Frequently Asked Questions

What You Need to Know about DUI

What is the penalty for drunk driving in Maryland?

A drunk-driving arrest will have serious consequences no matter the case, but the specific DUI penalties vary depending on the circumstances. A major factor is whether you have been charged with DUI first offense, DUI second offense or if you face felony DUI. A common denominator to drunk-driving cases is loss of license, while fines and jail time are added in proportion to the seriousness of the alleged crime. An experienced Baltimore DWI lawyer can advise you of the exact penalties that you will face if you are convicted.

How much does a DUI attorney cost?

The cost of your defense will depend on the amount of work necessary to resolve the charges against you. The sooner you get started working with an attorney, the better will be the chances of a swift and fortunate outcome. The alternative is the likelihood that you will have to pay the costs of:

• Fines
• Court costs
• License reinstatement fees
• Installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
• Expensive SR-22 high risk insurance

There are no guarantees in any case, but by taking the precaution of hiring an attorney, you improve your prospects for a successful defense.

What are my options if I failed a field sobriety test?

Even when the evidence in your case includes a breath test where your blood alcohol content was above the legal limit, you may still be able to challenge the charges. There is a possibility that your arrest was made after an illegal drunk driving stop, if the police officer who pulled you over did so without probable cause. There are also flaws in the field sobriety tests which can be exploited by an attorney who has extensive understanding of the science and procedure of alcohol testing.

What is the difference between DUI and DWI?

Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are two separate charges in Maryland. DWI applies to a defendant whose blood alcohol content was above .01% but less than .08%, while DUI applies when the blood alcohol content was above .08%.

DWI Attorney serving Howard County and Baltimore County

At the office of Richard S. Miller, Attorney at Law, I will answer any of your questions about your case. My firm offers personal service, and I will not delegate you to an assistant or a paralegal. It is important to fully understand your rights and to know what you can do when you have been charged with drunk driving, and I will work closely with you throughout your defense to help you achieve a successful resolution for your situation.

Contact a Baltimore DWI lawyer for answers to your questions when you have been arrested for drunk driving and face criminal charges.