Ocean City DUI Attorney

+30 Years Defending the Accused of Traffic Violations in Maryland 

If you need a lawyer for a new criminal or DUI case, our Ocean City DUI attorneys can be of significant assistance. Our office will immediately file for discovery from the prosecutor so that we will have all of the information necessary to effectively represent you. We will also conduct all necessary legal research regarding your charges, including whether your arrest and the seizure of any evidence was legal for Worcester County.

Our professional law team will aggressively defend all your charges as well as be prepared to present any mitigation in an effort to avoid any jail time or criminal convictions if your are found guilty.

Need help? The Law Offices of Murphy & Price are here for you. Schedule a free consultation with an Ocean City DUI Attorney by calling (410) 862-0351 or contacting us online. 

Understanding DUI and DWI Charges in Maryland

Maryland has two types of impaired driving charges. They are Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (DUI) and Driving While Impaired (DWI). Both types are very serious and can result in jail, stiff fines, loss of driving privileges and long periods of probation.

A DWI charge is less severe than a DUI. It typically applies when a driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is between 0.07% and 0.08%, or when they exhibit impaired driving behavior without reaching DUI levels.

You are in need of an especially good attorney if you have any prior or previous arrests or convictions in any State for impaired driving. Our attorneys have handled literally hundreds of criminal defense cases and have the experience to represent you effectively in Court.

Penalties for DUI Charges in Maryland

In Maryland, DUI charges can lead to significant penalties that vary based on factors such as prior offenses, BAC, and aggravating circumstances.

Here’s a detailed overview of the potential penalties:

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

For a first DUI offense, the penalties include up to one year in jail, fines of up to $1,000, and a six-month license suspension. If it’s a second DUI offense, the penalties increase significantly, with a minimum of one year in jail, fines up to $2,000, and a one-year license suspension. In the case of a third DUI offense, the consequences are even more severe, with a minimum of two years in jail, fines reaching up to $3,000, and a one-year license suspension.

Driving While Impaired (DWI)

For a first DWI offense, the penalties involve up to two months in jail, fines up to $500, and a six-month license suspension. If an individual faces a second DWI offense, the penalties include up to one year in jail, fines of up to $1,000, and a one-year license suspension.

Aggravating Factors 

Certain circumstances can lead to enhanced penalties, including:

• A high BAC (0.15% or higher)
• Having child passengers in the vehicle
• Previous DUI/DWI offenses
• Involvement in accidents resulting in injury or death

Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Maryland

A DUI conviction in Maryland can lead to severe consequences that go well beyond immediate legal penalties. A DUI results in 12 points on a driver’s license, potentially leading to automatic suspension if 12 points are accumulated within two years.

Other repercussions include increased auto insurance rates, which can persist for years, as well as potential barriers to employment and professional licensing.

Beyond legal and financial impacts, a DUI conviction can have lasting social and personal effects. Relationships with family and friends may suffer. Furthermore, travel restrictions may arise, as some countries deny entry to individuals with DUI records.

The long-term implications can also affect future legal matters, such as child custody disputes, and complicate essential services like loans and housing. Given these multifaceted consequences, seeking experienced legal representation is crucial for those facing DUI charges.

Common Defenses for DUI Charges in Maryland

In Maryland, our firm can employ several common defenses to challenge DUI charges. One key defense is questioning the legality of the traffic stop itself. If the police did not have reasonable suspicion to pull you over, any evidence obtained during the stop may be deemed inadmissible in court.

Another common defense involves the accuracy of breathalyzer or field sobriety tests. These tests can be influenced by various factors, including equipment malfunctions, improper administration, or medical conditions that affect performance. Demonstrating that these tests were flawed can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.

Additionally, proving that you were not impaired at the time of the arrest, perhaps due to medication or other factors, can also serve as a valid defense.

Consulting with our experienced Ocean City DUI attorney can help identify the best strategies for your specific case. Contact us online or call now at (410) 862-0351

Other Common Traffic Violations

Driving Suspended or Revoked

Driving on a suspended or revoked license in Maryland is a serious traffic charge that can result in jail, fines and further loss of driving privileges. Licenses can be suspended or revoked for a variety of reasons including failure to pay traffic fines and points assessments for serious violations. Cases involving previous driving suspended or revoked convictions are especially serious and require the best legal representation possible.

Speeding and Minor Traffic Offenses

Although minor traffic violations in Maryland do not ordinarily result in jail time, the points that can be assessed can significantly affect insurance rates and employment. Many of our clients possess Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs). These cases are often defendable. The experience of our attorneys with these cases can be of invaluable assistance to you.

Why Choose Law Offices of Murphy & Price?

When facing criminal charges, the stakes are incredibly high. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price, we understand that your career, freedom, and future are on the line. With over 30 years of experience in criminal defense, our firm has a proven track record of success representing clients in state, federal, and military courts across the U.S.

Our senior partner, Dennis Murphy, brings a unique perspective as a former federal prosecutor, giving you invaluable insights into the prosecution's strategies. This insider knowledge equips us to craft robust defense strategies tailored to your specific situation.

Contact Us Now

Our dedicated team is available 24/7, ready to provide the guidance and support you need. Thousands of individuals have trusted us to secure the best possible outcomes for their cases.

When it comes to serious legal matters, you deserve a serious lawyer—choose the Law Offices of Murphy & Price for the defense you can rely on. Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward protecting your future.

Contact the Law Offices of Murphy & Price today to schedule your free legal consultation with an experienced Ocean City DUI lawyer. Call us at (410) 862-0351 or reach out online to get started.

Commonly Asked Questions

What Should I Do If I’m Pulled Over For Suspected DUI?

If you are pulled over, remain calm and respectful. You have the right to refuse field sobriety tests, but be aware of the consequences of refusing a breathalyzer. It’s advisable to seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

How Long Does a DUI Stay On My Record in Maryland?

In Maryland, a DUI conviction remains on your record for life, but it may be eligible for expungement under certain conditions after a specified period.

Can I Appeal a DUI Conviction?

Yes, you can appeal a DUI conviction. This process typically involves filing a notice of appeal and presenting grounds for the appeal, such as legal errors during the trial.