MARYLAND DUI DEFENSE LAWYER

SERVING ALL OF MARYLAND – Offices in Laurel, Silver Spring, Rockville & Ellicott City

Our Skilled DUI Lawyers Will Help You Avoid Consequences

DUI/DWI LawyerA night of bad judgment and now you’re facing a DUI or DWI charge. The experience of being pulled over by a police officer after consuming several drinks often elicits mind-numbing fear.  Many drivers then proceed to answer a litany of questions from the officer about having consumed drinks or coming from a bar or sporting event before consenting to a roadside breath test (also referred to as a “Preliminary breath test”) (PBT) and/or performing field sobriety tests. The good news is that we can still help you.

GET HELP. CALL 301-362-3300 for a FREE & CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION 24/7.

Consequences Can Be Avoided | Our #1 Goal is a Dismissal

Compliance is natural when you are facing an armed police officer with the power to haul you off to jail. However, this does not mean that your charges cannot be overcome. The reality is very different if you entrust your case to our DUI lawyers. An outright case dismissal is always our #1 goal. We carefully analyze the basis for the initial stop, interactions during the stop, field sobriety tests (SFSTs), chemical testing, police conduct and observations, handling of blood evidence exemplars and other evidence to develop the most effective defense strategies.  While each case is different, and specific legal results cannot be guaranteed, our team of legal professionals will mount the strongest defense case possible on your behalf.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and Penalties

In Maryland, there is a legal difference between a DUI and DWI. As is shown in the information table below, a DUI conviction is possible if your BAC is .08% or greater. If your BAC is between .04% and .08%, a conviction for DWI is possible. Also shown below are the penalties for a first, second or third offense. Please note that the “look back” period is 5 years, which means that if you are convicted of a DUI or DWI and have had a previous conviction not more than 5 years ago, you will be sentenced as a multiple offender.

Under 21 ⇒ .02%
21 or older ⇒ .08% or higher = DUI; Between .04% and .08% = DWI
Commercial ⇒ .04%

Jail – Up to 1 year (DUI); up to 2 months (DWI)

Fines & Penalties – Up to $1,000 (DUI); up to $500 (DWI)

Auto License Suspension – Min 6 months (DUI & DWI)

Jail – Up to 2 years (DUI); up to 1 year (DWI)

Fines & Penalties – Up to $2,000 (DUI); up to $500 (DWI)

Auto License Suspension – 1 year (DUI & DWI)

Ignition Interlock Device Required

Jail – Up to 3 years

Fines & Penalties – Up to $3,000

Auto License Suspension – 18 months minimum

Ignition Interlock Device Required

Our Proven Defense Strategies in DUI/DWI Cases

DUI ArrestWhether you consented to field sobriety tests, a PBT or formal alcohol screening through blood, breath or urine or you refused all of these tests, an attorney at Azari Law LLC may use a multitude of defenses to prevent you from suffering the harsh consequences associated with a DUI/DWI conviction. Even if you have refused all of these forms of DUI screening, the prosecutor might attempt to prove you were driving while impaired based on your driving conduct or observations by the officer during the stop, such as bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, the odor of alcohol, or an obvious lack of coordination.

Notwithstanding, there are a multitude of effective defenses that we might assert to obtain a lesser charge or avoid a conviction of any charge.  While the defense tactics we employ will be fitted to the unique facts of your case, some examples might include:

  • Insufficient basis for the initial stop
  • Improper administration or scoring of SFSTs
  • Mishandling of a blood sample
  • Contamination of a blood or urine sample
  • Chain of custody issues
  • Misrepresentation of officer observations during the stop
  • Lack of probable cause for the arrest
  • Improperly maintained or calibrated breath testing device
  • Lack of reliability of SFSTs
  • Alternative causes of poor SFST results
  • Failure to provide a Miranda rights after the accused was “in custody”
  • Inaccurate breath test results because of acid reflux, low-carb diets, or other causes

Call to Discuss Your Case at No Cost | Free DUI Legal Consultation

DUI and DWI charges can be beaten or reduced. Rely on our legal experience and influence to prevent further damage to your career and livelihood. If you’ve been charged with DUI or DWI in Maryland, call us 24/7 at (301) 362-3300, or email us for a free consultation or to schedule an office appointment. We are conveniently located in Laurel, Silver Spring, Rockville, and Ellicott City MD.  Rest assured that any information provided to us is completely confidential. We look forward to helping you.