How Acting Quickly After Your DUI Arrest Can Help Your Case
Drunk driving offenses are aggressively prosecuted in Maryland, and the state has approximately 237 DUI arrests for every 100,000 people. With an estimated population of 6.18 million, that’s more than 14,000 people facing arrest and potentially life-changing consequences after being charged with a DUI. However, being charged doesn’t have to mean being convicted or facing stiff penalties, such as jail time and license suspension. The Scheuerman Law, LLC, attorneys are here to help you fight back, but the sooner you act, the better.
Penalties for DUI in Maryland
Even if it’s your first offense, a DUI conviction can come with steep penalties. The potential legal consequences of a first-time DUI include up to $1,000 in fines and up to one year in jail. Your license can also be suspended for up to six months. These penalties escalate for subsequent offenses. A second DUI doubles the potential fine, jail time, and suspension period, and there is a mandatory minimum jail sentence of five days.
If the subsequent offense happens less than five years from the first offense, the defendant may also be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle if they are able to get their driver’s license reinstated. They may also be required to go through an alcohol abuse program.
It’s important to note that there are additional potential consequences if you are convicted of DUI aside from the legal penalties discussed above. Your car insurance rates are likely to increase dramatically, which can make it challenging to afford to keep your vehicle properly insured when you’re allowed to drive again. Not having an active driver’s license also makes it more difficult to get to work, take your children to school, and generally go about your daily life without relying on public transportation or favors from friends and family members.
A DUI conviction can even impact your job prospects, making it impossible to get a job that requires a clean driving record. The bottom line is that DUI charges are serious, and those charged need to take immediate action to protect themselves from the potential consequences — and that means working with the team at Scheuerman Law, LLC.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
It’s not uncommon for people to be in shock after they’ve been arrested and charged with drunk driving. They may be under the mistaken impression that there’s nothing they can do to fight the charges or try to ignore the situation until their driver’s license is suspended. However, the sooner you take action, the better your chances are of keeping your license and fighting the charges.
Requesting a Hearing to Keep Your License
When you are arrested for DUI and notified that your license is going to be suspended, you do have the right to request a hearing with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). While you technically have 30 days to request the hearing, acting quickly is imperative. If you don’t request the hearing within 10 days of the DUI stop, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended, and it will be much more challenging to get it reinstated. If you don’t request a hearing within 30 days, you lose your chance to fight the suspension entirely.
Getting an Attorney Involved as Soon as Possible
Acting quickly also ensures essential evidence, such as witness statements or video footage, can be reviewed and applied to your case. When you hire an attorney, they will review your case to identify any discrepancies or errors that could be beneficial to your defense. For example, the officer may not have had probable cause for the traffic stop in the first place, or there may have been an issue with the Breathalyzer equipment that resulted in a false high blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Even if you can’t get the DUI charge dropped entirely, getting it reduced to a charge of driving while impaired (DWI) can mean less severe penalties. A DWI is a lesser charge in Maryland than a DUI, and a first offense is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to two months in jail in most cases. When you act quickly by retaining an attorney after your drunk driving stop, they can immediately get to work on your case, explaining your defense options and potentially helping you keep your driving privileges.
What to Expect When You Work With the DUI Defense Attorneys at Scheuerman Law, LLC
At Scheuerman Law, LLC, we understand how important it is for you to maintain your freedom and avoid severe penalties like license suspension and jail time. We do everything in our power to help you fight your charges, whether that’s filing an MVA hearing request on your behalf or arguing before a judge that your traffic stop was illegal. Our attorneys have worked with clients throughout Baltimore County and the surrounding area, helping them avoid DUI convictions and keep their driving privileges.
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, you need experienced legal representation immediately. Find out what your rights and options are when you call our office and schedule a free consultation. Our team knows what it means to fight for our clients, and we strive to give each and every client the compassionate and aggressive representation they deserve. If you have questions about your case or need to file a request for a hearing immediately, call Scheuerman Law, LLC, at 443-888-2062.
