Glen Burnie DUI Defense Attorney

DUI Defense Lawyer in Glen Burnie, Maryland

Being arrested for DUI in Glen Burnie can be an overwhelming experience, and a conviction can lead to serious personal and legal consequences. While it is possible to challenge a DUI charge on your own, doing so can be incredibly complex and risky. DUI cases involve intricate legal procedures, and without a thorough understanding of Maryland's DUI laws, you may find it difficult to navigate the court system, effectively dispute evidence, or negotiate with prosecutors.

With more than three decades of legal experience, DUI defense attorney Kirk Seaman brings valuable knowledge, resources, and negotiation skills that can significantly increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome, whether through a reduction in charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal of your case. The team at Kirk Seaman, LLC can negotiate on your behalf to determine whether you may be eligible for a reduction in charges or alternative sentencing options that will allow you to serve probation instead of jail time. We can also guide you through the administrative process of retaining your driving privileges, including representation in Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) hearings.

If you have been charged with driving under the influence, do not hesitate to contact us at 410-837-6077 to schedule a free case evaluation.

Disputing a DUI Charge

There are several key issues that may play a role in a DUI case in Maryland. Each situation is unique, and the specific circumstances surrounding your arrest will determine the best approach to take during your defense. Some common issues that can be raised when defending against DUI charges include:

Questioning the Traffic Stop

One of the first areas to explore in a DUI defense is the legality of the traffic stop. For a DUI charge to be valid, a law enforcement officer must have had a legitimate reason to pull you over. This reason could be a traffic violation, such as speeding or running a red light, or behavior that suggests impaired driving, like swerving. If it can be demonstrated that the officer did not have probable cause to initiate the stop, any evidence collected afterward, including the results of field sobriety tests or breathalyzer tests, may be deemed inadmissible in court.

Challenging Field Sobriety Tests

Officers often use field sobriety tests to assess a driver's level of impairment. These include Walk and Turn, Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), and One-Leg Stand tests. However, these tests are questionable and can be influenced by a variety of factors that may not be related to the consumption of alcohol, such as medical conditions, poor lighting, or uneven road surfaces. It may be possible to argue that the results of these tests are unreliable and should not be used as evidence against you.

Breathalyzer and Blood Test Accuracy

Breathalyzers must be properly calibrated and maintained to produce accurate results. If there is any evidence that a breathalyzer device used in your case was not functioning correctly or that the officer administering the test did not follow proper procedures, the results of the test may be challenged. Similarly, blood tests must be conducted and handled according to strict protocols to avoid contamination or mislabeling, and these issues could also provide grounds for disputing the results.

Medical and Health Conditions

Certain medical conditions and medications can produce symptoms or chemical markers that mimic alcohol impairment. For example, diabetes can result in the production of acetone, which may cause a false positive on a breathalyzer test. Other conditions, such as acid reflux or heartburn, can also affect the results of breath tests.

Examining Police Conduct

Any violations of your constitutional rights, such as an unlawful traffic stop, can lead to the exclusion of evidence and potentially the dismissal of your case. Our team will carefully review the circumstances of your arrest to identify any misconduct by law enforcement officials that could be used in your defense.

Potential Outcomes of a DUI Case

The results of a DUI case can differ significantly based on the unique circumstances surrounding the arrest, the quality of the evidence presented, and the approach taken by a DUI defense attorney. Possible outcomes may include:

• Dismissal of Charges: If the evidence against you is weak or if there were significant procedural errors, your attorney may be able to get the charges dismissed entirely.
• Reduction of Charges: In some cases, a DUI charge can be reduced to a lesser offense, such as DWI or reckless driving, which carries lighter penalties.
• Alternative Sentencing: Community service, alcohol education programs, or probation in lieu of jail time may be appropriate depending on the case.
• Acquittal: If your case goes to trial, and the prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were impaired while driving, you may be acquitted of DUI charges.

Contact Our Glen Burnie DUI Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with DUI in Glen Burnie, Maryland, it is essential to act quickly to protect your rights and your future. A DUI conviction can have serious consequences, but with the help of our knowledgeable DUI defense attorneys, you may be able to avoid the most severe penalties. We are dedicated to providing personalized and effective defense strategies for our clients. Contact us today at 410-837-6077 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you with your DUI case.