Perhaps you were just having an off night; or maybe your alcohol intake for the evening was just a bit more than you initially calculated it to be. No matter what the specifics happened to entail, if you ended up driving under the influence of alcohol and got charged with a DUI as a result, then you’re going to need a good lawyer to help you come away from the situation with the best possible outcome.
Of course, the average driver is probably aware that a DUI charge is hardly a good thing. However, some may not realize just how significant a DUI conviction can actually be. Jennifer B. Page is an experienced DUI lawyer who has helped her fair share of clients in the Rockville, Maryland area deal with such charges, and according to her, Maryland drivers should be aware of the following DUI facts:
DUI law is getting tougher by the day: According to Page, the punishments and regulations surrounding Maryland DUI law are actually becoming harsher as time goes by. In fact, there is currently a law up for debate that calls for mandatory ignition interlock installation after a first-time DUI offense — as opposed to the current law, which states that such punishment shall be reserved for multi-time offenders. Because courts, judges, and officers are getting less and less tolerant with respect to DUI stops, arrests, and convictions, Maryland residents should try harder than ever to steer clear of DUIs.
A DUI conviction can cause you to lose your license: Since Maryland DUI laws are becoming stricter by the day, the punishments involved in DUI convictions are only likely to get more severe over time as well. However, the current guidelines for DUI consequences are certainly far from favorable to those who are convicted. Believe it or not, you can end up with a license suspension as a result of a DUI conviction even if the incident in question is only your first offense. And the more times you end up getting convicted, the longer you can expect to be without a license.
You don’t have to be a career criminal to get convicted of DUI: Although driving under the influence of alcohol is clearly an irresponsible move, in Page’s experience, the majority of people who end up getting charged with DUI are actually “non-criminals.” In fact, most DUI offenders are ordinary people who all have one thing in common – they made a terrible mistake and are facing the possibility of suffering long-term consequences as a result.
Just because you’re not over the limit doesn’t mean that you won’t be found guilty: While different states have varying laws with respect to DUI convictions and punishments, no matter where you are, a blood alcohol concentration of .08% means that you were over the legal limit. On the other hand, even if your breath test reveals a blood alcohol concentration that comes in below the .08% mark, you can still be convicted of a DUI if you drank enough to impair your ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Refusing a breath test doesn’t always pay: Some people are of the opinion that they shouldn’t feel compelled to contribute to their own DUI convictions. And there are plenty of drivers each year who make the mistake of refusing to take a breath test when asked. If you’re a Maryland driver and you deny an officer’s request to administer a breath test, then you could end up losing your license for four months as a result. So while it may seem counterintuitive to comply with a demand that will only make it easier for a court to convict you of DUI, you should know that refusing a breath test will come with some pretty harsh consequences.
DUI cases aren’t always hopeless: It’s easy to fall into the self-pity trap after being charged with DUI. After all, following a DUI charge, you’re likely to find yourself feeling scared and ashamed at the same time; and given the harsh rules and penalties in place for DUI convictions in Maryland, it’s natural to start planning for the worst. However, you should know that the right DUI lawyer can help walk you through the system and fight to get you the best possible outcome given the circumstances at play. From enrolling you in the proper programs to building up your character before a judge, a seasoned DUI attorney can help turn an otherwise terrifying situation into one that is more manageable.
If you’re charged with DUI, rather than give up hope, contact a qualified attorney like Page to discuss your legal options. You may end up being pleasantly surprised to learn that the right defense tactics really do make a difference when your driver’s license and personal reputation are at stake.
This article is for informational purposes only. You should not rely on this article as a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances, and you should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. Neither publication of this article nor your receipt of this article creates an attorney-client relationship.
