Baltimore DUI Lawyer

DUI Lawyer Baltimore, MD

An Aggressive DUI Lawyer Baltimore, MD Residents Trust

You can never fully prepare yourself for a DUI arrest, which is why it is good to know a DUI lawyer Baltimore, MD trusts. Fear, anger, and uncertainty may be difficult to manage while you wait on the side of the road. Police might be telling you that “you’re going to jail”, and this thought alone could be rather frightening. As you reflect on the situation, you might know that a suspension of your driver’s license, a criminal record, jail time, and probation are all real possibilities. The reality is that regardless of what is happening, a DUI arrest will have some type of consequence. So how can you keep the consequences to a minimum? Is it even possible? In truth, with the right DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD on your side, your penalties or charges could be reduced or dropped. Time is not on your side. If you want to get out of this catastrophic situation as quickly as possible, you should call a DUI lawyer now to find out what options may be available.

If you’ve recently been charged with driving under the influence, you might be searching for the top DUI lawyer Baltimore, MD has to offer. At the Greenberg Law Offices, we know that these legal situations can be very complicated and stressful for the individual charged. When a client comes to our firm seeking counsel for a DUI, we strive to provide counsel that our clients can depend on.

Table Of Contents

• DUI Arrests: What You Need To Know
• Defenses for a DUI
• Myths About Breath Tests and Field Sobriety Tests
• The Field Sobriety Tests You See on Television Are the Ones You Will Take
• Breath Tests Are Always Electroni
• Field Sobriety Test Results Are Inadmissible in Court
• You Can Refuse a Breath Test
• Breath Tests Work for Drugs Other Than Alcohol
• Breath Tests and Field Sobriety Tests are 100% Accurate
• Important Preliminary Information
• 3 Fast Facts On DUIs in Maryland
• Contact a DUI Lawyer Baltimore, MD Residents Rely On
• Common Misconceptions About DUI Cases
• Find DUI Support with an Attorney
• Standard Levels of DUI Charges
• Complications in a DUI Case
• Meet With a Trusted DUI Lawyer Baltimore, MD Has To Offer
• Greenberg Law Offices, Baltimore DUI Lawyer

DUI Arrests: What You Need To Know

It’s common for individuals to seek counsel from a trusted DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD after a DUI arrest, solely because they have so many questions. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious charge and the consequences can have lasting impact.

A DUI conviction could affect your employment opportunities. A criminal record could potentially limit your ability to find employment that reflects your skill levels. Preserving future employment opportunities is a common reason to seek counsel from a DUI lawyer Baltimore, MD trusts.

Convictions for driving under the influence could have consequences that last for years. Missing out on job opportunities is only the beginning when it comes to a DUI conviction. In addition to a criminal record, a person convicted of DUI might also face jail time and a high fine. This could severely impact the individual, and the wellbeing of his or her family, for years to come.

It is possible for a DUI charge to be dismissed due to procedural or clerical errors. Searching for these mistakes is something that a skilled Baltimore, MD DUI lawyer would want to do right away. Small errors can have a big impact on the individual’s entire case. In some cases, one mistake might be important enough that the court can no longer pursue charges against someone. While this is not the case for every person’s legal situation, it is something that a skilled Baltimore, Maryland DUI lawyer will know to look for.

DUI charges aren’t limited to alcohol use. An individual can be convicted of a DUI charge if he or she consumes another controlled substance that affects their ability to drive. In fact, it is even possible for an individual to be charged with DUI if he or she legally consumes a prescription medication that affects driving ability.

Reduced charges can have a major impact. Even when a DUI lawyer Baltimore, MD provides cannot get the court to dismiss an individual’s case completely, it may still be possible to get the charges reduced.

