Three Things to Know if You Are Charged with DUI in Frederick

If you are charged with DUI in Frederick, Maryland, here are three things to remember:

1. If it is your first offense for driving under the influence, the first thing to take care of is your driver's license. When you are arrested for a DUI in Maryland, the police officer will confiscate your license (unless it is an out-of-state license) and give you a temporary paper license that is only valid for 45 days. 
2. If you were offered the breathalyzer test, but refused, OR you took the test and blew over 0.15, you are limited to just TWO options. For a refusal, you may elect to take the suspension for 270 days OR elect to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for one year. For a result over 0.15, you may elect to take the suspension for 180 days OR elect to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for one year. HOWEVER, if you took the breath test and your results were under 0.15, you may elect either of the two options above (180 day suspension), or request a MVA hearing to get a restricted license. A restricted license allows to continue to driving past the 45 day period, but you are limited to driving to/from work or school.
3. When it is time for court, assuming this is your first DUI, there was no contributing accident, you completed alcohol treatment prior to trial, and your breath test results were under 0.15, a probation before judgment (PBJ) is a likely outcome. A PBJ means that there will be no conviction on your record.

If you've been arrested for DUI in Frederick, call the Top-10 DUI lawyers at Portner & Shure for a free consultation today: (301) 854-9000, (410), 995-1515.