Statistics from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program indicate that there were 18,160 total DUI arrests in Maryland in 2019. In the State of Maryland, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. An offender convicted of driving under the influence may be facing devastating penalties, such as a lengthy jail time, hefty fines, license suspension or revocation, and other social consequences.
Fighting your drunk driving charges can help you avoid the serious punishment and other life-changing ramifications that come with a DUI conviction. Bradley Shepherd is committed to offering knowledgeable legal counsel and reliable representation to individuals in their DUI cases. As a skilled Maryland DUI defense attorney, he can investigate all of the facts of your case and craft an effective legal defense to fight your drunk driving allegations and help protect your driving privileges. BSS Law, LLC is proud to serve clients throughout Catonsville, Columbia, Baltimore, and across the state of Maryland.
Possible Penalties for DUI in Maryland
Under Maryland law, a person may be convicted of a DUI for driving or attempting to drive:
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While under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance
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With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or more
If convicted, the possible criminal penalties for DUI charge in Maryland include:
First Offense: Punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and up to six months with a license suspension
Second Offense: Punishable by up to two years in jail, a fine of $2,000, and up to a year with a license suspension
Other Consequences of DUI
In addition to imprisonment, fines, and license suspensions, there are other devastating, life-long ramifications of a DUI conviction. These include:
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Driver’s license revocation
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Future employment difficulties due to a comprehensive background check
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Scholarship programs may be denied or revoked
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Both professional and personal relationships will be adversely compromised
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Increased auto insurance premiums
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Difficulties in securing education or professional opportunities
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Difficulties in securing housing and public benefits
However, fighting your DUI charges can help you avoid the severe punishment and life-altering consequences of a drunk driving conviction. A skilled criminal defense attorney can evaluate the surrounding facts of your case and help you understand your possible defenses.
Defenses for a DUI Charge
When facing a DUI charge in Maryland, your attorney can fight your allegations using any of the following defenses:
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Unlawful arrests (there was no probable cause, or the arresting officer didn’t advise of rights)
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Testing was flawed and wasn’t done in accordance with state DUI laws
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Unlawful stop by law enforcement
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Your driving wasn’t impaired by alcohol or controlled substance
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You were intimidated into taking a field sobriety test
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The arresting officers failed to follow due diligence
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There were extenuating circumstances that falsely inflated the BAC level
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Blood samples were contaminated or compromised
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Improper calibration of the Breathalyzer or breath test kit
A knowledgeable DUI defense attorney can review every aspect of your personal situation and outline an effective defense strategy to fight your impaired driving charges.
How Bradley Shepherd Can Help
The consequences of a DUI conviction can be devastating and far-reaching. With your reputation, quality of life, driving privileges, and future opportunities on the line, it is never advisable to defend your DUI allegations without experienced representation. Therefore, hiring a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney is imperative when facing drunk driving charges to protect your rights and help build your defense strategy.
Bradley Shepherd has the resources and experience to represent and defend clients who have been wrongfully accused of driving while impaired or under the influence. Using his extensive knowledge of the Maryland DUI laws, he can help navigate the state’s criminal justice system and represent you vigorously in every phase of the legal proceedings. Bradley Shepherd will fight aggressively to protect your legal rights and keep your record as clean as possible.
Contact BSS Law, LLC today to schedule a one-on-one case evaluation with a knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer. Bradley Shepherd can offer you the detailed legal guidance and reliable representation you need to fight your drunk driving accusations. The firm is proud to serve clients throughout Catonsville, Columbia, Baltimore, and across the state of Maryland.