Rosendale DUI Defense Lawyer

Top Rated DUI Defense Attorney in Rosendale, MD

There are multiple life-altering consequences, such as substantial fines, license suspension, increased insurance premiums, and even imprisonment, that you may face if you are convicted of offenses related to drunk driving. The impact of these cases extends beyond legal penalties, potentially affecting your reputation, career, and personal life. Navigating the complexities of DUI laws requires the support of a knowledgeable attorney who can advocate on your behalf.

With more than 30 years of legal experience, attorney Kirk Seaman is well-versed in the field of drunk driving defense. He has been recognized by his clients, peers, and colleagues as aggressive, trustworthy, and experienced, and he works diligently to help his clients fight DUI charges and defend their legal rights. He can meticulously analyze the evidence against you and create a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to the specifics of your case.

Understanding DUI

A DUI charge in Maryland may apply if a person is accused of operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications or other substances that may impair a person's ability to drive safely. The legal limit for Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) in Maryland is 0.08 percent for drivers over 21 years old. However, a person can still face DWI (driving while impaired) charges with a BAC below this threshold if substance use has limited their ability to maintain control of their vehicle.

Maryland's DUI laws are strict, with severe penalties even for first-time offenders. If convicted, you may face fines, jail time, mandatory alcohol education programs, and an increase in insurance rates. For repeat offenders, the penalties become more severe, potentially including extended jail sentences, longer license suspensions, and the installation of an ignition interlock device.

How Police Determine Who to Pull Over for DUI

Law enforcement officers may employ various methods to identify drivers who may be under the influence. The following are common indicators and procedures that police use to determine who to pull over:

• Erratic Driving Behaviors: Officers will look for signs of erratic driving, such as swerving between lanes, sudden braking, speeding, or driving significantly below the speed limit. These behaviors can indicate that a driver is impaired.
• Traffic Violations: Running red lights, failing to use turn signals, or other violations of traffic laws can prompt an officer to pull a driver over. While these actions do not necessarily indicate impairment, they give officers a lawful reason to initiate traffic stops.
• Checkpoints: Sobriety checkpoints are another tool used by law enforcement to detect impaired drivers. These checkpoints are typically set up in areas with high rates of DUI incidents, and officers may stop vehicles at random or predetermined intervals to check drivers for signs of impairment.
• Citizen Reports: In some cases, officers may be responding to reports from other drivers or pedestrians who have observed vehicles being driven in ways that suggest that drivers may be impaired.

Tests Used by Police Officers to Determine if Someone Is Driving Under the Influence

Once a vehicle has been pulled over, law enforcement officers have several tests they may use to assess whether the driver had been drinking alcohol or using drugs before getting behind the wheel. Other tests may be performed after conducting an arrest. These methods are intended to provide evidence of impairment, which may be used in court. The following are the most common tactics:

• Field Sobriety Tests: Officers may ask drivers to perform a series of physical and cognitive tasks. These sobriety tests are conducted at the side of the road, and they may include the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, the walk-and-turn test, and the one-leg stand test. An officer will observe the driver's balance, coordination, and ability to follow instructions, looking for signs that the person is due to the use of alcohol or drugs.
• Roadside Breathalyzer Test: A device may be used to estimate a driver's BAC. The driver will be asked to blow into the device, and it will provide an indication of whether the person may be over the legal BAC limit.
• Observational Evidence: Officers are trained to look for signs of intoxication, such as the smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and an inability to answer questions coherently. These observations, while subjective, can be powerful evidence in a DUI case.
• Chemical Tests: After a person is arrested and taken to a police station, they will be required to submit to a blood or breath test to measure the presence of alcohol or drugs in their system. Refusal to take these tests will result in automatic driver's license suspension under Maryland's implied consent laws. While breathalyzer and blood test results are commonly used in court, they are not infallible, and they can be challenged based on various factors, such as the calibration of a device, the manner in which a test was administered, or the chain of custody of a blood sample.

Possible Penalties for DUI Charges in Maryland

The penalties for a DUI conviction in Rosendale, Maryland can vary, but they will typically include the revocation of a driver's license, large fines, and possible jail time. Multiple factors may affect a case and increase the severity of the penalties, including a high BAC, prior DUI convictions, and aggravating factors such as causing an accident or having a minor in the vehicle. If you are facing charges related to drunk driving, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney to learn about your legal options.

Contact Our Rosendale, Maryland DUI Defense Attorney

When defending against DUI charges in Rosendale, Maryland, we can help. Our team will work tirelessly to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and pursue the best possible outcome in your case. Contact our office today at 410-837-6077 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist you. With a deep understanding of Maryland DUI laws and a commitment to personalized legal representation, our team is here to represent you and guide you through this challenging time.