Gaithersburg, Maryland DUI Defense Lawyers

Aggressive Attorneys Defending Against DUI Charges in Gaithersburg

One night of driving under the influence can come with serious legal trouble in Maryland. A conviction for a DUI charge may result in the loss of your driving privileges, harsh punitive fines, and the threat of incarceration. A Gaithersburg DUI defense attorney can advocate for you in a court of law, making sure your best interests are represented before a judge.

At Salvado Law Offices, our attorneys aggressively defend clients accused of driving under the influence and driving while impaired. When you work with our firm, we will explore all possible avenues to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed, working out a legal strategy suited to your circumstances.

How Is DUI Charged in Maryland?

Under Maryland law, there are multiple charges related to drunk driving. These charges include:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Per Se: You can be charged with DUI per se if the results of a blood or breath test showed that your blood alcohol content was at .08 percent or higher. A first conviction for this offense can lead to up to a year of jail time and a fine of as much as $1,200.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): This charge is identical to DUI per se, with the only difference being the available evidence. You can be charged with DUI if you are shown to have severely impaired coordination behind the wheel due to alcohol consumption or drug use.
• Driving While Impaired (DWI): DWI is a lighter drunk driving offense that may be charged when the results of a chemical test show a blood alcohol content below the legal limit. A conviction can result in a maximum of two months in jail and/or a possible $500 fine for a first offense.

Responding to a DUI Charge

If you have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, it is important that you remember your rights. While in police custody, you are under no obligation to give any statements or confess to any alleged offenses. You have a right to call an attorney who can provide you with private counsel and skilled advocacy.

After an arrest, you may be asked to submit to a blood or breath test. As part of Maryland's implied consent laws, you are compelled to comply with this request. If you refuse, you will have your license suspended for much longer than if you had failed the test. Refusing a blood or breath test may make your case harder to prosecute, but it can also be taken as a sign of guilt. Our DUI defense lawyers can advise you of how to respond to a request for a chemical test based on the potential risks.

Ignition Interlock Devices

If your license has been suspended after a DUI arrest, you may be able to apply for an ignition interlock device (IID) that will allow you to keep your driving privileges under certain conditions. An ignition interlock device is essentially a breathalyzer rigged to your car's engine, preventing the car from starting unless you provide a clean breath sample. While driving, the IID will periodically request more breath samples to make sure you are sober.

Any failed breath samples will be reported to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Association, resulting in additional penalties. You should also be aware that you are responsible for the IID's installation and regular maintenance, which can be quite expensive.

Meet With a Gaithersburg, MD Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of DUI or DWI, it is in your best interests to seek out legal representation as soon as possible. At Salvado Law Offices, we stand as fierce advocates for residents of Gaithersburg in criminal cases. To schedule a free consultation today, call our offices at 301-933-1814 or reach out to us online.