Harford DUI Lawyers

A drunk driving conviction in Harford or anywhere in Maryland carries significant penalties, including fines, the loss of your driving privileges, and possible jail time. If you’re facing a DUI or DWI charge in Harford or somewhere else in Maryland, Greenberg Law Offices can help.

Our Harford DUI attorneys have represented the community and the entire state of Maryland for three generations, giving us the in-depth knowledge and experience needed to defend your rights. We’ll handle all the legal work, explain key terms and concepts, and represent you during any court appearances or negotiations with law enforcement.

Call now or complete our contact form for a free, confidential consultation with a Harford DUI lawyer from Greenberg Law Offices.

Why You Need a Harford Defense Lawyer for a DUI Case

The primary benefit of hiring a DUI lawyer in Maryland is that having your own attorney levels the legal playing field. The state has vast teams of police officers, prosecutors, and other officials to investigate and prosecute these cases. If you don’t have someone on your side who knows the system, you’re at a distinct disadvantage. You might not know what evidence to look for, if the police made an illegal traffic stop or search, and whether a possible plea deal is fair.

By working with an experienced DUI criminal defense attorney in Harford and across Maryland, you stand a much better chance of avoiding the worst outcome in your situation. Your lawyer can help you avoid a driver’s license suspension, challenge DUI test results, see if the police had proper cause to stop you, and guide you through the legal process.

While it’s generally best to avoid a trial when possible, you need a Harford DUI lawyer if your case goes to court. If this happens, your attorney can explain trial procedures, present evidence in your favor, and point out weak points in the prosecution’s case.

What Are Maryland’s DUI Laws?

Maryland DUI laws are complicated, starting with the fact that you could face two distinct charges. The lesser charge is DWI or DWAI (driving while ability impaired). DWI charges apply if the police believe you’re intoxicated but your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is less than the legal limit of 0.08 percent. The police can still arrest you if your BAC is below the legal limit, but they must rely on other evidence to justify the arrest and sustain a criminal conviction. The police and prosecutors often use field sobriety tests, the officer’s notes on your driving behavior, video footage, and other evidence to secure a DWI conviction.

The more severe charge you might face is DUI, which stands for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. DUI charges apply when your BAC is at or above the Maryland DUI limit, which is 0.08 percent for most drivers. (The legal limit for commercial drivers is 0.04 percent and 0 percent for drivers under 21.) DUI charges in Maryland carry more severe penalties because drivers are more intoxicated and, therefore, present a greater danger to themselves and others.

Finally, it’s worth noting that refusing to take a chemical test after a drunk driving arrest is also a crime. You can refuse a roadside breathalyzer test or field sobriety test without any legal penalties, and you should refuse these tests to avoid giving the police evidence to use against you. However, the Maryland implied consent law says you must comply with chemical tests after an arrest. A first test refusal is grounds for an automatic driver’s license suspension of 270 days (roughly 9 months).

Is a DUI a Felony in Maryland?

When we discuss Maryland DUI penalties with potential clients, they often ask us, “Is a DUI a felony in Maryland?” The answer is, “It depends.”

Generally, a first-time DWI or DUI charge is not a felony unless you hurt someone in a crash or you have a high BAC. However, a second DUI charge (though not a second DWI charge) within 10 years is usually a felony and could send you to prison for up to two years. Subsequent offenses carry similarly harsh penalties. A Maryland DUI charge can also be a felony if the police catch you with a minor in your car.

Why does the distinction between misdemeanor and felony DUI matter? It matters for several reasons, the most important being that felonies carry much harsher penalties than misdemeanors. Furthermore, the secondary effects of a misdemeanor charge are typically less severe than those of a felony conviction. For example, many employers require applicants to report felony convictions but not misdemeanors on their records.

You want to avoid a felony conviction if at all possible. The best way to do that is to contact a Harford DUI lawyer from Greenberg Law Offices immediately.

What Are the DUI Penalties in Maryland?

