Columbia, MD DUI Defense Attorney

Skilled Lawyer for Defense Against DUI Charges in Columbia, Maryland

A conviction for driving under the influence in Maryland can wreak havoc on your life, with possible penalties including incarceration, fines, and the loss of your driving privileges. A DUI on your record can affect your ability to get a job, and without reliable transportation, simple errands you once took for granted can become much more difficult. A Columbia DUI defense attorney can help you fight the charge in court, exploring all possible avenues for alternative sentencing, reduced charges, or a case dismissal.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we have extensive experience handling DUI cases on behalf of our clients. Past clients have praised Attorney Robert Demirji's exceptional defense skills and empathetic representation, as he handles every case with a highly individual, compassionate approach.

DUI Charges in Maryland

In Maryland, there are different types of drunk driving charges. The least serious drunk driving offense is driving while impaired (DWI), a charge that may apply if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is lower than .08 percent, but an officer finds that you are impaired and cannot drive safely. A conviction for DWI is punishable by a fine of no more than $500 and/or a jail sentence of up to two months. That being said, it is rare for first offenders to go to jail unless a case involves aggravating circumstances.

You can be formally charged with DUI in Maryland if your blood alcohol content is measured at .08 percent or higher. A first conviction for this misdemeanor offense carries harsh penalties, punishable by a $1,200 fine, a year of jail time, or both.

In most cases, DUI is a misdemeanor offense. However, it can escalate to a felony offense in certain cases. You might be charged with felony DUI if you hit another person while drunk driving, if there was a child in the vehicle, or if you are arrested for your third DUI in a 10-year timeframe.

Regardless of whether you are up against a misdemeanor or felony charge, our DUI defense attorney can work towards the best possible outcome, making sure that your rights are protected in court.

Alternative Sentencing

If you do not have a prior history of drunk driving, you may be eligible for a DUI diversion program to avoid a conviction on your record. As part of this program, you may have to attend substance abuse counseling and stay alcohol-free for a period of several months. Upon completion of the diversion program, the charges against you will be dismissed.

However, even if your charges are dismissed, your arrest may still appear on your record. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we can help you petition for expungement to protect your reputation.

DUI Defense Strategies

Our firm has years of experience dealing with DUI cases in court. In that time, we have gotten charges reduced or dropped entirely by implementing proven strategies. Depending on the specifics of your case, we may be able to argue that:

• The field sobriety tests used by a police officer were inaccurate.
• The equipment used in blood or breath testing was not properly calibrated.
• There was no reasonable suspicion behind the traffic stop.

These are only a few of the strategies we can employ to defend you in court. When you work with our firm, we will sit down with you to discuss your best options to fight a drunk driving charge.

Meet With a Columbia DUI Defense Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with DWI or DUI in Columbia, a DUI defense attorney at The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC. can help. With over 350 5-star reviews, our firm has garnered a reputation for excellent, compassionate representation in cases involving DUI charges. When you work with our firm, we will handle your case with care and diligence, fighting for the best possible results on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation, call our offices at 301-589-9500 today or reach out to us online.