Charged by the State of Maryland? Nothing is More Vital Than a Seasoned DUI Attorney Safeguarding Your Rights and Freedom
If you have been charged with driving under the influence
time is of the essence. The clock has already began to run on important rights and deadlines. Contact my office immediately to begin the preparation of an aggressive defense.
DUI’s Can Carry Serious Consequences, Even for First Offenders
DUI/DWI charges carry significant penalties and may have life-altering consequences. You’ll be arrested. You’ll be held in a jail cell. You may be released on bail. Then, you’ve got to deal with:
- The loss of your driver’s license
- The possible loss of your job
- The social and professional stigma that comes with a DUI/DWI charge
- An angry and hurt spouse
- Painfully explaining the embarrassing ordeal to friends and family
- Paying the fines
- Paying for ignition interlock
- Completing driver improvement and education courses
- Completing substance abuse counseling
For Most, The Ultimate Consequence is a Jail Sentence.
While these consequences are painful, don’t forget a DUI conviction, even a first time DUI, carries a possible jail sentence. If you have been arrested for a DUI/DWI charge, I will scrutinize the state’s case for any possible legal defense that can result in acquittal, or a favorable resolution of your charge.
As an experienced drunk driving defense attorney, I will:
- Assess the strength of the state’s case
- Try the case where warranted
- Make you aware of the maximum penalty you’re facing and how a particular judge typically views similar cases
- Advise you on extrajudicial steps you can take that may lessen the severity of any sanction you may receive
- Argue for the protection of your driving privileges
I Challenge the State to Prove Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt for Your Case
The reality is, as a society, we’ve determined that alcohol and driving never mix. We’ve determined that if you are going to put our safety, or that of our children or loved ones at risk, the consequences for your drunken driving will be severe. It’s tough to argue against that, but a DUI/DWI defense lawyer’s role is not to argue for drunk drivers, that their conduct is ok, or that they should be given some kind of “break.” Rather, the effective defense lawyer’s role is to hold the state to their burden of proving their case while aggressively presenting and advancing the client’s defenses. If the case can be beaten, the role of the lawyer is to win that case. If the state’s case is strong, then the defense lawyer’s role is to present evidence that fully presents a client’s character, fitness, and achievements to the sentencing judge.
It’s Unfair to Judge Someone by a Singular Episode
Good people make mistakes every day. Anyone who has ever consumed alcohol has likely had a moment of introspection where they realize, “I may have had too much.” A lot of people in that circumstance conform their conduct so that others are not put at risk. But, consider the person who, while otherwise responsible and hardworking, dedicated and disciplined, makes the wrong choice and takes the wheel.
Perhaps the English have it right. There, you hear the offense of DUI/DWI referred to as “drink-driving” rather than “drunk driving.” That’s a good way to look at it. It’s not drunk driving that is likely to get you in trouble. It’s the drink-driving scenario that is much more likely. Consider our hero. The guy who says, “I may have had too much,” and although otherwise responsible, nevertheless makes a singular wrong choice and takes the wheel. He’s not falling down drunk, but after having some drinks, he decides that he’s capable of driving. Did you know that six cans of beer consumed over 3 hours can render a 185-pound man “over the limit” (in Baltimore, a BAC of .08 or higher) and cannot legally drive? Think about it. These are the folks who I take pride in defending.
Should You Take the Breathalyzer Test?
“What do I do if I get pulled over after having a few drinks?” is a common question that attorneys hear. If you’ve got your judgment about you and are familiar with the various tables that correlate weight, body type, drinks, and BAC [blood alcohol content], you can do some quick math to determine if the officer is going to have a case. A BAC above .08 is illegal. Since most people aren’t in the position to make that type of snap judgment and don’t have those tables in the glove box, it’s helpful to take the following steps.
Respect the Officer
You should be polite and respectful. Although slight, there is always a chance you could be let go. More importantly, these roadside encounters are frequently captured on film. So, considering that film may someday be played for a jury, you don’t want to create a good “COPS” episode.
Don’t Help the Officer
You might have to give your name, address, driver’s license, and registration, but you don’t have to do much else. Where you have been and what you have consumed are questions you can decline to answer.
Don’t Take the Field Sobriety Tests
You can refuse to take a field sobriety test or PBT (preliminary breath test), as they are not mandatory. Some lawyers suggest that you ask to talk to a lawyer before determining whether you will submit to one of these tests. This may be a valid approach, but ultimately, it’s unlikely that the officer is going to let you make that call and will arrest you anyway. There does not appear to be any Maryland case directly on this point, but, as the U.S. Supreme Court has stated that there is no right to counsel before taking a breathalyzer test, it may be unlikely that you can make the call.
