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Dundalk DUI Defense Attorney

Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer Serving Dundalk, MD

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a significant offense with potential consequences that can include long-term effects on your personal and professional life. Maryland's DUI laws are stringent, and a conviction can result in severe penalties, including incarceration, mandatory alcohol education programs, the loss of your driver's license, and the requirement to use an ignition interlock device.

Understanding the DUI process, from the initial traffic stop to the court proceedings that may be required, is crucial for anyone in this situation. If you have been charged with DUI in Dundalk, MD, you need an attorney who will fight for your rights and help you understand the intricacies of your case. Attorney Kirk Seaman works diligently to provide comprehensive and compassionate legal representation to people who are facing DUI charges.

Understanding the DUI Process

Being stopped for suspected DUI can be a frightening and confusing experience. Understanding what may happen during and after a DUI traffic stop can help you remain calm and protect your rights:

  1. The Initial Stop: A DUI traffic stop usually begins when a law enforcement officer observes what they believe to be erratic or suspicious driving behavior, such as swerving, speeding, or braking abruptly. The officer may then pull the driver over and ask for their license, registration, and proof of insurance.
  2. The Officer's Observations: Once the officer has pulled a person over, they will observe the driver's behavior and appearance, looking for signs of intoxication. These signs may include slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the smell of alcohol. The officer may ask if the driver has been drinking. When asked questions by a police officer during a traffic stop, it is important to remember that you have the right to remain silent.
  3. Field Sobriety Tests: If the officer suspects that a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may ask the driver to step out of the vehicle and perform a series of field sobriety tests. These tests are supposed to assess a person's balance, coordination, and ability to follow instructions. Common tests include the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus tests.
  4. Breathalyzer Test: The officer may also ask the driver to take a breathalyzer test to determine whether their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) may be over the legal limit. The portable breathalyzer devices used during traffic stops will only provide an estimate of a driver's BAC, and the results may determine whether the officer will perform an arrest for DUI. It is important to know that breathalyzer tests are not always accurate, and the results can be challenged in court.
  5. Arrest and Booking: If the officer believes there is enough evidence to charge a driver with DUI, the driver will be placed under arrest and taken to the police station for booking. At this stage, the driver's fingerprints and photographs will be taken, and they will be asked to take additional chemical tests, such as a blood or breathalyzer test. In Maryland, refusing one of these tests after being arrested will result in an automatic driver's license suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI

Q

What Should I Do If I Am Pulled Over for Suspected DUI?

Answer: If you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, it is important to remain calm and be polite. Provide the officer with your license, registration, and insurance information, but do not volunteer any additional information. You have the right to remain silent and the right to refuse field sobriety tests or roadside breathalyzer tests.

Q

What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Maryland?

Answer: The specific penalties that may apply if you are convicted of DUI can vary depending on several factors, including your BAC level, whether it is your first offense, and if there were any aggravating factors such as causing an accident or having a minor in the vehicle. Penalties may include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even jail time.

Q

Can a DUI Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Answer: Yes, in some cases, it is possible to have a DUI charge reduced or dismissed. Kirk Seaman, LLC will examine the circumstances of your case, including the validity of the traffic stop and the accuracy of the tests administered. If there are weaknesses in the prosecution's case, we may be able to negotiate a lesser charge or even have the charges dropped entirely.

Q

How Long Will a DUI Stay on My Record?

Answer: A DUI conviction in Maryland will remain on your driving record permanently. This can have long-lasting effects on your insurance rates, employment opportunities, and the ability to obtain certain professional licenses. In some cases, it may be possible to have the record expunged, but this is rare and will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.

Contact Our Dundalk, Maryland DUI Defense Lawyer

If you are facing DUI charges in Dundalk, Maryland, you should not try to navigate the legal system alone. Kirk Seaman, LLC is here to help you every step of the way, from the initial stop to your day in court. We are committed to providing you with the strong defense you need to protect your rights and your future. Contact us today at 410-837-6077 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case. Let us help you take the first step toward resolving your DUI charges.

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