelt DUI case, dial (410) 995-1515 or contact us online. Our staff speaks English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese).