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• Smith, Montella: If you have been charged with a criminal offense you need to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Important evidence and strategic advantages can be lost with every day of delay. It is important to have a lawyer explain the nature of the charges being brought against you and to represent your interests in the courtroom. If you plead guilty to a crime you need to understand what rights you are giving up, as well as the impact that a conviction can have on your life. Remember: You do not have to prove your innocence, the government must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Shapiro & Mack: n arrest, and subsequent criminal charge, for a DUI or DWI, carries with it exposure to a host of potential punishments; the most serious charge, carries a maximum penalty of three (3) years incarceration and/or a $3000.00 fine. Additionally, if charged with a Maryland DUI or DWI, one can lose his or her privilege to drive for up to one (1) year or more regardless of guilt or innocence. Thus, it is critical, after a DUI arrest and charge, for defendants to be informed of Maryland Vehicular laws and take action immediately.
• O'Connor, Jan : Maryland DUI (driving under the influence) consequences include a minimum driver's license suspension of 45 days, and punishment of up to $1,000.00 and one year in jail for a first offense DUI, and $2,000.00 and two years in jail for a second offense DUI. A Maryland DUI conviction will result in 12 points on the Maryland Driver's License record. Maryland DWI (driving while impaired), while a lesser offense to a Maryland DUI (driving under the influence) still has very harsh consequences, including a driver's license suspension of up to 60 days, 8 points on the Maryland Driver's License record, up to $500 and two months in jail for a first offense, and up to $500.00 and one year in jail for a second offense. Maryland DUI or DWI arrests trigger two separate cases: the administrative driver's license action, where a person's driving privileges may be lost, and the court case, where a variety of DUI punishment and penalties await those convicted of drunk driving in Maryland. If someone arrested for drunk driving or DUI does not request a hearing on time, their license will be suspended, automatically! For anyone charged with drunk driving, DUI or DWI in Maryland, it is vital to note that persons arrested for DUI have only 10 days from the date of arrest to request a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings, located in Hunt Valley, Maryland (Also, don't forget to include a check for $125 made payable to the Maryland State Treasurer). If you have been arrested for either DUI or DWI, it is highly recommended that you retain competent legal counsel to represent you in order to protect your driving rights in Maryland. Legal courtroom representation can help reduce fines and eliminate jail-time.
• Jordan & Tell: Driving While Intoxicated is known as a major motor vehicle offense because it is punishable by a period of jail time. If you are convicted of a major offense, then you may be subject to a jail sentence. If you are charged with DWI or DUI, you must appear in court. Unlike minor traffic offenses, you do not have a choice of paying a fine or going to court. If you have been charged with a major offense, you will receive a summons in the mail that will include the date, time and location of the trial. If you fail to appear on a major traffic violation, the judge may issue a warrant for your arrest. Know your rights if arrested. If you are taken into police custody, you have the right to: be informed of the charges against you and the allowable penalties; obtain a lawyer, including the right to have one appointed if you cannot afford one; have a judge decide whether you should be released from jail until your trial; and remain silent. The police may ask your name, address, and other routine processing questions. Before questioning you about anything else, the police must tell you that you have a right to remain silent; that any statement you make may be used as evidence against you; and that you have a right to speak with a lawyer and, if you wish, to have a lawyer present when you are being questioned. The police must also tell you that a lawyer will be assigned to your case without cost if you cannot afford a lawyer but want to speak to one before questioned. The questioning must stop if you state that you wish to remain silent or request a lawyer. Your silence cannot be used against you. However, what you say, as well as what you write or sign, can be used against you. Unless you actually requested a lawyer, the police may later ask you to speak with them. If you have requested a lawyer instead of merely refusing to answer questions, the police cannot question you further unless you later decide to talk without the benefit of legal counsel.
• Jonathan Smith: A drunk driving conviction in Maryland carries harsh consequences. Conviction can result in penalties that include loss of a driver's license; large fines and court costs; probation; house arrest; alcohol treatment; and jail time. Repeat offenders are routinely being sent to jail. When a police officer stops a driver, and has reason to believe the driver has been drinking, the police officer can request an alcohol test (breath test or blood test). If the driver refuses an alcohol test, or if an alcohol test reveals a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or more, the driver's license will be seized or confiscated on the scene, and the driver will be arrested and charged with drunk driving (DUI/DWI). If you have been accused of drunk driving, you need an experienced drunk driving defense attorney to protect you, and to fight for you.
• William Tucker: A "compact" can be an agreement among states regarding a matter of mutual interest. As the automobile became more ubiquitous, states began signing compacts to share information regarding drivers and traffic violations. The Driver License Compact (DLC) and Nonresident Violator Compact (NRVC) constitute such agreements and have facilitated the sharing of driver information to advance highway safety and related goals.
• Scott Athen: Being arrested for "Driving While Intoxicated" doesn't have to be a devastating experience. Even though a suspension or revocation of your driver's license and being convicted of a DWI can lead to unemployment, increase or cancellation of auto insurance, jail and loss of reputation, DWI cases can be successfully defended by an experienced attorney!
• Charles Fuller: DUI / DWI-Traffic violations can have serious criminal consequences, particularly when a driver is accused of driving under the influence. A conviction on DUI/DWI charges may result in fines, the revocation or suspension of your driver's license, and possible jail time. In addition, your insurance company may increase your rates to an unmanageable level. In defending against an impaired driving charge, you have many rights as a criminal defendant, including the right to cross-examine the witnesses against you, even if they are police officers. An experienced criminal defense attorney can make all the difference in such a difficult case.