Laurel, Maryland DUI Defense Attorney

Reliable DUI Defense Lawyers for Clients in Laurel

An accusation of driving under the influence (DUI) can come with serious legal repercussions. Not only will you face the possible suspension or revocation of your driver's license, but you may also be charged with a criminal offense with the possibility of prison time and a permanent criminal record. If you have been arrested on suspicion of DUI, get in contact with a Laurel, MD drunk driving defense lawyer as soon as possible.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we know how serious a DUI charge can be. Whether you have been accused of a misdemeanor or a felony, you need a strong, capable defense. Our firm can explore all possible strategies to get a drunk driving charge reduced or dismissed from court.

What Counts as Driving Under the Influence?

Not many people know the exact definition of DUI or DWI in Maryland. The crimes usually associated with drunk driving include:

• Driving Under the Influence: You can be charged with this crime if you exhibit signs of impairment behind the wheel due to drugs or alcohol. You may also be charged with DUI if you were found driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) is found to be at .08 percent or above.
• Driving While Impaired: This is a less severe version of a DUI charge that may apply if you show signs of drunkenness behind the wheel with a BAC below the legal limit of .08 percent.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we can sit down with you to discuss the details of your case. We will advise you of the charges against you and the possible penalties associated with a conviction.

How Bad Is a DUI Charge in Maryland?

The seriousness of a DUI charge will vary from case to case. By itself, a DUI charge is a misdemeanor offense carrying up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,200. However, you may face more serious penalties depending on specific circumstances known as aggravating factors. Aggravating factors in a DUI arrest include:

• A child present in the vehicle
• An accident resulting in injury or death to another person
• Repeat offenses
• Drunk driving at a high speed
• Drunk driving with a BAC high above the limit

If you have been charged with a felony DUI, seeking legal representation is extremely important. Our lawyers can advise you of what to do after your arrest, protecting you against self-incrimination while in custody.

Possible Defenses Against a DUI Charge

The best DUI defense strategy should be tailored to the specific facts of your case. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we are prepared to conduct a full investigation into the events that led up to your arrest to make sure that nothing is overlooked in your defense.

One viable strategy involves questioning the legality of the traffic stop. If the police officer did not have reasonable suspicion to pull you over—meaning that there was no reason to assume that a crime was committed—the traffic stop could be deemed unlawful.

We can also look for weaknesses in the prosecution's case against you. For instance, field sobriety tests administered by police officers are not always reliable indicators of drunkenness, since they can be failed by sober people in poor conditions or under pressure. Additionally, if the BAC testing equipment was not properly maintained or calibrated, we can question the test results in court.

Contact a Laurel, MD DUI Defense Lawyer

A DUI charge can set your life back by years. If you have been arrested for DUI in Maryland, consider working with our Laurel criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC. to protect your best interests. We have garnered over 350 5-star reviews, with many clients praising our effective defense in drunk driving cases. To schedule a free initial consultation, call us at 301-589-9500 or contact us online today.