In Maryland, a DUI is treated very seriously. Even if the court grants a Probation Before Judgement (“PBJ”) on a Driving Under the Influence (“DUI”) or the less serious offense of Driving While Impaired (“DWI”), it can never be expunged (sealed).
When charged with a drunk driving offense, you face the possibility of jail time. If convicted, there are commonly supervised and frequent visits to a probation officer. There can also be issues with points on your driver’s license. Furthermore, you will have to quickly make decisions with the MVA and OAH about the status of your license and whether to seek a hearing or voluntarily enroll in the interlock program. Even if you don’t get an interlock through the MVA, it may be included in your sentence by the judge. You may also encounter the MVA’s Medical Advisory Board (MAB).
How do you select a lawyer to handle your DUI case? The first question our firm recommends is “Have you ever gone to trial in a DUI case?” Trials are more difficult and take more time that guilty pleas. Knowledge of the law, ability to cross examine and challenge the pseudo-science of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) as well as the breath machine are necessary to properly mount a defense in a DUI case. Attorney Chris Flohr has been certified to administer the same Standardized Field Sobriety Tests that the officers administer. He has gone to trial on numerous drunk driving cases and is familiar with how to prepare for the possibility of sentencing.
Our firm prides itself on practicing law in a holistic manner. Even if you choose to go to trial, a DUI/DWI case is often an indicator of an underlying problem. While the decision is always in the hands of the client, our entire firm cares enough to make referrals to appropriate counselors, twelve step programs, intensive outpatient programs (“IOP”) and in-patient treatment centers.
Contact a Maryland DUI Attorney
If you or a loved one has been arrested for drunk driving, you need an experienced Maryland attorney. Contact our office to arrange for an initial consultation.
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/maryland-dui-dwi-33654.html
https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/info/26200/26200-14T.aspx
http://annearundelcounseling.com/services/md-state-certified-dwi-dui-education
