Glen Burnie DUI Lawyer

Glen Burnie DUI Attorney

A conviction of driving under the influence (DUI) can seriously affect your life. You could face fines, restricted driving privileges, and even jail time. You could also face a criminal record and societal stigma, resulting in a loss of opportunities even after your case has finished. If you have been arrested for DUI, you need an experienced Glen Burnie DUI lawyer working to protect your rights and preserve your freedom.

A DUI arrest triggers two separate legal actions: A trial on the criminal charge and an administrative hearing, which can result in the loss of your driver’s license. The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, can represent you in both proceedings and can work to minimize the effect on your life and preserve your ability to drive.

Our team has extensive experience in the defense of drunk driving and traffic violation charges. Contact a Glen Burnie DUI attorney today for a free initial consultation.

Maryland DUI Cases

Driving under the influence is a serious problem in Maryland. In 2023, 116 fatal crashes occurred due to the use of alcohol. A total of 1,668 alcohol-involved crashes caused personal injuries, and another 3,671 caused property damage.

Effective Strategies

In some DUI defense cases, a DUI charge can be overcome. The arresting officer may not have had probable cause to stop your car. The officer may not have had cause to continue the investigation. The breath test may not have been conducted properly.

In these situations, our firm can undertake a vigorous defense on your behalf. In other cases, the State may have good evidence against you. In these situations, it may make sense to obtain an acceptable plea agreement, put the event behind you, and move forward with your life.

The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, can evaluate your situation and provide the strongest representation possible.

Challenging Field Sobriety Tests

The consequences of a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) could affect your life for years. You can lose your driver’s license, pay steep fines, and face jail time.

A Legal Challenge Is Possible

You have the right to contest the charge against you. The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, can help. Our attorneys are experienced with DUI laws, including challenging the admissibility of chemical test or field sobriety test results. There are many variables that play a role in DUI cases that can lead to charges being dismissed, reduced, or thrown out altogether. Examining every aspect of your DUI case with your lawyer can be critical in your defense.

Did the Results Mean Anything?

DUI defense often depends on determining the validity of the arrest and the evidence gathered. In most cases, this includes Breathalyzer tests, blood tests, and field sobriety tests. If these tests have been performed incorrectly, the results may be suppressed.

If you were pulled over for suspected drunk driving, you may have been given field sobriety tests, such as the most common tests, which are listed below:

• Alphabet test
• Standing on one foot and counting
• Touching a finger to your nose
• Heel-to-toe test (walking a straight line)
• Horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test (following an object with your eyes)

These tests are notoriously unreliable and are often given under poor conditions. We can investigate the circumstances of any field tests you were given, including whether they were conducted on a flat or sloped surface, in inclement weather, and whether the officer asked you if you had any physical disabilities.

After we examine how the tests were administered, we can challenge whether the results are admissible. If they are not, we can argue for the evidence to be suppressed and, when appropriate, for a reduction or dismissal of the charges.

Challenging Breathalyzer and Blood Test Results

If you were charged with a DUI, the situation may seem hopeless, but it is important to speak with an attorney before pleading guilty. A DUI defense lawyer can bring a clear understanding of local DUI laws and how to leverage them toward positive results.

Understanding the Difference Between DUI and DWI

It’s a common assumption that a DUI charge is the same as a charge of driving while impaired (DWI). Many people use these terms interchangeably, though this is a mistake. The two legal issues are distinct from one another, and while both are serious, they carry different penalties.

Typically, a DUI is the more serious of the two charges. This charge implies a higher level of inebriation and a greater risk to other drivers and oneself on the road. Such a charge can result in more serious consequences, as the heightened level of alcohol or drugs detected in the driver’s system presents a serious risk.

Either instance can result in the suspension of your driver’s license, which can lead to life disruptions, emotional trauma, and strained personal and professional relationships. Some tips for understanding the difference between these charges include:

• Don’t confuse the two, or assume a DUI is going to be treated like a DWI.
• Don’t downplay a DWI and assume it is going to be dismissed or treated lightly.
• Share all information with your lawyer so they know which charge to address.

No matter what charge you’re facing, our skilled legal team is here to help. When you call on us, we can treat either charge with the seriousness they both require, knowing your future is on the line.

Why Challenge the Results?

Your blood alcohol content (BAC) is one of the most critical factors in the case against you. If your BAC is .08 percent or higher, you may be charged with DUI. If it is up to 0.07 percent, you may be charged with DWI.

Results of Breathalyzer and blood tests can be suppressed if the tests are not conducted correctly. The conditions of the tests are extremely important. We may argue for the suppression of this evidence for reasons such as:

• The person who administers the test was not properly trained on the equipment
• The testing equipment is defective or improperly calibrated
• You have a medical condition that affects the conditions or results of the test
• You hiccuped or vomited during the Breathalyzer test
• The test results were not within the correct range
• The police did not observe you for the correct amount of time
• The police had no cause to pull you over or suspect you of drunk driving

Do not plead guilty until you have discussed your case with a Glen Burnie DUI attorney. There may be valid reasons to challenge the evidence against you.

