DWI Lawyer in Baltimore, Maryland
DUI/DWI cases are some of the most litigated cases in the State of Maryland. A jail sentence, fines, and loss of your license are very real possibilities. Obtaining the right attorney quickly is of the utmost importance in defending a charge of Driving While Intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence. After prosecuting countless DUI/DWI cases, the attorneys at Albers & Associates, understand how to handle DUI/DWI cases and can provide you with the strongest possible defense.
If you do not act quickly, you may lose your driving privileges, depending on the circumstances of your case. Most people would agree that losing your license can be a devastating event for you and your family.Β The inability to drive can affect every aspect of your daily life and can have a serious impact on your family and your employment. At Albers & Associates, we will fight these charges aggressively. Our goal is to seek dismissal of the charges against you and to mitigate the effects of your DUI/DWI arrest. Contact our firm for a consultation with an experienced DWI attorney.
Consequences of a DUI conviction
For a first DUI (Driving under the influence of alcohol) offense, a person can face the following consequences:
- $1,000 fine
- Up to one year in jail
- Twelve (12) points
- Possibility of a license revocation for up to six (6) months
For a second DUI offense, a person convicted can face the following consequences:
- $2,000 fine
- Up to two years imprisonment (with a mandatory minimum of five days)
- Twelve (12) points
- Possibility of a license revocation for up to one year
For two convictions of a DUI within five years, a person can face the following consequences:
- Mandatory license suspension
- Participation in the Ignition Interlock Program
- Possible participation in an alcohol abuse assessment and program
Penalties for a DWI (Driving while Impaired by Alcohol) conviction
For a first DWI conviction, a person can be subject to the following consequences:
- $500 fine
- up to two months in jail
- Eight (8) points
- Possibility of a 6-month license suspension
For a second DWI conviction, a person can be subject to the following penalties:
- $500 fine
- up to one year in jail
- Eight (8) points
- Possibility of a 9 to 12 months license suspension
Point accumulations
If you are convicted of a DWI/DUI offense, the points assessed to your license can have a serious impact. If you get 8-11 points within a 2-year period, your license could be suspended. If you accumulate more than 12 points within 2 years, your license could be revoked. This will obviously have far-reaching consequences, including not being able to drive to and from work. This is a serious matter and our firm will work to help you keep your license by fighting the charges or convince the court that you should be eligible to opt into the Ignition Interlock Program.
Two types of proceedings: administrative and criminal
Maryland is a bit different than other states when it comes to drunk driving consequences. If you have been charged with a DWI or a DUI, you face two different proceedings. One proceeding is in front of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. This will address your driving privileges. Depending on the facts of the case and your history, you could face a license suspension or revocation. In addition, the MVA will assign points to your license. The other proceeding is a criminal one in which you will be facing a judge in criminal court. This proceeding will address fines and the possibility of imprisonment. When dealing with this complicated system, it is important to have quality representation.
Contact Albers & Associates
Due to the severity of these offenses, it is imperative that you retain the services of an experienced DWI/DUI attorney to defend your rights and protect your future. The attorneys at Albers & Associates are experienced in helping clients avoid jail, lengthy probation, and other penalties for Maryland DUI/DWI offenses.Β If you or someone you love has been charged with a DUI/DWI in Maryland, contact our firm today to arrange a free confidential review of your case.