Catonsville DUI Defense Attorney

Lawyer in Catonsville, MD for Drunk Driving Charges

The consequences of a DUI conviction can have far-reaching effects on your life, including your personal relationships, employment, and financial stability. Due to the serious nature of these charges, it is crucial to have the legal support of a dedicated DUI defense lawyer on your side. Attorney Kirk Seaman understands the complexities of Maryland DUI laws, and the team at Kirk Seaman, LLC can provide experienced guidance and representation during your case. We are committed to protecting your rights, helping you understand your legal options, and working tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Types of Drunk Driving Charges in Maryland

Maryland law recognizes several types of DUI offenses. Understanding the different charges that may apply is important for anyone facing DUI allegations. Drunk driving cases may involve:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): When a motor vehicle operator's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher, they may be charged with DUI. A DUI conviction carries severe penalties, including substantial fines, potential jail time, mandatory participation in an alcohol education program, and the suspension or revocation of a person's driver's license.
• Driving While Impaired (DWI): A less severe charge than DUI, driving while impaired (DWI) may apply when a driver's BAC is below 0.08 percent, but the driver is impaired by drugs or alcohol to a degree that they face limitations on their ability to operate a vehicle safely. DWI penalties may include fines, jail time, and license suspension.
• Commercial Vehicle DUI: People who drive trucks and certain types of work vehicles are held to a stricter standard in Maryland. A DUI charge will apply if a driver operates a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04 percent or higher. The consequences of a conviction can include disqualification from driving commercial vehicles, significant fines, and potential jail time. For commercial drivers, a DUI can also result in the loss of their livelihood.
• Marijuana DUI: This occurs when a driver is impaired by marijuana to the extent that it affects their ability to safely operate a vehicle. Even though marijuana use may be legal in Maryland, driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal. Law enforcement officers may rely on their observations of a driver's impairment or the presence of THC in the driver's system to charge a driver with DUI, and a conviction can lead to penalties such as fines, license suspension, and potential incarceration.
• Drug DUI: This type of charge may apply if a driver was allegedly impaired due to the use of illegal drugs, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs that affected their ability to drive safely. Unlike alcohol-related DUI charges, there is no specific threshold for determining intoxication by drugs. The presence of any illegal controlled substances in a person's system may lead to DUI charges. If a driver had used prescription drugs or other legal substances, the focus will be on whether their ability to operate a vehicle was impaired. A conviction can result in penalties similar to alcohol-related DUI charges, including fines, jail time, and license suspension, and a person may also be subject to mandatory participation in a drug treatment program.
• DUI/DWI for Licensed Professionals: Doctors, lawyers, nurses, and other people with professional licenses may face unique challenges when charged with DUI or DWI in Maryland. In addition to various penalties, a conviction can lead to professional consequences, including disciplinary actions by licensing boards, suspension or revocation of a professional license, and damage to a person's professional reputation.
• Aggravated DUI: More serious DUI charges may apply if a case involved certain aggravating factors, such as extremely high BAC levels (typically 0.15 percent or higher), involvement in an accident resulting in injury or death, or multiple DUI offenses. The penalties for aggravated DUI are substantially more severe, and they may include long-term imprisonment, hefty fines, and a prolonged loss of driving privileges.

DUI Expungement in Maryland

For those who have been convicted of DUI in Maryland, the consequences they will face can linger long after any fines have been paid or jail sentences have been served. A DUI on your record can impact your ability to find employment, secure housing, or obtain certain professional licenses. However, in some cases, it may be possible to have your DUI conviction expunged from your record.

DUI expungement in Maryland is a complex process, and not all DUI convictions are eligible for expungement. Generally, expungement is more likely if the charges were dismissed, you were found not guilty, or if probation before judgment (PBJ) was granted and successfully completed. Attorney Kirk Seaman can help you determine whether your DUI charge is eligible for expungement. Our team will guide you through the application process and advocate on your behalf to have your record cleared. Expungement can offer a fresh start by removing the public record of your DUI conviction, making it easier to move forward with your life.

Contact Our Catonsville, Maryland DUI Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with DUI in Catonsville, Maryland, do not wait to seek legal assistance. The consequences of a conviction can be severe, but with our help, you can take steps to protect your rights and work towards a favorable resolution. Our team is here to provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. To schedule a complimentary consultation, contact our office at 410-837-6077.