Defenses for a DUI

In many DUI arrests, there is often more than meets the eye. For example, how you were pulled over and arrested by the police officer could provide you with a defense. A DUI lawyer will likely review all of the details of the arrest to determine whether or not any of your rights were violated. Common defenses that may be used by a qualified DUI lawyer include:

1. Bad driving does not equate to a DUI
2. Objective “signs” or “symptoms” of alcohol intoxication is not the same as a DUI
3. Field sobriety tests are unable to give accurate measures of impairment
4. Mouth alcohol can lead to false BAC readings
5. A 15 minute observation period was not conducted (depending on state laws)
6. There was a breach in the testing for alcohol
7. You were mentally alert and not DUI
8. You suffer from health conditions that cause false BAC readings (i.e. diabetes or a high protein diet)
9. Police failed to follow the legal procedure
10. You were not read your Miranda Rights

If any of the aforementioned are found to be true in your case, a DUI lawyer might ask the court for a reduction or dismissal of your charges.

When getting a DUI there are a variety of different penalties. It could depend on what state you live in, if there were any aggravating circumstances to elevate those penalties, or if this was your first, second, or third DUI offense. Below, a Baltimore, MD DUI lawyer will walk you through the different types of penalties that come with a driving under the influence charge.

1st Time DUI offense

If it’s your first DUI offense, most states will classify the charge as a misdemeanor. While they do take DUIs very seriously, if the judge deems that this is not going to become a pattern of behavior, then the minimum penalties will be given. This includes a fine ranging from a few hundred dollars to one thousand dollars, losing your license for 90 days, and potentially taking a driving course or some similar rehabilitation course.

2nd Time DUI offense

If you are pulled over and charged with a DUI a second time, the penalties will be more severe. Driving under the influence of drugs and / or alcohol can be extremely dangerous. You could injure yourself or others. And to make this mistake a second time – specifically within a five year period – is considered a repeat offender. A second-time offense can result in fines in the thousands of dollars, losing your license for up to a year, mandatory alcohol abuse classes, points on your license (which results in higher insurance rates) and spending some time in jail.

3rd Time DUI offense

Getting a DUI a third time shows the court that this is a pattern of behavior and the severity of the punishment will reflect accordingly. Fines start at $3,000 for a third DUI offense. You can almost guarantee that you will face jail time and depending upon the judge and your state could be from 10 days up to three years in jail or prison. You will lose your license for up to 18 months, get points on your license, and are required to attend alcohol and substance abuse classes.

With each additional charge, the judge can impose stricter and stricter penalties. And if these charges happen within a short period of time or while you are still in the process of doing your time for another charge, the judge will most likely impose the maximum penalties.

With any DUI offense, there are penalties that extend beyond the punishments of the court. For example, if you have a record of a DUI you will not be able to get a job that requires a commercial drivers license. Your insurance rates will also increase based on the severity of your DUI charge and you could lose your policy altogether as you are now viewed as “high risk”.

It’s important to understand the penalties you could be facing if you are arrested for a DUI. Driving under the influence is taken very seriously by the courts and therefore you should take very seriously the next time you think about getting behind the wheel of a car after you’ve been drinking.

Myths About Breath Tests and Field Sobriety Tests

If you are pulled over and an officer suspects you of being under the influence of alcohol, the officer may perform tests to determine whether you are intoxicated. There are usually two types of tests, field sobriety tests and breath tests. You may undergo either or both. Test results may be used as evidence against you in court. However, they are not infallible. A DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD, from Greenberg Law Offices may be able to help you challenge the results of the tests. Here are some things people believe about the assessments that are either untrue or misleading.

The Field Sobriety Tests You See on Television Are the Ones You Will Take

In crime dramas, police officers often ask drivers to touch their fingers to their nose or recite the alphabet backward. While officers are allowed to make assessments of these sorts, they may not be inclined to do so because they have not been tested for effectiveness or accuracy.

Breath Tests Are Always Electronic

The breath tests that most officers use to test for intoxication are electronic. These types of tests are relatively more accurate. However, there is also a manual type of drug test that involves crystals in a tube that change color when exposed to alcohol on your breath. They start out yellow, and the alcohol produces bands of green. These tests are inexpensive and helpful for self-assessment, but you should call a DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD, if a police officer ever makes you take a manual breath test.

