Upper Marlboro DUI Defense Attorneys
Politicians know that the public supports tough DUI/DWI laws, so drunk driving laws get tougher every year. DUI is the most common reason for arrest in Maryland, and fines represent a major revenue source for localities.
The law doesn’t care that you didn’t cause harm to anyone, or that you’ve never been arrested before. Once you are arrested, they’ve got you, and only a skilled DUI lawyer can save you from fines, license suspension, alcohol and drug classes, problems with employers and schools and possibly jail.
Knowledgeable Drunk Driving Defense
At the Law Offices of Thomas C. Mooney, we work with scores of DUI clients every year. Many are students from College Park. Many others are tourists passing through from New Jersey, New York or other states. In both cases, it’s important to resolve the matter quickly, with an emphasis on protecting young people’s records and scheduling court dates when they will cause the least disruption.
We defend against the full roster of DUI/DWI charges:
- First time DUI
- Repeat DUI offenses
- DUI medication
- DUI drugs
- Child endangerment
- DUI injury
- Motor vehicle manslaughter
- DUI boating
- Underage DUI
- Vehicular assault
- Vehicular homicide
- Leaving the scene
Understanding DUI/DWI Charges In Upper Marlboro And Maryland
Under Maryland law, a DUI charge is for driving under the influence, and this typically means that a person has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least .08%. The court can presume they were under the influence when they break this threshold.
DWI charges are for driving while impaired – a charge that can be issued even if someone is below that BAC threshold, such as if they have a BAC of .07%. Likewise, DWI charges could apply to prescription drugs, marijuana, illegal drugs or other substances that impair a person’s ability to drive but would not affect their BAC.
Potential Penalties For DUI/DWI Convictions
Both charges could lead to fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 and jail time from two months to five years. Defendants could also receive points on their record, have their driver’s license suspended or be required to use an ignition interlock device. A DWI typically puts eight points on a person’s record, while a DUI could result in 12 points.
Aggravating circumstances can make the sentences more severe. For instance, being charged with a DUI or DWI with a minor in the car typically brings a harsher sentence. Repeat offenders are also more likely to face higher fines and longer jail sentences.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Thomas C. Mooney For DUI Defense?
Your future hangs in the balance when facing significant criminal charges, and you need an experienced DUI lawyer in Maryland. Attorney Mooney has decades of experience, having been admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1998. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers from 2011 to the present, and Baltimore Magazine named him one of the top attorneys in the state in 2013.
He is also bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, which allows him to connect with a variety of clients. Attorney Mooney is deeply knowledgeable about Maryland DUI laws, has strong relationships with local judges and prosecutors, and works closely with clients to create a personalized strategy based on aggressive defense tactics. He can protect your rights when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions On Maryland DUI/DWI
As your legal lifeline, we can assist in safeguarding your prospects. Here are answers to questions specific to such cases arising in Maryland.
How will the DUI/DWI conviction affect my future?
A DUI/DWI conviction in Maryland may impact your future in the following ways:
- A DUI/DWI conviction will appear on your criminal record, affecting employment opportunities, housing applications and professional licensing.
- Maryland imposes strict penalties on driver’s licenses for DUI/DWI convictions depending on how serious the offense is and your prior record.
- A DUI/DWI conviction can significantly increase car insurance premiums.
- Fines and court costs can create a financial burden.
DUI/DWI charges carry significant consequences that should be arguably treated with utmost legal interventions.
How will a DUI/DWI impact my ability to maintain my driver’s license?
If your blood alcohol content level is .08% or higher, your license will be confiscated immediately and can be suspended for six months. Subsequent offenses or higher BAC levels can lead to more extended suspension periods or revocation of your license. You may be able to retain your driving privileges for work or school, but only through prompt legal action.
Maryland has very strict rules around DUI/DWIs – what are they?
The Maryland legal limit for driving under the influence is a BAC of .08% or higher. But, if your BAC is between .07% and .08%, you can still be charged with the same offense.
Maryland also has an “implied consent” law. This means that by operating a vehicle on public roads, you have implicitly consented to a chemical test. Refusing such a test can result in an automatic license suspension, even if you are ultimately not convicted of DUI/DWI.
What does “adjudicated” mean in DUIs?
Adjudication is the legal process of determining guilt or innocence. When charged with a DUI/DWI, your case will go through the adjudication process, which involves a court hearing or trial. If you’re found guilty or plead guilty, you are considered “adjudicated” for the offense through a formal judgment or a rendered sentence.
|
Contact Us For Help DUI charges are expensive and risky. Our goal at the Law Offices of Thomas C. Mooney is to provide defense that attacks the search and arrest process, and to cast doubt on the reliability of the testing. Our attorneys always look for a dismissal of charges, or a very significant reduction. In cases of conviction, we seek alternative punishments that minimize the damage done to you by the law.We also assist with DUI-related issues, such as Breathalyzer refusal, driver’s license revocation and ignition interlock installation. Have you been arrested for DUI/DWI? Call the Upper Marlboro DUI defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Thomas C. Mooney at 301-579-3429. |
Related Posts
How is drugged driving proven and what are some defenses?
Lawmakers and peacekeepers alike feel obligated to address the widespread problem of driving while intoxicated. That's why field sobriety tests designed to detect alcohol impairment exist. However, many people face DUI charges without having even one drink of alcohol....
How drunk driving affects auto insurance in Maryland
Drunk driving is a serious problem that affects not only the safety of our roads but also the cost of auto insurance for Maryland residents. When individuals decide to get behind the wheel while under the influence, the consequences can be significant, both legally...
4 traffic stop myths that can cause DUI charges
One of the problems with social media and the internet is that a lot of information online isn’t true. A myth about drunk driving could cause you to face criminal charges. It may benefit you to learn about a few common myths: Myth 1: Honesty is the best policy Truth:...
The potential penalties of a DUI involving death
Although people know the dangers of driving under the influence (DUI), many still risk it, believing that nothing will go wrong. This reckless behavior, unfortunately, could cost someone else’s life. The aftermath is a hard and traumatizing lesson, burdened with harsh...
How sober people can fail field sobriety tests
Field sobriety tests are often given out by police officers who suspect that someone is under the influence. Maybe the officer watched the driver run a red light at 2:00 A.M. The officer doesn’t know that the driver is drunk but they have reasonable cause to stop the...
What’s the difference between DWI and DUI in Maryland?
In some states, “DWI” and “DUI” are used interchangeably – but Maryland is different. Driving while impaired (DWI) and driving under the influence (DUI) have distinct legal meanings in this state. If you’ve been charged with one or the other, understanding more can...
What are the potential signs of a drunk driver?
When the police pull over a drunk driver, it’s usually for a traffic mistake. The police don’t know that the driver is impaired. They just know that the person is driving dangerously and violating traffic regulations. They need to have this reasonable cause for the...
Be wary of police officer questioning in a Maryland DUI stop
When a police officer approaches your vehicle during a stop on suspicion of DUI, they may ask friendly-sounding questions. It may seem they are merely trying to set you at ease, but their queries usually have another purpose. Many Maryland police departments follow an...
Driving immediately after a DUI arrest leads to more trouble
If a driver is charged with driving under the influence (DUI) on a public road in Maryland, the officer who gave the charge can arrest the driver and take them back to the station. The officer will confiscate the driver’s license and issue a temporary one. The driver...
What are chemical sobriety tests
Driving drunk can lead to the police pulling a vehicle over and conducting an investigation. The police will use several tactics to gather evidence to determine whether a driver is drunk, including questioning, standardized field sobriety tests and chemical sobriety...