Fulton, MD DUI Defense Attorneys

Knowledgeable Lawyers for DUI and DWI Defense in Fulton, Maryland

It is not uncommon for people to misjudge their sobriety before getting in the driver's seat. Police officers often pull over drivers based on the slightest suspicion of DUI, which can lead to an arrest and a criminal charge. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence or driving while impaired, a Fulton DUI defense lawyer can provide you with valuable representation and counsel.

At Salvado Law Offices, we have experience defending clients against allegations of drunk driving. Our attorneys have built up a reputation for dedicated advocacy, as we have been recognized as Super Lawyers. When you work with our firm, you can take comfort knowing that you will be defended to the fullest extent of the law.

Blood Alcohol Content in DUI Charges

BAC, or blood alcohol content, plays an incredibly important role in how your DUI case will be prosecuted. Essentially, it is a scientific measure of the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream. Police officers can get your BAC through a breathalyzer or a blood test. In Maryland, the legal limit for BAC is .08 percent, at which point you can be charged with DUI per se under state law.

However, BAC is not the be-all and end-all of a drunk driving charge. A skilled attorney can still contest a blood or breath test that shows your BAC to be above the legal limit. An uncalibrated testing device may have displayed an inaccurate reading, or improperly stored blood samples may have become contaminated. At Salvado Law Offices, we will not accept a chemical test at face value, and we will scrutinize the procedures of law enforcement to see if any important steps were skipped.

Dealing with a First DUI Offense

A first-time DUI charge can be terrifying if you have never had to deal with law enforcement up until now. If you are arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, we advise you to remain silent and request to speak with an attorney at the earliest opportunity. Anything you say to the police could be used against you by the prosecution, so keeping quiet during questioning will serve you well.

The penalties for a first-time DUI can be damaging without a proper defense. Jail time is unlikely for first offenders unless there were aggravating circumstances like an accident resulting in injury or death. However, you can still be sentenced to up to a year of jail time, along with fines of up to $1,000, not counting legal fees and increased auto insurance rates. Moreover, if your BAC was above the legal limit, you face an automatic six-month license suspension. Our lawyers can work to secure an acquittal or an alternative sentence with minimal disruption to your life.

Should You Refuse a Chemical Test?

The question of whether or not you should submit to chemical testing is a complicated one. If you suspect that you will fail a breathalyzer or blood test, refusing the test can give the prosecution less ammunition to work with. However, under Maryland's implied consent law, all motorists in the state give permission to submit to chemical testing while in police custody. Refusing a chemical test after an arrest will result in a longer license suspension than if you had simply failed the test.

Additionally, refusing a chemical test could still be taken as a sign of guilt by the prosecution. Our lawyers can advise you of your best course of action regarding chemical testing, and we will guide you toward the best possible outcome to your case.

Meet With a Fulton DUI Defense Lawyer

DUI is a serious offense in Maryland, with the possibility of fines, jail time, and a long license suspension. At Salvado Law Offices, we are prepared to defend you against allegations of drunk driving, and we will advise you on the best strategy based on the specifics of your case. For a complimentary consultation, call our offices at 301-933-1814 or reach out to us online.