DUI & DWI Attorney in Owings Mills, MD

DWI and DUI charges can impact every aspect of your life for years to come. It’s very important to work with an experienced DUI lawyer or DWI lawyer to protect your rights and help you prepare an aggressive defense. Without the assistance of an attorney, you risk facing harsher penalties. Kent L. Greenberg is a skilled DUI attorney in Owing Mills, MD, who helps clients facing DUI and DWI charges throughout the State of Maryland. Call us now to schedule a consultation to discuss your DWI or DUI case in Maryland.

What Are the DUI and DWI Laws in Maryland?

You can be arrested or detained for suspicion of a DUI if you exhibit signs or symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol while driving or preparing to drive a motor vehicle. In Maryland, you can be charged with DUI if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or above.

You can be arrested or detained for suspicion of a DWI if you exhibit signs or symptoms of being under the influence of legal or illegal drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol while driving or preparing to drive a motor vehicle. In Maryland, you can be charged with DWI if you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.07 and/or test positive for any combination of legal or illegal drugs, including opioids, narcotics, or marijuana.

What Are the Penalties for DUI and DWI in Maryland?

The penalties you face for a DUI or DWI conviction will depend on your age, your BAC or the level of drugs and/or alcohol in your system, your criminal history, and the circumstances of your arrest. You may face harsher penalties if you were found to be under the influence of an illegal drug or a legal drug for which you don’t have a prescription. Other factors that can affect your sentencing are whether you had a minor in the vehicle with you at the time of your arrest, whether you have a prior DUI or DWI conviction on your record, and whether you got into an accident and/or damaged property while driving under the influence or while impaired. Here is a look at the possible penalties for DUI and DWI in Maryland:

• Years of Jail Time – You can face up to five years in jail for a first-time DUI or DWI offense and up to three years in prison for a second, third, or more DUI conviction. If you had a minor in your vehicle at the time of arrest, you could face up to five years in prison.
• Fines – You will need to pay attorney’s fees, court fees, and fines of up to $5,000 for a DUI or DWI conviction.
• Suspension of Your License – The Motor Vehicle Administration of Maryland can suspend your license for up to one year for a first-time DUI or DWI offense. If you have a prior history of DUI or DWI convictions or aggravating factors, you can face a longer license suspension. For repeated DUI or DWI convictions, you may lose your license forever.
• Installation of an Ignition Interlock System on Your Vehicle – Depending on the details of your case, you may be required to install an Ignition Interlock System on your vehicle. This device requires you to pass a breathalyzer test before you can unlock and start your vehicle. You will need to pay an installation fee for the device and a monthly fee for its upkeep.
• DUI Administrative Penalties – For a first or second offense DUI charge, 12 points will be added to your driving record, and you may be eligible for a license revocation.
• DWI Administrative Penalties – For a first or second offense DWI conviction, eight points will be added to your driving record and you may be eligible for a license suspension.

What Can a DUI Lawyer or DWI Lawyer Do for You?

Mr. Greenberg has a background working with both first-time and repeat offenders, and tailors DUI and DWI defenses to the specific circumstances of each client. He will review the details of your arrest, evaluate the evidence collection and processing procedures, and look for effective defense strategies for your case. Mr. Greenberg and our criminal law team will also make sure you understand all of your options and are prepared for how your DUI or DWI case will proceed. When you hire Mr. Greenberg as your DUI lawyer or DWI lawyer, he will offer the following:

• Case and Evidence Review – Greenberg and our team will thoroughly review the evidence in your DUI or DWI case. We will interview witnesses, review police reports, and assess the evidence collection process. We will look for inconsistencies, improper protocol, problems with the chain of custody, and other issues that can be used to form your defense.
• Comprehensive Legal Defense – Greenberg will form a comprehensive legal defense and do everything in his power to argue mitigating factors that could potentially reduce your charges or penalties.
• Personalized Legal Representation in Court – Greenberg will represent you in court throughout your case, ensuring that your legal rights are protected and that you have a strong, aggressive defense.

Understanding the Different Stages of a DUI/DWI Case

Mr. Greenberg and our team can help you understand the different stages of your DUI/DWI case. Preparing for this process can reduce stress and help you make necessary arrangements with your employer and family:

• Traffic Stop and DUI/DWI Arrest – If a police officer suspects that you are driving or preparing to drive while impaired or under the influence, they will pull you over or stop you. They will ask to conduct a field sobriety test, give you a breathalyzer, or test your blood alcohol concentration. If you take the test and your BAC is 0.07 or above and you show signs of impairment from drugs or if your BAC is 0.08 or above, the officer can confiscate your driver’s license and/or detain or arrest you. If you refuse the test, you can be arrested and detained.
• Charges and First Appearance or Arraignment – The officer who conducts the traffic stop will give you a citation that outlines the details of your license suspension and your next steps. It will either give you a hearing date, or you will get a separate notice in the mail at the address listed with the MVA. In most cases, an initial appearance is scheduled within three to 10 weeks of your arrest. If you are arrested, your case will be set for arraignment in front of a judge within 24 hours. It’s in your best interests to hire a DUI attorney to represent you at a hearing or arraignment.
• DUI Trial – If you have prior convictions, had a minor in the vehicle with you, or got in an accident and/or committed another crime while driving under the influence, you may not be eligible for jail time or probation. In that case, your case will proceed to trial. You may also request a DUI or DWI trial if you do not believe the officer had probable cause to stop your vehicle, if there are inconsistencies in the evidence, or if proper protocol wasn’t followed during your traffic stop or arrest.

Schedule a Consultation With Our DUI and DWI Defense Attorney

If you or a loved one is facing DWI or DUI charges, contact the Law Office of Kent L. Greenberg immediately. The earlier you seek professional and experienced legal counsel, the better prepared you are to face the charges and influence the outcome for the best. Call our office now or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our legal team and DUI accident attorney in Owing Mills, MD, to review your case.