Ellicott City, MD DUI Defense Attorneys

Devoted Lawyers Defending Clients Against DUI Charges in Ellicott City

Have you been charged with drunk driving in Maryland? If so, you could face serious criminal and administrative penalties, including the suspension of your license and possible jail time. With the help of an experienced DUI defense lawyer, you can contest the charges against you in court and protect your rights.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we are highly familiar with the laws surrounding driving under the influence. Our Ellicott City drunk driving defense lawyers can work with you individually to determine the best legal strategy given the circumstances of your arrest, making sure that your voice is heard in the courtroom. With over 350 5-star reviews from satisfied clients, our firm has garnered a reputation for exhaustive preparation for every case.

First DUI

If you have never been charged with driving under the influence before, you may be understandably nervous about appearing in court. However, as a first offender, you may be eligible for participation in a DUI diversion program. If you complete the requirements of this program, the charges against you may be dropped, allowing you to avoid having a DUI conviction on your record.

The specific provisions of a DUI diversion program will vary from county to county. In many cases, an offender in a diversion program will have to stay sober for a period of several months. The offender may also have to participate in substance abuse counseling or community service. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., our lawyers can assess your eligibility for a diversion program to help you avoid the damaging effects of a conviction.

Understanding DUI Charges

In most cases, a first or second DUI is charged as a misdemeanor offense carrying one year of incarceration for a first offense or two years for a second offense. However, you could face felony DUI charges if:

• Somebody was injured or killed in the accident
• Your blood alcohol concentration was significantly above the legal limit
• You had a minor passenger in the car
• You have already been convicted of DUI twice within 10 years

Felony charges come with increased penalties ranging from high fines to several years behind bars, so a conviction should be avoided at all costs.

Additionally, whether you have been convicted of misdemeanor or felony DUI, you can expect to have your license suspended by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) for months or years, depending on the severity of the offense. To regain your driving privileges during a period of suspension, you may have to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we will do everything in our power to protect you from the harsh penalties resulting from a DUI charge.

Testing Methods for Drunk Driving

Law enforcement officers may employ different methods to get evidence for a drunk driving charge. After pulling you over, a police officer may ask you to perform certain field sobriety tests to gauge your coordination or your ability to follow instructions. However, these tests are far from foolproof, as the results can be skewed by a number of variables ranging from poor visibility to pre-existing medical conditions. You are allowed to refuse these tests, although this could result in your arrest.

If you are detained for driving under the influence, you may be asked to submit to a chemical test at a hospital or police station. If you do not comply with this test, your license will be immediately suspended. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we can help you challenge the results of these testing methods and advise you on how to respond to law enforcement inquiries.

Contact an Ellicott City, Maryland DUI Defense Lawyer Today

A DUI charge can be intimidating to deal with on your own, and without legal representation, you will be more likely to be convicted and face harsh penalties. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., our Ellicott City criminal defense lawyers have the experience and skills to help you defend against allegations of driving under the influence. Call our offices at 301-589-9500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today.