Hire a Glen Burnie DUI Law Firm with Experience Handling a Wide Range of Traffic Violations

In Maryland, a traffic violation can result in a fine and/or jail sentence and increase your insurance rates. For persons with multiple violations, it can result in the loss of their license. The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, can represent you with the aim of minimizing the long-term effects on your life and preserving your driver’s license.

We represent clients in matters involving traffic violations, such as:

• Speeding
• Driving with a suspended license
• Driving without a license
• Driving without insurance
• Reckless driving
• Running a red light
• Failure to yield
• Other traffic violations

Our firm also works to obtain reinstatement of driving privileges for persons whose licenses have been suspended.

DUI Penalties in Maryland

The penalties for DUI in Maryland can be steep. If you’re convicted at the District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County for a first offense, you could face fines of up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail. Your license may be revoked for up to six months, and you could get 12 points assessed on your driving record.

Second-time offenders can face up to two years imprisonment and fines of up to $2,000, plus a license revocation for one year. If you get two convictions within five years, you’ll also have to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program.

The reason why Maryland is so hard on DUI offenders is that one-third of all accident deaths in Maryland can be attributed to DUI drivers. Over the course of five years, 800 people died from impaired drivers in Maryland.

What to Do Immediately After Being Arrested for DUI

When you’re arrested for DUI, it can be a very traumatizing experience. Many people experience this situation as their first legal issue, so it can be difficult to know how to respond.

The first step is to remain calm. Do not become combative or resistant with officers, even if you believe they’ve made a mistake. Remember, being accused or even arrested doesn’t mean being guilty. It’s also important not to share any information with them that could be used against you.

Some people make the mistake of trying to talk their way out of a DUI/DWI. But even seemingly innocent statements like “I only had a couple drinks,” or “maybe my medicine is causing the test result,” could be used against you by the prosecution. Remember, officers are trained to look for signs of guilt and help prosecute offenses. In some cases, this can lead to biases, assumptions, and even manipulation tactics to secure arrests and push convictions.

Though you may be required to provide general information about your identity to the officer, it’s wise to request a lawyer as soon as possible. Contact our law office immediately and advise us of the exact details of your situation.

From there, we can advise you on how to proceed. Just as the state is aggressive in prosecuting DUI/DWI offenses, we bring the same sense of tenacity to defending clients. We know that mistakes can be made on both sides, so our team can bring a dedicated sense of conviction to your case, with the goal of protecting your future.

Hire a DUI Lawyer

If you’re one of the many people who have been accused of drunk driving in Maryland, your next step is clear. You need to hire a DUI lawyer. Your lawyer can help you with everything from filing paperwork and keeping track of deadlines to coming up with an effective strategy for defending you against the charges in court. You can trust our attorneys to provide skillful legal services at affordable prices.

At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we can work with you to determine the admissibility of the evidence in your DUI/DWI case. The results and conditions of all Breathalyzer tests, blood tests, and field sobriety tests must be thoroughly examined. If these tests were incorrectly administered or evaluated, we can argue for the suppression of the results and, when appropriate, a reduction or dismissal of the charges.

FAQs

Q: How Much Is a DUI Lawyer in Maryland?

A: How much a DUI lawyer is in Maryland depends on the circumstances surrounding your case. Simple cases that get thrown out quickly or end in plea bargains during negotiations are less expensive than more complex ones that must go to court to find a resolution. The easiest way to find out what you should expect to pay is to contact a Glen Burnie DUI attorney.

Q: How Often Do DUI Cases Get Dismissed?

A: DUI cases get dismissed relatively often. You can improve your chances of getting your DUI case dismissed by working with a dedicated lawyer. Your lawyer may be able to challenge breathalyzer results or other evidence to get it thrown out, leaving the prosecution unable to move forward with their case against you and leading to a dismissal.

Q: What Makes a DUI Case Weak?

A: Evidence-related factors can make a DUI case weak. Unreliable breathalyzer results are one of the most common sources of dismissals. Improperly administered field sobriety tests and incomplete police documentation can also weaken the prosecution’s case, as can evidence that the police officers involved in your arrest violated your constitutional rights. Your lawyer may also be able to identify chain-of-custody issues with blood samples that weaken the case.

Q: What Is a Good Plea Deal for a DUI?

A: A good deal for a DUI is Probation Before Judgment. Available for first-time offenses, this deal allows you to avoid having a conviction on your record, points on your license, and jail time. You just need to complete probation successfully, abiding by any terms set by the judge. Other good outcomes include the reduction of DUI charges to reckless driving charges.

Glen Burnie DUI Lawyer

If you’ve been pulled over for driving under the influence, a DUI lawyer can help you defend yourself in court and protect your rights throughout the legal process. The team here at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, has years of experience in defending clients facing DUI charges. We can help. Contact our team today and find out how our Glen Burnie DUI and traffic offense lawyers can put their knowledge and experience to work for you.