Urbana, Maryland DUI Defense Lawyer

Aggressive Defense Attorney for Clients Accused of DUI Charges in Urbana, MD

Getting pulled over, arrested, and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) can come as a major shock if you have never had a run-in with the law before. Facing pressure from police, you may feel compelled to accept whatever sentence comes your way. However, do not forget that you have a right to seek legal representation from a defense attorney. An Urbana, Maryland DUI defense lawyer can fight for your best interests in court, pursuing the best possible outcome to your case.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we know how impactful a DUI conviction can be, both for your criminal record and your driving privileges. When you work with our firm, you will receive clear counsel and strong representation to help contest the charges against you.

How Is DUI Defined in Maryland?

Under state law, you are considered to be legally under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. However, this is not a strict requirement. A police officer can also arrest you and charge you with DUI if you show clear signs of drunkenness, such as slurred speech or erratic driving.

DUI is a misdemeanor crime in Maryland. If convicted, you could be sentenced to a year of incarceration and/or a fine of no more than $1,200. Your driver's license will also be suspended for six months for a first offense. These penalties will increase with subsequent convictions, so if you already have a prior offense on your record, be sure to seek out a criminal defense lawyer who can represent you in court.

How Is BAC Measured in DUI Cases?

If you are arrested on suspicion of DUI, you will be legally required to submit to a blood or breath test. Blowing over the legal limit of .08 percent will result in a charge of DUI per se. The penalties for this crime are identical to a normal DUI, though it does give the prosecution more hard evidence to rely on, as opposed to the police officer's observations.

Once you have been arrested for DUI, you cannot refuse a chemical test to measure your BAC. This is in accordance with Maryland's implied consent laws, which hold that all drivers automatically give consent to blood or breath tests issued by police officers. If you refuse an official chemical test after your arrest, your license will be automatically suspended for a much longer period than if you had taken the test and failed. However, you are not required to submit to a roadside breathalyzer test.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we can advise you of how to respond during the legal proceedings of a DUI case.

Defenses Against DUI Charges in Maryland

Getting arrested for driving under the influence does not mean that you are guilty. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we can meet with you in private to discuss all possible strategies for your defense. Possible defenses for a DUI charge include:

• Challenging the results of a chemical test based on improper procedures
• Questioning the legality of the traffic stop based on a lack of reasonable suspicion
• Providing alternate explanations for alleged drunk driving
• Citing a lack of evidence
• Arguing against the officer's subjective observations about supposed drunkenness

Our attorney will work out a strong defense tailored to the unique circumstances of your case.

Meet With an Urbana DUI Defense Attorney Today

Have you been accused of drunk driving? The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC. can help. Our firm is open 24/7 to client inquiries, so we can respond to your urgent need for legal representation. Call our offices at 301-589-9500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Urbana, MD drunk driving defense lawyer today.