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
Most common times for drunk driving
Most police officers who are on duty actively screen their surroundings for signs of criminal activity. They are ready to react in an instant and arrest those who may have broken the law. Police officers on traffic duty may monitor the behavior of people nearby very...
You passed the field sobriety test. What’s next?
When pulled over on suspicion of DUI, the stress and the uncertainty of your situation can be immense. So, after passing a field sobriety test, the relief can feel like a weight lifted off your shoulders. Still, it is important to remember that passing a field...
Why might it be better to keep quiet during a police stop?
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Anything you say may be taken down and used as evidence against you.” It’s what the police should tell you after arresting you. However, what you say when you first encounter them could make it more likely things get to that point....
Can you refuse a DUI test in Maryland?
In Maryland, implied consent is a powerful legal concept that impacts every driver on the road. This law means that by obtaining a driver's license and operating a vehicle in the state, you are automatically agreeing to take a chemical test if an officer stops you for...
It’s not just alcohol that leads to impaired driving allegations
Alcohol is indeed responsible for most impaired driving arrests. Some drivers may make a mistake, believing they are sober enough to drive when they’re actually over the legal limit. Others may intentionally decide to take the risk, perhaps saying they didn’t have...
Are DUI and DWI the same in the eyes of the law?
Many people use DUI and DWI interchangeably. However, these two terms have distinct meanings in Maryland law – the fundamental difference between the two lies in the level of impairment necessary and their resulting penalties. Understanding these charges is crucial if...
Maryland DUI: Hidden costs that can change your life
When facing a charge for driving under the influence (DUI) in Maryland, most people are aware of the immediate legal penalties that come with it, including fines and potential jail time. However, many fail to consider the long-lasting financial and personal...
How DUI charges escalate in Maryland
If you’re facing DUI charges in Maryland, a potential conviction could lead to license sanctions and criminal penalties. You could face time behind bars and need to pay significant financial fines. You may also lose your driver’s license, and points will be added to...
Don’t let a tailgate party land you in jail
If you’re an avid football fan, whether at the college or pro level, you may be attending or even planning at least one tailgate party this season. Of course, tailgate parties can accompany concerts and other events as well. Most people don’t consider the possibility...
How do impaired driving sentences escalate?
If you’re facing drunk driving allegations in Maryland, the sentence you get is going to depend – in part – on how many convictions you have on your record. A subsequent offense typically carries a much more severe penalty than a first offense. For example, a first...