Ok ,You have been stopped, arrested and charged, what now?
One of the first things I tell my clients who have just been charged is "take a deep breath". It's a scary and frightening thing to be taken into custody and actually charged with a crime. If you have been arrested in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County or Harford, each one of these jurisdictions treat a DUI/DWI offense a little differently.
DWIs have evolved over the years as to how the Legislature dictates punishment and procedure. Alcohol and traffic tickets have become a front runner in Maryland political spotlight. The potential punishment of a conviction with a alcohol offense is enormous. Groups such as M.A.D.D. are now working with our judicial system to make sure DUI/DWI offenders are paying the ultimate price.
It is extremely important that your Baltimore DUI lawyer understand and thoroughly know how this system works. It is important to understand how each Court will treat different scenarios that surround these offenses such as traffic accidents, refusal to take field sobriety test and intoximetor tests. It is also important that you get started right away with the ground work that is needed to protect your criminal record and driving record.
DUI charges result in an automatic driver's license suspension in Maryland. Multiple DUI convictions can result in revocation, which means that you will have to go through a motor vehicle hearing before you can get your license back. Traffic tickets can result in points against your driver's license, which can result in driver's license suspension if you accumulate too many.
The following links offer more information about DUI and traffic charges:
- DUI defense: Because of the complexity and penalties of drunk driving laws, it's not simply a matter of, "I was caught, what happens now?" It's important to work with an experienced and diligent Baltimore DUI lawyer to minimize the consequences on your life.
- Traffic tickets: Tickets for violations such as speeding and reckless driving are more than an inconvenience. Paying a ticket will result in a conviction and points on your driver's license. If you ignore the ticket, your driver's license can be suspended when it comes time to renew it.
- Driving on a suspended or revoked driver's license: It's difficult to get by without driving in today's society. As a result, many people who lose their driver's license due to a DUI arrest or multiple traffic tickets choose to drive anyway. It's an especially difficult situation for those with commercial driver's licenses, like long-haul truckers. In Maryland, that can lead to criminal charges and an even longer suspension.
My name is Jim Crawford. For the past 18 years, I have defended people in Baltimore, Catonsville, Annapolis, Bel Air and throughout Maryland who have been charged with DUI and traffic offenses. I offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
Contact Me
It is extremely important that you contact me immediately with any questions you have about Maryland DUI/DWI and traffic laws. Time is of the essence!
To protect your driving privileges, contact our Maryland DUI and traffic law firm, before you talk to police or anyone else. Our Baltimore, MD criminal lawyers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To contact us, call 443-701-4525 or 866-635-0623.
