Greenbelt DUI Defense Lawyer

Expert DUI Defense in Prince George's County

Whether you are stopped on I-495 or a block from home in Greenbelt, MD an arrest for DUI/DWI is much more serious than a traffic offense—it is a criminal charge that can result in jail time, fines, loss of your license, and much higher insurance premiums. If you were arrested for drunk driving, you need an experienced DUI attorney proudly serving Greenbelt, and has had success in managing these kinds of cases.

How a Greenbelt DUI Attorney Can Help You

Yes, a highly qualified lawyer can really help with DUI charges and resolve your criminal case. If you are not sure if you should get an attorney for DUI criminal charges, keep in mind the penalties of a DUI/DWI sentence. The best chance to beat your DUI charge and clear your case is by hiring an attorney.

At Brennan McKenna & Lawlor, our Greenbelt DUI attorneys bring more than a century of combined legal experience serving Greenbelt and the surrounding Prince George's County. We’re prepared to give you the personal attention and professional criminal defense representation you need to obtain the best possible result.

Call (240) 219-8980 now or contact Brennan McKenna & Lawlor online for a free consultation.

Understanding DUI vs. DWI in Maryland Law

DUI and DWI are two ways to charge drunk driving in Greenbelt, MD. A standard DUI (driving under the influence) requires a blood alcohol content (BAC) reading of 0.08 percent or greater, but commercial drivers can be cited for 0.04 percent BAC, and drivers under age 21 can be arrested under the zero tolerance policy with a BAC of 0.02 percent. Drivers with a BAC of 0.15 percent or greater face enhanced charges, as do drunk drivers who transport children or cause accidents.

Since some drivers can be impaired with a BAC lower than the 0.08 percent necessary to trigger a DUI, the MD law allows a charge of DWI (driving while impaired) if the driver has a lower BAC, typically from 0.04 to 0.079 percent, and the officer also observes questionable driving behavior. MD authorities often charge DWI after an accident resulting in property damage or bodily injury.

Many states also have a statutory offense called reckless driving involving alcohol, or “wet reckless.” Any MD DUI lawyer often try to bargain a DUI or DWI charge down to this lesser offense. Although Maryland has no such criminal law provision, a DUI lawyer can sometimes arrange a plea bargain to a charge of reckless driving.

Greenbelt DUI/DWI Penalties and Consequences

DUI in MD is the more serious charge, carrying the following penalties:

• 1st offense: Up to one year jail time, up to $1,000 in fines/penalties, and a 6-month minimum license suspension
• 2nd offense: Up to two years jail time, up to $2,000 in fines/penalties, a 1-year minimum license suspension, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device in your car
• 3rd offense: Up to three years jail time, up to $3,000 in fines/penalties, an 18-month minimum license suspension, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device in your car

Although a lesser offense in MD, DWI still carries serious consequences:

• 1st offense: Up to two months jail time, up to $500 in fines/penalties, and a 6-month minimum license suspension
• 2nd offense: Up to one year jail time, up to $500 in fines/penalties, a 1-year minimum license suspension, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device in your car
• 3rd offense: Up to three years jail time, up to $3,000 in fines/penalties, an 18-month minimum license suspension, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device in your car

In determining whether a DUI/DWI qualifies as a repeat offense, Maryland courts look back 5 years to prior convictions.

You might also suffer the administrative loss of your driver’s license if you refuse to take a breath, blood, or urine test after you are arrested. Maryland’s implied consent law requires drivers to submit to a chemical test after a lawful arrest.

Get aggressive criminal defense representation on your side now for your DUI by calling (240) 219-8980.