Field Sobriety Test Results Are Inadmissible in Court

There are three standardized field sobriety tests: the one-leg stand test, the walk-and-turn test, and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. These assessments have been scientifically researched and clinically tested for accuracy. They are usually admissible in court, although it may be possible to challenge the results. There is also no rule against officers performing nonstandard assessments, but those may be easier to challenge.

You Can Refuse a Breath Test

Breath tests are not considered optional. The law presumes that, by obtaining a driver’s license, you have given implied consent to any testing deemed necessary to determine whether you are intoxicated. As a DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD, can tell you, if you refuse a breath test, you will face consequences as a result. However, the consequences may be less serious than if you were to take the test and have the failed results admitted in court.

Breath Tests Work for Drugs Other Than Alcohol

Breath tests only detect alcohol. If you are suspected of using other drugs, an officer might take a blood, urine, or hair sample to test for them. Field sobriety tests might indicate impaired ability regardless of the substance used.

Breath Tests and Field Sobriety Tests are 100% Accurate

A DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD, can confirm that none of these tests are completely accurate. Altogether, field sobriety tests are close to 100% accurate, but any single assessment is 65% to 77% accurate by itself. As for breath tests, many factors can affect their accuracy. Personal care products containing alcohol can produce false positives, and the machines may give inaccurate results if they need software updates or new batteries. Greenberg Law Offices may be able to determine the accuracy of the results, challenging them if necessary.

Important Preliminary Information

Ask your DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD to help you, or schedule your own, DMV hearing within the allotted time set by the state (usually 10 days) to protect your driver’s license.

• If this is your first offense, and no one was injured, you will generally not be sentenced to jail.
• First time offenders could face a license suspension.
• Some states require mandatory ignition interlock devices to be installed.
• You may be fined.
• You could be sentenced to home detention.
• Alcohol education classes and/or rehabilitation may be required.
• You will likely receive points on your license.
• You may be sentenced to probation and community service.
• Insurance rate increase is likely.
• A permanent or expunged criminal record is common.

Depending on the circumstances in your life, such as your career, schooling, family, activities, etc., the aforementioned might seem “not so bad” or “terrible”. By hiring a DUI lawyer serving Baltimore, MD, your charges could be reduced to lesser charges that may result in penalties that are significantly different and could include:

• Reduced fines.
• No interlock ignition device.
• No home detention.
• Less alcohol education or rehabilitation.
• No jail time.
• Reduction in license suspension (or none at all).

A reduction in charges can actually save you money and hassle in the long run. In fact, sometimes after all legal fees have been paid, a person charged with a DUI will find themselves ahead and better able to move forward in life than they would have had they not hired a DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD.

3 Fast Facts On DUIs in Maryland

Drinking and driving is a matter that the law takes very seriously. As such, being convicted of Driving Under the Influence carries a range of potential consequences. With so much at stake, you might be surprised at just how common DUIs are. In Maryland alone, tens of thousands of people are arrested each year for suspected drunk driving. Knowing the law can help you stay out of trouble. Otherwise, you may find yourself calling a DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD. 

The Legal Limit 

In Maryland, a driver is considered unfit to drive once their Blood Alcohol Content level reaches 0.08 percent. It is important to remember that alcohol affects everyone differently. Larger people and people who drink regularly may not feel impaired at 0.08 BAC. In the eyes of the law, this does not matter. It is important to keep how much alcohol you have consumed in mind before driving or even call an Uber or a friend instead. 

First Offenders Can Face Jail Time 

Greenberg Law Offices meets with hundreds of clients each year seeking a DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD. During their consultations, clients are often shocked to learn that the penalties for first-time DUI offenders can be quite severe. In the state of Maryland, a first-offense DUI can carry a maximum jail sentence of a year. It also carries a fine of up to 1,000 dollars. The severity of these penalties makes consulting with a lawyer very important. Having a great lawyer on your side can negotiate more favorable sentencing terms like reduced jail time, or probation.

