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Severna Park, MD Park DUI Defense Lawyers

Respected Lawyers Aggressively Fighting Against DUI/DWI Charges in Severna Park, Maryland

Every state has a legal blood alcohol concentration limit, and if yours is over that limit, you can be charged with DUI. Why? The impairments caused by alcohol and drugs make driving dangerous. You may have had a good reason for driving while impaired, or officers may have mistaken your illness for intoxication. A DUI arrest is frightening, and a conviction can be devastating. Your best bet is to fight your charges, but you need to choose the right criminal defense attorney to help you.

Choosing Henley & Henley, Attorneys at Law to help beat your DUI charges gives you significant advantages. Together, our attorneys have won DUI cases throughout Maryland for 50+ years. During that time, we have gained invaluable first-hand knowledge that we will use to mount a customized and optimized defensive strategy on your behalf. Our goal is to see you walk away with the best possible resolution for your case.

The Role of Field Sobriety Tests in Severna Park, Maryland DUI Cases

In Maryland, complying with a field sobriety test during a traffic stop is voluntary. These typically consist of three different tests:

  • Horizontal gaze, when an officer shines a bright light or holds up an object and asks you to follow it with your eyes as he moves it
  • One-leg stand, requiring you to stand balanced on one foot for 30 seconds
  • Walk-and-turn, when you are asked to count steps as you walk a straight line, turn, and return to your starting point

If you take these tests and fail, your results can be used as evidence against you. However, even sober people often fail these tests for a variety of reasons. People with migraines are often sensitive to light, those with inner ear issues or knee injuries may not be able to maintain their balance, and pure stress can make you lose count of steps.

Additional confusion can arise if the officer does not explain the directions clearly. The results of these tests are not scientific; they are based on the officer's observations, which could be skewed or biased. Our attorneys can help contest the results of these tests as we defend against a conviction for DUI or DWI.

Every Maryland DWI and DUI Case Is Different

In Maryland, the blood alcohol concentration limit for adult CDL license holders is 0.04 percent; for other adults, 0.08 percent is the legal limit. If your BAC is over the applicable level, you can be charged with DUI. If you are underage, the limit is only 0.02 percent. Maryland has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. Adults may also be charged with DWI if they appear to be impaired and their BAC is lower than the legal limit. It is also illegal to drive while taking drugs that cause impairments.

Whether you were drinking or using drugs while driving or not, you cannot expect your charges to be dropped without a fight. Even then, a case dismissal cannot be guaranteed. Your circumstances are unique, and several factors can result in more serious charges and consequences if you are convicted, including:

  • Having passengers who are 14 or younger
  • A BAC of 0.20 percent or higher
  • Transporting a gun while using drugs or alcohol
  • Traveling at 20 mph or more over the speed limit

If you have a previous DUI conviction, your current case will be treated more severely. Along with the unique factors that determine your charges, your reasons for your driving behaviors or failing a field sobriety test must be considered as we prepare your defense. Henley & Henley, Attorneys at Law takes the time to examine every factor to build an optimal defense strategy that reflects your unique circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI/DWI in Severna Park

Q

Do Police Need Probable Cause for a DUI Traffic Stop?

Police officers need to have a reasonable suspicion that you may be intoxicated to pull you over, such as driving erratically or not having your headlights on after dark. They need probable cause to actually arrest you for a DUI. Probable cause could include seeing open containers in your vehicle, smelling alcohol or cannabis, and observations made during a field sobriety test.

Q

Why Was I Charged With a Felony DUI Since This Was My First Arrest?

Although a first DUI charge is often a misdemeanor, certain circumstances can make even a first-time arrest a felony. For instance, causing a crash that injures or kills someone, having a young passenger in your vehicle, and excessive speeding can result in felony DUI charges.

Call Our Severna Park, MD DUI Defense Lawyers

Do not accept a DUI conviction as being a foregone conclusion. With the help of Henley & Henley, Attorneys at Law, you may be able to beat your charges. Book your free consultation now by calling 410-280-0530 or contacting us online.

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