DUI Defense Services in Baltimore, MD

Charged with DUI or DWI? Contact Us for Legal Help in Baltimore County

Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense that can endanger many lives. Whether you are caught driving with alcohol or illicit drugs in your system, the legal system will not treat you kindly, and your offense can permanently alter your reputation.

You've come to the right place if you’ve been charged with a DUI or DWI. Drunk driving defense attorney T. Wray McCurdy, P.A., and his legal team have successfully defended thousands of DWI and DUI cases throughout Maryland.

For aggressive legal defense after a DUI/DWI charge, contact our Baltimore attorneys today at (410) 834-8466 or by filling out our online form.

Comprehensive DUI/DWI Defense Strategy

At T. Wray McCurdy, P.A., we deeply understand the complexities of DWI and DUI laws in Baltimore and are dedicated to equipping our clients with robust defense strategies. Our team analyzes every detail of your case, from police reports to breathalyzer results, ensuring no stone is left unturned. We aim to contest the credibility of the evidence against you, which can lead to reduced charges or even dismissals.

With our extensive experience, including our involvement in seminal cases, we are well-versed in adapting our strategies to the specific tendencies of local prosecutors and judges in Baltimore. This tailored approach is invaluable for navigating the nuances of your DUI or DWI case, providing you with a high level of representation.

Defining DUI: Legal Thresholds & Implications in Maryland

DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence. Generally, it means driving under the influence of alcohol, or driving while intoxicated. DUI can also mean driving under the influence of drugs or controlled substances.

Under Maryland law, a DUI is a more serious charge than a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). In order to be charged with a DUI, your blood alcohol level (BAC) must be .08 or more.

For those facing either DUI or DWI charges, understanding the potential impact on one's livelihood and personal life is crucial. Convictions can lead to job loss, especially in professions requiring a clean driving record or professional licenses. Engaging a skilled drunk driving defense attorney from the outset can significantly improve your chances of mitigating these consequences.

Consequences of DUI Convictions in Maryland: Know the Risks

Legal & Administrative Penalties for DUI Offenders

When you are cited for a DUI in Maryland, you face several different sets of penalties.

In court, the judge can set:

• Jail time
• Fines
• Probation
• And several other penalties

In addition, the Motor Vehicle Administration will try to suspend your driver’s license. There are additional charges and penalties if you hold a CDL license or are under 21 and charged with DUI.

The court penalties and the MVA penalties are independent of each other. However, what happens in court can affect what happens to your driver’s license. DUI Attorney T. Wray McCurdy, P.A., has the experience and knowledge you need to defend yourself in court and help you navigate the MVA system to avoid stiff penalties.

Time is of the essence in defending yourself against a DUI charge, as some relatively short, hard, and fast deadlines have permanent non-modifiable consequences.

DWI in Baltimore: Understanding the Lesser Charge

Breaking Down DWI: BAC Levels & Legal Outcomes Explained

DWI stands for Driving While Impaired and is the lesser of the two drunk driving charges in Maryland. To be charged with DWI, your blood alcohol content (BAC) must be .07 or less. A BAC of .05 or less is considered evidence of sobriety in most cases.

However, the level of legal culpability is lower for minor drivers, at 0.02%, which is evidence of a violation of the alcohol restriction placed on all minors' licenses by the MVA, and commercial vehicle operators, at 0.04%. While a DWI charge carries lesser penalties than a DUI, the legal and financial problems can still be very serious.

Engaging legal assistance early in a DWI case can prevent common pitfalls and help manage the repercussions. Each case presents unique challenges, and professional guidance can make a crucial difference in the outcome, potentially keeping penalties at a minimum.

Penalties for DWI Offenses in Maryland: What to Expect

First-Time & Repeat DWI Offenses: Understanding the Risks

A first DWI offense in Maryland carries:

• A jail sentence of up to two months
• A minimum six-month license suspension upon conviction
• And a fine of up to $500

Penalties increase if you were transporting someone under 18 when you were arrested. Penalties also increase for repeat offenders. These penalties are not mandatory and can be avoided, which is why everyone charged with this offense should be represented by an attorney.

Navigating the complexities of DWI offense repercussions can be overwhelming. If you're a repeat offender, the stakes are significantly higher, with the potential for longer jail sentences and steeper fines. This is precisely why building a robust defense with an experienced DWI attorney is so crucial. Taking proactive legal steps can often help reduce the more severe penalties tied to multiple offenses.

