Drunk Driving Cases in Maryland

Drunk driving cases involve complex legal and scientific evidence issues. If you have been arrested for DUI or DWI in Maryland, call us at 410-862-0351 for a free initial consultation about the issues in your case.

At Murphy & Price, LLP, our criminal defense attorneys share extensive experience prosecuting and defending people charged with crimes such as drunk driving.

We regularly defend drunk driving cases in the state courts in Anne Arundel County, located in Annapolis. In Anne Arundel County, we service clients in Arnold, Cape St. Claire, Severna Park, Pasadena, Severn, Linthicum, Odenton, Crownsville, Millersville, Edgewater and Lothian areas.

The first thing a lawyer deals with in a DUI case is whether or not there was a lawful traffic stop. Most acquittals in drunk driving cases are the result of there being an unlawful traffic stop by a police officer. If the police had no probable cause to pull you over, then all the evidence after the stop, including the Breathalyzer test and the field sobriety test, can be suppressed.

The next issue in these cases is whether the police can prove you were impaired by alcohol or under the influence of alcohol. These are two separate issues. Police often use the field sobriety test to determine whether you were impaired by or under the influence of alcohol. They also use the breath test to determine your blood alcohol content.

If you are alleged to have failed the field sobriety test, there are often ways a lawyer can challenge the result. Often, what may appear as proof of impairment is simply the result of errors in the way the police officer administered the test or the environment or circumstances in which the field sobriety tests were given.

If the breath test results are incriminating, your lawyer will need to find out if the test was administered properly. In Maryland, the state toxicologist sets forth a series of standards that are required for the administration of a breath or blood alcohol test. If these standards were not followed, then the breath or blood test results will be suppressed.

If one refuses to take the breath test or the breath test results are over .08, a suspension of driving privileges will often be proposed in the paperwork provided by the officer after the arrest. It is very important to bring these papers to an experienced attorney within 10 days of the arrest to determine whether an administrative hearing should be requested. This hearing would be in addition to the court hearing regarding the DUI charges.

Our Comprehensive DUI Defense Strategy

First prong: We identify all potential defenses relating to the legality or illegality of the traffic stop, or the improper administration of the field sobriety or breath tests. Our attorneys are familiar with the standards for the proper administration of these tests. The test results can often be attacked or excluded from evidence if they are determined to have been improperly administered.

Second prong: In a DUI case, your lawyer also has to anticipate that there might be a sentencing hearing in the case if the prosecutor can prove the charges. We often refer clients to alcohol education or treatment or other alternative programs early in the process, so the court can see that you are taking the issue seriously, and may therefore exercise leniency in the case.

Get Your Free Consultation Today: Contact an Annapolis, Maryland, DUI defense attorney at Murphy & Price, LLP, for a complimentary evaluation of your case.

Understanding DUI Challenges in Anne Arundel County

Living in Anne Arundel County, you may be aware of the unique challenges that come with navigating DUI laws in our area. Local law enforcement, including the Anne Arundel County Police Department, is vigilant about drunk driving, especially in busy areas like Annapolis and Severna Park. This heightened enforcement can lead to an increased number of DUI arrests, which can be daunting for residents who find themselves facing these charges.

Many locals express concerns about the potential consequences of a DUI, including hefty fines, license suspensions, and the impact on employment. The Maryland Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) plays a crucial role in the administrative side of DUI cases, and understanding their processes can be overwhelming. If you’ve received paperwork from the MVA following your arrest, it’s vital to act quickly, as you only have 10 days to request a hearing to contest any proposed license suspension.

Additionally, the local court system in Anne Arundel County can be intimidating. Many residents worry about the implications of a DUI conviction on their personal and professional lives. The courts often require participation in alcohol education programs, which can add to the stress of an already challenging situation. Our team at Murphy & Price, LLP, understands these pain points and is here to help you navigate the complexities of your case with compassion and knowledge of local laws.

We recognize that each case is unique, and we are committed to providing personalized support to our clients in Arnold, Cape St. Claire, and beyond. Whether you are facing your first DUI charge or have prior offenses, we are prepared to help you explore all possible defenses and work towards a favorable resolution. Reach out to us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through this difficult time with the understanding and local insight you deserve.