DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND
BEEN ARRESTED FOR A DUI WHILE IN RIVERDALE PARK? CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF MELVIN L. ALLEN, JR. FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION.
Being convicted of a DUI can have long-term effects on your life. A DUI conviction can have a severe impact on your career and make it challenging to secure employment in any role that requires driving or transporting people or products. Given the severity of a DUI conviction, it is crucial that you do not leave your future in the hands of an inexperienced attorney. Seek legal representation from DUI defense attorney Melvin L. Allen, Jr. in Riverdale Park as soon as possible.
The Law Office of Melvin L. Allen, Jr. is committed to helping people charged with driving under the influence beat their cases. Our team puts forth our best negotiation and litigation skills to help you obtain the most favorable outcome possible.
INTOXICATED DRIVING CLASSIFICATIONS IN MARYLAND
The state of Maryland has several ways to classify intoxicated drivers. Generally, offenders are separated into two types: DUIs, which includes drivers under the influence, and DWIs, which includes drivers who are impaired. Although they may seem like the same thing, they have some differences that determine the severity of legal ramifications offenders face.
Driving Under the Influence: Drivers can be convicted of a DUI for being inside a vehicle, whether actively driving or attempting to do so, while significantly impaired. The blood alcohol concentration level of a person charged with DUI must be at least 0.08% or higher.
Driving While Impaired: Drivers can be charged with DWI under circumstances where their blood alcohol concentration level was not 0.08%. To be convicted of a DWI charge, a driver must only display signs of impairment.
Both of these charges come with steep fines and penalties. Working with a DUI defense attorney in Riverdale Park will ensure you have the best chances of beating your case. Call attorney Melvin L. Allen as soon as possible to discuss your arrest and charges.
PENALTIES FOR A DUI CONVICTION IN MARYLAND
Drivers convicted of DUI charges can face a variety of serious consequences. The severity of consequences increases with each concurrent arrest. The penalties for a DUI conviction in Maryland include the following:
First Offense: A first-time conviction for DUI can result in up to one year in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, and a license suspension of up to six months.
Second Offense: A jail sentence of up to two years, fines up to $2,000, and a license suspension up to nine months.
Third Offense: Those convicted of their third DUI offense can face up to five years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines, and a license suspension of up to 12 months.
Drivers who have passengers under the age of 18-years-old can face up to $1,000 in additional fines and up to one additional year of jail time.
PENALTIES FOR A DWI CONVICTION IN MARYLAND
Drivers with DWI convictions can face a variety of serious consequences, too. Though these charges are not as substantial as DUI convictions, they still have a negative impact on a driver’s personal and professional life.
The possible penalties of a DWI conviction include:
First Offense: This conviction can result in a sentence of up to two months in jail, up to $500 in fines, and a license suspension of up to six months.
Second Offense: This conviction can result in a sentence of up to one year in jail, up to $500 in fines, and a license suspension of up to nine months.
Third Offense: This conviction can result in a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines, and up to 12 months of a license suspension.
IMPLIED CONSENT SUSPENSIONS IN MARYLAND
Maryland’s implied consent law provides that all drivers give implied consent to be tested, either by breath or by blood, for impairment. Drivers who refuse testing can have their driver’s license seized. Additionally, officers can issue a temporary license and submit the results to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
Drivers can face the following suspension periods:
Test failures: A driver with a BAC that is 0.08% or higher can have their license suspended for 180 days regardless of the number of previous convictions.
High BAC: A driver with a BAC of 0.15% or higher can face a 180-day suspension for a single offense and a 270-day suspension for a second offense.
Refusal: Drivers who refuse testing can face a suspension of up to 270 days. Drivers who have been arrested for a prior violation can face a suspension of up to two years.
STACKING CONSEQUENCES OF A DUI/DWI CONVICTION
In addition to jail, fines, and license suspensions, those charged with driving while intoxicated or impaired can face steep increases in their auto insurance policies. Some drivers will have to take classes and go to counseling. In some cases, drivers may lose insurance coverage altogether and may have to seek alternative coverage from a limited selection of companies. The consequences of a DUI conviction continue to impact drivers for several years. Retaining the legal guidance of a qualified DUI defense attorney will ensure you protect your legal rights after being charged with a DUI.
AGGRESSIVE DUI LEGAL REPRESENTATION IN RIVERDALE PARK
DUI defense attorney Melvin L. Allen, Jr. in Riverdale Park & Prince George’s County will review the specifics of your case to determine the best legal approach available. As your dedicated legal advocate, Melvin L. Allen, Jr. treats your case with the consideration and dedication it requires to help you obtain a favorable outcome.
Whether you are currently facing DUI charges in Riverdale Park or around Prince George’s County, or you want to discuss the possibility of expunging a past DUI conviction, the Law Office of Melvin L. Allen, Jr. is here for you. Contact our DUI defense attorneys as soon as possible by calling our office. Schedule a case evaluation at your earliest convenience so we can review your charges to determine the best legal approach moving forward.