Repeat Offenders Are Common

Before their first DUI arrest, drunk drivers have likely driven drunk dozens of times. It is not a matter of if they get caught but when. This is why avoiding drunk driving altogether is so important. This also matters because repeat offenders face increasingly serious penalties and sentences for subsequent DUI convictions. 

Greenberg Law Offices has decades of experience in litigating DUI cases. They know the law and the ins and outs of the court system. Additionally, they have developed and nurtured relationships with the prosecutor’s office over the years. This puts them in a position to bargain and negotiate to resolve your case in a way that is favorable to you. Drunk driving should absolutely be avoided. Still, if you ever have the misfortune of being charged with a DUI, calling the Greenberg Law Offices should be the first move you make. 

Contact a DUI Lawyer Baltimore, MD Residents Rely On

If you’re facing a DUI charge, it’s important to know that there’s a local law firm you can turn to for trusted legal counsel. At the Greenberg Law Offices, we understand just how stressful these charges can be — not only for the individual arrested, but also for their families. A DUI conviction can mean severe lifelong consequences that hurt the individual’s employment opportunities and enjoyment of daily life.

At the Greenberg Law Offices, we believe that it is our job to provide excellent counsel to our clients who are facing DUI charges — no matter who they are. For more information about our firm, or to schedule a free case evaluation with a top DUI lawyer Baltimore, MD trusts, contact the Greenberg Law Offices today at 410-539-5250 or 410-844-4854.

Common Misconceptions About DUI Cases

Many people get arrested for drunk driving every year in Maryland. However, DUI charges are still widely misunderstood. Here are some common misconceptions about DUI cases.

• Your BAC has to be at least 0.08 to get charged with a DUI. This is one of the most common myths about DUI cases. The truth is that a police officer can still arrest you even if your BAC is below 0.08. For example, if an officer observes you swerving all over the road or slurring your words, he or she may still decide to charge you with a DUI.
• A DUI isn’t a big deal. Some people falsely believe that DUIs are minor offenses and don’t have to be taken seriously. The truth is that a DUI can carry heavy penalties, such as hefty fines and jail time. A DUI conviction may also remain on your criminal record, which can make it more difficult to secure employment and rent an apartment. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD represent you.
• Any lawyer can defend a DUI charge. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Just because a divorce or tax lawyer agrees to take a DUI case, doesn’t mean that he or she is the right person for the job. DUI laws are complex, so you want to work with a lawyer who specializes in DUI cases. He or she will be more likely to achieve a favorable outcome for you.
• Police must see you driving to arrest you for a DUI. Another common assumption people have is that a police officer has to see them behind the wheel to arrest them for drunk driving. This just isn’t true. For instance, if a police officer sees you step out of your vehicle and act drunk, he or she may assume that you were driving drunk and arrest you.
• Drinking coffee can help you sober up faster. Some people think that drinking coffee after consuming alcoholic beverages will make them sober enough to drive. Although you might feel more alert after drinking coffee, it won’t lower your BAC. It takes time for alcohol to completely leave your system.
• You have to answer all the police officer’s questions. If you’re pulled over for suspicion of drinking and driving, you have the right to remain silent. You just have to give the police your driver’s license, insurance card and registration.

Looking for a DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of people are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you’ve been charged with DUI, speak with an experienced DUI Lawyer Baltimore, MD residents trust, from Greenberg Law Offices right away.  A good DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD can answer your questions and help guide you through the process. 

What is a DUI lawyer?

A DUI lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in defending individuals who have been arrested for driving under the influence. A DUI lawyer will be able to help you navigate the legal system and represent your interests in court.

What is a DUI?

A DUI, or driving under the influence, means that you were found to be driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher. This can happen even if you feel completely fine and in control of your body. A DUI can also be filed if you are under the influence of drugs, legal or otherwise.

What does it mean to blow into a Breathalyzer?

When you get pulled over for a DUI, there is a chance that the officer will ask you to blow into a Breathalyzer. This is a device that measures your BAC. If your BAC levels are high enough, the officer will arrest you for a DUI. The punishments for refusing to blow into the Breathalyzer are just as severe as giving yourself away with high BAC levels.

