It’s important to understand that if you are charged with a DUI, even after blowing above the legal limit on a breathalyzer test, all hope is not instantly lost! There are many avenues you can take in hopes of having the charges reduced or removed altogether. Let’s explore some of your potential options!
Hiring an Experienced Attorney
Even if this is your first DUI charge, you should absolutely treat it very seriously. First time DUI chargers are not taken lightly in the state of Maryland, and you could be subject to $1,000 in fines, one year in jail and 12 points on your driving record. Your license may also be revoked for a maximum of six months. Of course, these penalties ramp up even more with multiple DUI charges. Luckily, a skilled attorney has the legal prowess to observe your case from all angles in order to negotiate with prosecutors and achieve the best result possible. If you have been charged with a DUI and have not consulted with an attorney yet, we highly advise doing so as soon as possible.
How Can Charges Be Challenged in Court?
Before we get into defense strategies, we want to note that we do not advise selecting these strategies to use in your own defense strategy. Each case has several factors that make it unique, and your defense strategy should reflect that. The following list consists of defenses that others have used in the past in order to prove they were not intoxicated while operating their vehicle.
• Any suspect driving was caused by a vehicle defect or road conditions that created a brief period of distraction.
• While the odor of alcohol was present, it was caused from a spill, or another location besides breath.
• Alcohol is not the only thing that causes slurred speech.
• Lack of usual balance could be due to clothing, uneven testing surface or even medical conditions.
• Suspect behavior, like the inability to quickly locate registration or refusal to participate in sobriety tests can be attributed to nervousness when interacting with law enforcement.
We Can Help You Avoid a DUI or DWI Conviction or Minimize Your Punishment
There are facts about each specific case that can significantly reduce penalties if an experienced attorney who understands this area of law presents the case. The Law Office of Elizabeth A. Lawrence offers high-quality legal representation, personal attention, and professionalism to help defend the harsh penalties of DWIs, DUIs, and other serious traffic offenses in Maryland and District of Columbia. Click here or call (410) 986-0088 to consult with an experienced attorney today.