Baltimore First Offense DUI Lawyer
Most people who have been through the criminal justice process remember their first arrest. For many, it was for driving under the influence — one of the most common offenses in the nation, and one of the most aggressively-prosecuted traffic violations. The State of Maryland treats DUI seriously, imposing severe punishments on defendants who are found guilty. If you were arrested and charged, you could face significant obstacles if the court convicts you, regardless of it being your first criminal charge.
Anyone who is charged with DUI should discuss it with an attorney who has experience fighting drunk driving accusations and license suspensions. You’ll have a much better chance of a successful outcome if you work with a reputable first offense DUI lawyer than trying to present your case in court without any legal experience.
How a First-Time DUI Lawyer Can Boost Your Case
Being arrested is often a scary and emotional experience. You’re probably unsure of what you did to catch the attention of the officer who arrested you, and you might be wondering what you could have done differently to avoid walking away from the traffic stop in handcuffs. You might be worried about what close friends and family members will think of you if they find out you got arrested, and it’s likely that you need some guidance on what to do next.
The fact is that, at this point in time, you have a short period in which you can protect your license and reputation. Your best chance of avoiding the worst penalties the state may impose is to hire a DUI lawyer for a first DUI offense as soon as possible after your arrest.
A first time DUI lawyer in Baltimore is highly-skilled and trained to fight the accusations against you in court. Your lawyer will review the results of any chemical tests you submitted to, including the breathalyzer test. There may be clues in the evidence against you, indicating that the officers who instructed you to take these tests didn’t follow the proper procedures, which could ultimately lead to a dismissal of your case. If there isn’t enough evidence to support a DUI, it may be possible to have your charge reduced to a less serious offense.
Your DUI lawyer will also take necessary measures to protect your driver’s license from an MVA suspension. An attorney with a history of collaborating with the Maryland MVA will know how to present your case so you’ll have the best opportunity to maintain a clean criminal and driving record. Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the MVA before opening his practice as a criminal traffic defense lawyer who serves the people of Baltimore and surrounding areas. He’s defended people accused of minor and serious traffic violations throughout Maryland for years and can help you fight your DUI charge.
What are the penalties for a first-time DUI in Maryland?
DUI is a serious traffic violation for which more than one million people are arrested each year. The State of Maryland may impose the following penalties upon a conviction of a first DUI:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines of up to $1,000
- 12 points on your driving record
These penalties may double if there was a minor in the vehicle at the time of your arrest. You could face up to 2 years in jail and fines of $2,000 if there was a child under the age of 18 in your car when you were stopped for DUI.
The MVA may also suspend your driver’s license for a period of 180 days to 270 days. You could also face a license suspension imposed by the criminal court, which would take place at the conclusion of the administrative suspension imposed by the MVA.
The penalties associated with your DUI could become complex and affect your future for many years to come. The best course of action is to discuss your case in detail with a qualified DUI lawyer for first-time DUI in Baltimore who will find defenses relevant to your case. The sooner you act to protect your rights, the better the results of your case may be.
Talk to a First DUI Defense Lawyer in Baltimore Today
Attorney Hillel Traub has more than 20 years of experience fighting severe criminal traffic violations like DUI in Baltimore and surrounding areas. Having worked for the Maryland MVA as a former Assistant Attorney General, he understands the organization’s inner workings, which can help him provide your case with a strategic edge. His goal is not only to help you avoid jail time but also to help you keep your driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record.
For a free consultation, call 410-580-1100 or complete our contact form.
