Any individual searching for a top DUI lawyer Baltimore, MD has to offer might already know that a DUI conviction can have long-lasting consequences. Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is a very serious criminal offense in Maryland, as in other states across the country.
As an experienced DUI lawyer Baltimore, MD trusts might attest, mistakes can happen. Even those with the best intentions can misjudge the amount of alcohol they’ve consumed after a night out with friends or a few happy hour drinks with coworkers. DUI laws are an essential way of keeping our communities safe, and this sometimes means that the punishments of a conviction are extremely harsh.
If you’ve been charged with DUI, you may have already begun searching for a DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD. Here’s a brief look at some of the consequences you might face if convicted for DUI.
Incarceration: It is standard, across all 50 states, that the legal BAC (blood alcohol concentration) limit is .08%. When a driver is found with a BAC at or above .08%, it’s possible to be sentenced to jail time. Many states, including Maryland, allow a maximum jail sentence of one year for a first-time DUI offense.
If any exacerbating factors are at play, the driver may be sentenced to even more time in jail. Examples of this might include if the driver was transporting a minor at the time, if the driver is underage, or if the driver had previously been convicted of DUI.
Fines: Drivers convicted of DUI will likely have to pay a fine. This could range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the situation.
Suspended License: A driver who is convicted for the first time might not have his or her license suspended. However, this is still a common penalty in DUI convictions. Some drivers might be required to take a safe driving course before they can legally drive again, while repeat offenders may even have their license permanently suspended.
It is important to keep in mind that the exact penalties of a DUI conviction vary from state to state, and even within a single state. Additionally, every state across the country has its own “implied consent” law. This law states that drivers automatically consent to taking a chemical test, such as a breathalyzer, if a police officer suspects that they are intoxicated while driving. As a seasoned DUI lawyer Baltimore, MD can provide would explain, refusing to take one of these tests can result in even more severe punishments.
Find a DUI Lawyer Baltimore, MD Drivers Trust
Driving under the influence is no laughing matter; it’s a criminal offense that a respectable Baltimore DUI lawyer would not take lightly. However, not every DUI charge results in a conviction, and not every conviction results in the same penalties. If you’ve been charged with DUI, it may be important to hire a lawyer you can depend on.
For more information about DUI charges, or to talk about your case with a DUI lawyer Baltimore, MD trusts, contact the Greenberg Law Offices today.