What should I do if I am arrested for a DUI?

If you are arrested for a DUI, you should immediately contact a DUI lawyer. The sooner you have an attorney on your side, the better. Your DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD will be able to advise you of your rights and help protect your future.

What will happen at my arraignment?

Your arraignment is the first time that you will appear before a judge. At this hearing, the judge will read the charges against you and ask how you plead. You may also be asked to provide bail. Your DUI lawyer will be able to advise you on the best course of action at your arraignment.

What is the punishment for a DUI?

The punishment for a DUI depends on a number of factors, including your age, your blood alcohol content, and whether this is your first or subsequent offense. Generally, the punishment will include fines, jail time, and a driver’s license suspension. Your DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD will be able to help you understand the potential consequences of a DUI conviction.

Will I go to jail if I am convicted?

It is possible that you may go to jail if you are convicted of a DUI. The amount of jail time that you will serve depends on a number of factors. However, it is important to remember that you have the right to a lawyer and you should not make any decisions about your case until you have spoken with an attorney.

Can I keep my driver’s license if I am convicted of a DUI?

It is possible that your driver’s license will be suspended if you are convicted of a DUI. The length of the suspension will depend on a number of factors. Your DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD will be able to help you understand how a DUI conviction could affect your driver’s license.

Find DUI Support with an Attorney

People who are severely impacted by the repercussions of a DUI charge may turn to a DUI lawyer Baltimore, MD families trust from the Greenberg Law Offices for quality representation. We understand how intense and scary a DUI charge may feel. It is our job to provide trustworthy legal counsel to Baltimore residents in their time of need. Our family has consulted with good people just like you for over 50 years.

Standard Levels of DUI Charges

Depending on your specific case, the charges and punishments you face may range greatly. Below are some basic categories associated with different kinds of DUI cases:

1. First Offense DUI
2. Second Offense DUI
3. Third Offense DUI
4. Fourth Offense DUI (and up from there)
5. Felony DUI
6. Aggravated Offense DUI
7. DUI Collisions as a Commercial Driver
8. Underage Driver DUI
9. Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)
10. Drugged Driving

For more information about these levels of DUI charges, don’t hesitate to contact a DUI lawyer Baltimore, MD trusts from our firm. We may define the differences between these levels and discuss how your charges may impact you. If we cannot get the charges dismissed, we often advocate for lesser charges or lighter sentencing.

Complications in a DUI Case

In addition to dealing with the charges, you may also have to attend a hearing with the DMV. It’s possible to lose your right to drive. This punishment is completely separate from what the court system hands out. You do have the opportunity to challenge the DMV in order to protect your driver’s license, but this may be a steep task without the help of an experienced DUI lawyer Baltimore, MD can provide. Without requesting a hearing, you could lose your right to drive. You have a certain amount of days after your arrest to inquire about a hearing, so do not delay in taking action.

There are many reasons why a DUI lawyer in Baltimore, MD might be able to prove your innocence. Perhaps the police had no right to pull you over, or your blood sample was not analyzed improperly, or your breathalyzer test was not 100% accurate. Without the help of a Baltimore DUI lawyer, you might not be able to find out those details by yourself. The legal system can occasionally hide evidence that proves the innocence of an accused person. At the Greenberg Law Offices, we strive to bring all of these points to light in the courtroom when it benefits a client.

Meet With a Trusted DUI Lawyer Baltimore, MD Has To Offer

At the Greenberg Law Offices, we understand that a DUI charge can be very scary. There’s no reason why you should have to deal with it on your own. An attorney from our firm may be extremely helpful throughout this complicated DUI process. Please give the Greenberg Law Offices a call today at 410-539-5250 to schedule a free consultation with a talented and compassionate DUI lawyer Baltimore, MD residents depend on.

Greenberg Law Offices, Baltimore DUI Lawyer

6 E Biddle St, Baltimore, MD 21202