Waldorf DUI Lawyer

Legal authorities pursue convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) more aggressively than most other charges. A conviction for driving under the influence could lead to years in prison. Beyond the potential for jail time, you may have to pay hefty fines and lose your driving privileges.

A Waldorf DUI lawyer with experience successfully handling cases like yours could be the advocate you need, ensuring legal authorities do not violate your rights during the legal process. A seasoned defense attorney could use their legal knowledge and resources to work on your behalf from start to finish of your case.

DUI vs. DWI Charges in Waldorf

People may face charges for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI), which are separate offenses in the state of Maryland. A person can face DUI charges if their blood alcohol content exceeds the legal limit, which in Maryland is 0.08 percent or higher.

Someone could face DWI charges even if their blood alcohol content is below 0.08 percent, but their ability to operate a motor vehicle is still impaired enough to be a risk to others. DWI charges can also be leveled against someone because they have an illicit drug or even a prescription drug in their system that makes them unable to operate a motor vehicle safely. There is no objective amount of a substance that makes someone legally impaired; instead, this charge is up to the discretion of the arresting officer, based on their observation of someone’s driving and behavior.

Both DUI and DWI offenses are misdemeanors. However, if a driver kills or injures another person while driving under the influence, they will face felony charges. A Waldorf attorney could help their client understand the DUI charges they are facing and what defenses may be available to them.

Potential Penalties for DUI Convictions

The penalties associated with a DWI can be less severe than those for a DUI conviction. For example, someone charged with their first DWI offense would typically be sentenced to no more than a few months behind bars and have to pay a maximum fine of $500. A first-time DUI offender faces jail time of up to a year and may pay a fine of as much as $1,000.

Subsequent offenses worsen the severity of the penalties involved. A person convicted of either a DUI or DWI for the third time could have to pay as much as $5,000 in fines and potentially spend up to five years in jail. Aggravating factors, such as an extremely high blood alcohol content at the time of arrest, can also change the severity and duration of penalties.

In addition to fines and imprisonment, a convicted person’s driving privileges will be suspended or, in some cases, revoked entirely. The court may mandate that the individual use an ignition interlock device, which conducts a breathalyzer test before the car starts. A Waldorf attorney could get to work right away to preserve someone’s rights, privileges, and freedom when they are charged with a DUI.

Consult a Waldorf DUI Attorney Now

Given the severity of penalties for DUI charges and the lasting effects they may have on your life, you should not try to handle this charge on your own. An experienced legal professional knows there may be multiple potential defenses available to you, depending on the facts of your case.

A Waldorf DUI lawyer could help you pursue the best possible resolution to your charges. Call the Law Office of Hassan B. Ahmed to discuss your case with an accomplished attorney.