Maryland DUI Defense Attorneys

Supportive Defense Lawyers for Clients Accused of Drunk Driving in Maryland

The penalties for driving under the influence in Maryland can be unforgiving even for first offenders. If you have been detained for DUI, you should get in contact with an attorney who can inform you of your rights and help you prepare for your court appearance. With the help of an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer, you can navigate these proceedings with confidence.

At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we are highly qualified to represent you in your DUI case. We have defended clients ranging from college students to commercial drivers, using our legal knowledge and courtroom experience to obtain ideal outcomes for our clients.

What Is BAC and What Is its Role in DUI Cases?

Blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, is a measurement of the alcohol present in your bloodstream expressed as a percentage. Law enforcement agencies have access to special testing equipment that can determine your BAC percentage through blood or breath samples. If your BAC is at .08 percent or higher while you are behind the wheel, you can be legally charged with DUI per se. What this means is that the blood alcohol level is sufficient on its own to give the court a presumption that you are driving while intoxicated. However, this does not mean that you will automatically lose your case. Over the years, we have consistently rebutted that per se presumption based solely on BAC. This can be done, and often is done, by evidencing to the court that the BAC is inconsistent with our client's performance on standardized field sobriety tests. In other words, the results of tests performed on our client to determine whether or not they are intoxicated (which are almost always on video in this digital age) show a person who is lucid, balanced, and controlled.

Additionally, we are often able to successfully have a driving under the influence charge reduced to a charge of driving while impaired. While they are both alcohol-related driving offenses, driving while impaired only carries a maximum jail term of 60 days as opposed to a possible year in jail for driving under the influence.

What Are the Penalties for Driving Under the Influence?

A standard first-offense charge of driving under the influence with no aggravating factors is a misdemeanor offense that can be punished by up to a year in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000. The penalties and fines double for a second offense and triple for a third or subsequent offense.

Some factors in an arrest will lead to upgraded charges. For instance, if you were found to be driving under the influence while transporting a minor, you could face up to two years in prison for a first offense, or three years on a second offense. Additionally, if you cause a life-threatening injury to another person while driving under the influence, you could be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of three years in prison or a possible $5,000 fine.

A DUI conviction in Maryland will result in 12 points being added to your Maryland driver's license. A DWI conviction will result in eight points being added to your license. When points are added to your license, this could result in a license suspension or revocation. Points will not be assessed if you receive probation before judgment. There are alternatives to losing your privilege to drive, which, under current Maryland law, require the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

Meet With a Maryland DUI Defense Attorney Today

At Craig M. Kadish & Associates, LLC, we represent people accused of driving under the influence. Our DUI defense lawyers can stand up for your rights and fight to mitigate the consequences that a drunk driving conviction can come with. Call our offices at 410-837-0020 or reach out to us online to schedule a complimentary consultation.