Choosing the Right DWI Defense in Baltimore: Your Best Option

Why a DWI Charge Requires Strong Legal Representation

While being charged with a DWI is less severe than a DUI in Maryland, retaining skilled legal counsel to defend you throughout the process is still imperative. DWI lawyer T. Wray McCurdy, P.A. is experienced and can get started on your defense today. Wray will get all the details of your case in order to ensure the best outcome in court and with the MVA.

Choosing the right legal representation can often spell the difference between a successful outcome and a costly mistake. A knowledgeable DWI defense attorney will adeptly navigate the complexities of Maryland's legal system, providing insight into viable defense strategies. Their local knowledge can significantly aid in addressing charges within Baltimore's jurisdiction, making a difference in both negotiations and trial proceedings.

DUID & Drug Intoxication Defense: What Sets Us Apart

Defending against DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs) charges requires an acute understanding of both drug classification and the nuances of Maryland law. Our team at T. Wray McCurdy, P.A. brings extensive experience in challenging the methodologies and procedures used by law enforcement when determining impairment. The credibility of evidence in such cases is a cornerstone of our defense tactics.

We leverage our innovative approach, honed over four decades, to question the reliability of drug testing and field sobriety results. By pinpointing inconsistencies or errors in the procedures followed, we aim to provide our clients with the best possible defense. Our client-focused strategy ensures that each individual case is dissected meticulously, exploring all potential defenses.

How a Baltimore DUI Lawyer Can Make a Difference: Get the Support You Need

Comprehensive Legal Support for DUI Defendants

Your lawyer will go above and beyond to ensure that all of the evidence used against you is legitimate and that you have everything you need for a favorable outcome. From gathering strong evidence for your case, to fiercely representing you in court, your lawyer will fight to protect your rights and your future.

Your DUI lawyer can help you by:

• Collecting strong evidence to support you.
• Being there for you to lean on emotionally.
• Investigating your case and ensuring that all evidence that is being used against you is legitimate.
• Guiding you through each step of the legal process and helping you protect your rights.
• Fiercely representing you in court.

If you or someone you care about has been charged with a DUI, it's vital that you receive professional legal assistance as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will be for your case. Contact our DWI lawyers in Baltimore today to schedule a free consultation and to learn more information about how we can help you.

Is Hiring a Baltimore DUI Lawyer Worth It? Discover the Benefits

The Value of Legal Expertise in DUI Cases

A DUI is a severe offense that might affect your future and employment. DUI and DWI laws are complicated and constantly changing, and the facts of every case are unique. Therefore, getting the viewpoint of a knowledgeable DUI attorney can be important. An attorney’s familiarity with local practices, the district attorney, and the judge can also assist with these kinds of negotiations.

Effective legal representation goes beyond just understanding the law; it encompasses a strategic approach tailored to the nuances of each case. Baltimore presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, and a locally based DUI lawyer brings valuable insights into typical prosecutorial strategies and local court procedures. Their role is integral in negotiating plea deals or working towards case dismissals.

Need a seasoned DUI/DWI attorney in Baltimore? Call us today at (410) 834-8466 or reach out online for expert defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If I Am Pulled Over for a DUI in Baltimore?

If you are pulled over on suspicion of DUI in Baltimore, it's important to remain calm and respectful. Be sure to comply with all lawful orders from the officer, but remember that you have the right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination. You are required to provide your identification, such as your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. However, you do not have to answer questions about where you were, who you were with, or how much you had to drink. It's also essential to contact a DUI attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and potential defenses.

How Can a DUI Affect My Future Employment Opportunities?

A DUI conviction can have significant long-term implications on your employment opportunities. In Maryland, employers may conduct background checks that reveal criminal convictions, including DUIs. A conviction may lead to the loss of professional licenses depending on your field of work or even result in immediate job termination. It can also make obtaining positions that require driving or enhanced responsibility more difficult. Having a DUI defense attorney like those at T. Wray McCurdy, P.A. can help explore options such as record expungement or negotiating lesser charges, minimizing the impact on your professional life.

What Are the Potential Defenses Against a DWI Charge?

Several defenses could be employed in fighting a DWI charge in Baltimore. Potential defenses include questioning the legality of the traffic stop—was there a valid reason for the officer to stop you? Additionally, the accuracy and calibration of the breathalyzer used can be contested, as can the administration of field sobriety tests. In some cases, medical conditions that resemble intoxication symptoms can be used as a defense. A skilled attorney from T. Wray McCurdy, P.A. will assess your case thoroughly, identifying any weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence and tailoring a defense strategy accordingly.