Takoma Park, Maryland DUI Defense Attorney

Skilled DUI Defense Lawyer for Clients in Takoma Park

A charge of drunk driving is not something to be taken lightly. If convicted of this offense, you could face harsh consequences that may follow you for a lifetime, both for your criminal record and your driving privileges. To protect yourself, consider working with a Takoma Park, Maryland criminal defense lawyer who can advocate for your rights in court.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we have helped Maryland residents fight charges of driving under the influence (DUI) for years. Many clients have spoken highly of Attorney Robert Demirji in testimonials, praising his knowledge of the law and confident legal representation. When you work with our firm, you can rest assured that your case will be handled by a devoted legal advocate.

What Is Driving Under the Influence?

In Maryland, you can be charged with DUI if you drive or attempt to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. This is known as DUI per se. That being said, this is not a requirement to be charged with DUI. You can still be charged with DUI if you show substantial signs of impairment behind the wheel.

A first DUI offense with no aggravating factors is a misdemeanor crime, and if you are convicted by a judge for this offense, you could face up to a year in prison along with up to $1,200 in fines. For a second DUI, the penalties increase to up to two years and $2,400 in fines, respectively.

Not all drunk driving offenses rise to the level of a DUI. Maryland actually distinguishes between "driving under the influence" and "driving while impaired," the latter being a less serious crime. A DWI conviction comes with lighter penalties, but it will still result in a criminal record.

Will I Lose My License for a DUI in Maryland?

Getting arrested for a DUI or a DWI in Maryland may have immediate consequences for your driving privileges. If the results of a chemical test show that you have a BAC of .08 percent or higher, your license will be suspended for 180 days just for a first offense. Refusing to submit to testing will result in the same penalty. However, you can request a hearing with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to challenge the suspension.

Moreover, if you are convicted of a DUI or DWI, you will have points added to your driver's license, which can result in the suspension or outright revocation of your license. With this in mind, preparing a strong defense for a drunk driving charge is critical.

Possible Defenses Against a Drunk Driving Charge in Takoma Park

If you have been accused of DUI in Takoma Park, our attorney can meet with you to discuss possible legal strategies to fight the charge. Based on the unique circumstances of your case, we may be able to assert that:

• The field sobriety tests administered by the officer did not accurately reflect your condition
• The blood or breath tests were skewed by outside factors
• The traffic stop itself was illegal due to a lack of reasonable suspicion

In the past, our legal strategies have helped clients get drunk driving charges reduced or even dismissed altogether. Attorney Robert Demirji will make extensive preparations to support your case, working toward the best possible outcome.

Contact a Takoma Park, MD DUI Defense Lawyer

Our firm has the experience and resources to help you challenge a DUI or DWI charge. To schedule a free consultation with The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., call our offices at 301-589-9500 or contact us online. We are available 24/7 to respond to your concerns, so do not hesitate to call after an arrest.