If you refuse the non-mandatory tests, the officer will likely arrest you, but he or she will have to show later that there was “probable cause” for that arrest, which may be a more difficult task without the sobriety test. The officer, or State, will have to rely on things like “a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the defendant” (a crowd favorite found in most DUI arrest reports). The absence of these other factors may give your attorney good fodder to challenge the legality of your arrest. If you’re not lawfully arrested, you’re not going to be convicted.
What You Need to Know About the Breathalyzer
This is the big test. There are some different considerations when it comes to the breathalyzer. I say take the test, but that conclusion merits some discussion. Here, you can’t refuse to take the test. If you do, you will lose your license for 180 days if it’s your first offense and one year if it’s your second offense. Moreover, you can’t get a restricted license unless you participate in the ignition interlock program.
If you take and fail the test, it’s likely going to be easier for the state to convict you. But, if you’ve refused the field sobriety tests, your attorney can challenge the legality of your arrest and get the case tossed if successful. Again, if you’re not lawfully arrested, you’re not going to be convicted, and if you take the mandatory test, you don’t face the automatic license penalties. On the other hand, if there are no breathalyzer results, the state may have a more challenging time proving their case, especially if the following apply: there were no strong visible signals of intoxication; there are no positive field sobriety test results (because you refused); any film of the roadside encounter is benign (because you were polite and courteous). If you refuse, you will lose your DL for 180 days first offense with no restricted license [unless you do the interlock]. Some attorneys have suggested that not driving for six months, and avoiding the stigma of a DUI, could be the best possible outcome, but that’s a pretty narrow window to fit in.
Put succinctly, most Baltimore DUI lawyers will tell you to take the test, and I agree. I extend a complimentary case evaluation and legal analysis to anyone charged with DUI. I’d be proud to personally meet with you to discuss the case against you, analyze its strength, and explore defenses and mitigating factors. Contact me today to arrange a meeting.
Navigating the Intricacies of DUI/DWI Charges
The DUI/DWI laws in Maryland are strict and complex, making it vital to have a skilled Baltimore, MD DWI lawyer on your side. A conviction can have severe repercussions extending beyond just legal penalties. It can adversely impact your personal life, your employment, and your future prospects. The moment you are charged, it is crucial to take swift action to protect your rights and interests.
An arrest for DUI/DWI does not always lead to a conviction. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors must adhere to a strict set of protocols during your arrest and trial. Any deviation from these procedures can provide grounds for a case dismissal or reduction in charges. One such example is the administration of field sobriety tests, which must be conducted under specific conditions for the results to be valid.
In many instances, the arrest may hinge on the results of breathalyzer tests. Understanding these tests and their potential impact on your case is paramount. It is recommended to take the mandatory breathalyzer test, despite the potential implications. Refusing to take this test can lead to an automatic suspension of your driver’s license and could be viewed unfavorably by the court. A competent lawyer will use their legal expertise to challenge the results of these tests and find any possible weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
How a Dedicated DWI Lawyer Can Assist You
Attorney Eric T. Kirk, a seasoned Baltimore DWI lawyer, has extensive experience defending clients facing these charges. He is committed to scrutinizing the state’s case for any inconsistencies or errors that could result in a positive outcome for you. His approach is not about arguing the morality of drunk driving but about ensuring that the state meets its burden of proving their case and that your rights are protected.
Every case is unique, and therefore, each defense strategy needs to be tailored to fit the specifics of your situation. Attorney Kirk takes the time to understand the unique aspects of your case and develops a robust defense strategy accordingly. He advises his clients on the potential penalties they could face and helps them take the necessary steps to mitigate these penalties.
It’s important to remember that everyone can make mistakes. Even responsible, disciplined individuals can find themselves facing DUI/DWI charges. The key is not to let a single mistake define your future. Attorney Kirk stands ready to defend clients who have had a lapse in judgment and now face the serious repercussions of a DUI/DWI charge.
Take Control of Your Situation
While the prospect of fighting a DUI/DWI charge may seem daunting, remember that you are not alone. With a competent Baltimore DWI lawyer by your side, you have a much better chance of challenging the charges effectively and ensuring that your rights are protected.
It’s essential to take action as soon as possible after being charged. Doing so can significantly increase your chances of a favorable outcome. For anyone facing DUI/DWI charges, the best course of action is to reach out for professional legal guidance promptly.
Being charged with a DUI/DWI is a serious matter, and it requires serious representation. Don’t wait for the situation to worsen. Protect your rights and freedom today by arranging a complimentary case evaluation and legal analysis. Attorney Eric T. Kirk stands ready to assist you in navigating this challenging situation. Contact us today to get started on your defense.
R.S. Baltimore, MD,