What is the cost of a DUI in Maryland? It’s a lot, though the specific penalties you might face for a Maryland DWI or DUI charge depend on your BAC, your prior criminal history (if any), and other factors specific to your case. The penalties for DWI and DUI in Maryland break down this way:

  • First DWI – Up to two months in jail, a fine of up to $500, 8 points on your license, and a possible six-month license suspension. Drivers under 21 could face a one-year license suspension.
  • Second DWI – Up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $500, 8 points on your license, and a possible license suspension for nine-12 months. Drivers under 21 could face a two-year license suspension.
  • First DUI – Up to one year in jail, a fine up to $1,200, 12 points on your license, and a possible six-month license revocation. You may also have to enroll in an alcohol treatment program.
  • Second DUI – Up to two years in prison (mandatory minimum of five days), a fine of up to $2,400, 12 points on your license, and a possible one-year license revocation. You may also have to enroll in an alcohol treatment program. Offenders convicted of two DUIs within five years may also need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle. An IID prevents a car from turning on unless the driver blows into the reader and shows they’re not impaired.
  • Third DUI – Up to three years in prison (mandatory minimum of five days), a fine of up to $3,000, 12 points on your license, and similar license suspensions as for a second DUI.

If the police arrest you in Harford or anywhere in Maryland and they accuse you of DUI, probation may be an option if it’s your first offense. You likely will not receive probation if it’s your second or subsequent offense or if the police arrest you with a high BAC.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the penalties for a DUI or DWI charge escalate significantly if you injure or kill someone while impaired. A Harford DUI lawyer who also serves clients across Maryland can examine your case to determine which specific penalties apply to your situation.

What Are Common Defenses Used in DUI Cases?

Some defenses that may apply in Maryland and Harford DUI cases include the following:

  • Faulty Evidence – Roadside breathalyzer tests are unreliable and frequently register inaccurate readings. Chemical tests after an arrest are more reliable, but the police must carefully calibrate the equipment and conduct the test correctly. If the equipment is faulty or the police made a mistake during testing, your lawyer can argue to have the evidence dismissed.
  • Illegal Traffic Stop – The police must have probable cause to stop you and see if you’re impaired. If the police made an illegal stop, any evidence from the stop could be dismissed, which could lead prosecutors to drop your case.
  • Medical Issues – Certain medical conditions can cause misleading test results on breathalyzer tests. Your attorney could have your charges dismissed if you can show you have one of these conditions and that it affected your test.

Can a DUI Be Dismissed?

People sometimes ask us, “Can a DUI be dismissed?” The answer is yes, but you have your work cut out for you.

It’s possible to convince prosecutors to dismiss a DUI case, but you need compelling evidence to support your argument. For example, your lawyer could argue for dismissed or reduced charges if the police made an illegal traffic stop, mishandled the evidence in your case, or didn’t inform you of your constitutional rights during your arrest. However, you’re unlikely to convince a prosecutor to drop their case simply because it’s your first offense or you registered a low BAC.

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost?

When considering the cost of hiring an attorney, the question isn’t, “How much does a DUI lawyer cost?” Rather, the vital question is, “What do I get by hiring a lawyer?”

Some attorneys charge an hourly rate for DUI cases, while others charge a flat fee. What’s crucial to remember is that the cost of a DUI conviction (fines, jail time, a driver’s license suspension, etc.) far outweighs the cost of hiring a lawyer. Furthermore, some lawyers offer payment plans or reduced rates for clients with limited means. Always ask for a clear explanation of a lawyer’s fee structure before hiring them.

Contact a Harford DWI/DUI Lawyer Defense Attorney Today

Have you been charged with a DUI, DWAI, or DWI? You need experienced legal counsel and advocacy to navigate the criminal justice system and pursue a favorable outcome to your prosecution. Contact Greenberg Law Offices today for a free, confidential consultation with a Harford DUI defense lawyer who also serves clients across Maryland. We’ll discuss your legal options for resolving your charges.