Maryland DUI Attorney: Before You Plead Guilty to DUI -- Three Things You Need to Know

            1.       Does the State actually have the evidence they need to convict you?

Every DUI charge is different, and the circumstances around your case may provide you with a real defense.   An attorney is extremely valuable in helping you assess the State’s proof.  Consider this common set of facts:  You have one beer at a bar and drive home.  Someone witnesses you swipe a parked vehicle and then walk a little off balance into your home.  You didn’t realize you hit the car, so you go inside and have a few drinks while you unwind for the day.  45 minutes later, the police are at your door.  You fail the field sobriety tests and blow a 0.10.  The police charge you with DUI.

              It may seem counterintuitive, but arguing to the State that you had several drinks after you drove home can actually help you.  The State has to prove that you were intoxicated when you drove the car.  The gap in time between when you drove and when the police took your BAC may be long enough to exclude that evidence.

2.       Being proactive before your trial will make a difference at sentencing.

If it becomes clear that a guilty plea is in your best interest, there is a lot you can do prior to

your hearing date to improve your outcome at sentencing.  Entering a treatment program is a great way to show the judge that you are taking responsibility for your actions.  It’s important that you be honest with the treatment evaluators about the circumstances of your DUI case and whether you have any prior DUI’s.  A judge may not look so kindly on your completion of a weekend treatment program when it’s your third DUI and you didn’t tell the evaluators about the severity of the issue. 

3.       Be prepared for the consequences.

Judges take DUI cases very seriously.  While jail time is uncommon for first time offenders,

supervised probation is a standard consequence and is frequently accompanied by conditions.  Such conditions may include monitoring through the drinking and driving monitor program (DDMP), attending AA meetings, totally abstaining from alcohol, or completing an extended treatment program.  Conditions of probation frequently carry their own fees in addition to the fines imposed by the court.  Mentally preparing yourself for these consequences can help to lessen the blow when you face sentencing.  You should also prepare your pocketbook, because the court’s fines are usually due on the date of sentencing.

            If you or a family member has been charged with DUI or DWI in Maryland and would like a free legal consultation or if you would like more information on DUI or DWI please feel free to contact our office at (301) 854-9000 and schedule an appointment at our office in Rockville or throughout Maryland, or visit us on the web at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Criminal-Defense/DWI-DUI/ 

Avoid a Maryland DUI Arrest this St. Patrick's Day

           With St. Patrick’s Day coming up tomorrow, Portner & Shure wanted to remind partygoers who drove to their destination to avoid drinking and driving.  While the holiday this year falls during the week, several students are enjoying Spring Break and are expected to fully enjoy the holiday.  Drivers should be aware that St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday associated with drinking alcohol, and each year several arrests are made for suspicion of drinking and driving.  Last year, around 20,000 people were arrested during the holiday period.  A large number of police officers, more so this year than last, will be out looking for any sign of someone driving under the influence of alcohol and will not hesitate to pull you over.  Several police sobriety checkpoints will be in place throughout Maryland, especially in Baltimore City.  With pub crawls abound and hard to pass up drink specials, people are sure to drink past their limit.  Portner & Shure wants to help you avoid a DUI arrest this St. Patrick’s Day with the following tips:

1.      Most importantly, if you drove to your bar destination or other event place and are drinking alcohol, do not drive home or to your next destination.  The best option is to call a cab, Uber, or Lyft to transport you safely.  Another option is to have a designated driver who plans on not consuming alcohol.

2.      If you do drink, limit the number of drinks you consume.  People tend to make unwise decisions, such as drinking and driving, when they drink too much alcohol.  If you plan on drinking on St. Patrick’s Day, pace yourself and know your limit.

3.     Make a plan in advance to assure you have a fun, but safe day.  Whether your plans include taking a cab, Uber, or Lyft to reach your destination or staying with a friend to avoid driving at all, it is important to make a plan to avoid drinking and driving.

4.      Remember to eat before drinking alcohol.  The more food you eat, the less room there is for alcohol in your stomach.  Food also helps to soak up the alcohol to minimize its effects on the body.

5.      Just be smart.  Heavy amounts of alcohol can negatively affect a person’s judgment and can lead to DUIs, or even worse, a deadly car accident caused by drunk driver.  Let’s make sure everyone stays safe this St. Patrick’s Day.

             If you have been arrested for a DUI/DWI it is important that you consult an experienced Maryland DUI attorney immediately because DUI is a criminal offense and carries potentially severe penalties.  An experienced attorney can guide you through the court process and find any possible defenses that can either mitigate the penalties in the case, or in some instances, lead to an acquittal or dismissal. 

             If you or a family member has been charged with DUI or DWI in Maryland and would like a free legal consultation or if you would like more information on DUI or DWI please feel free to contact our office at (301) 854-9000 or visit us on the web at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Criminal-Defense/DWI-DUI/