DUI Lawyer in Charles County, MD

If you have been charged with a DUI in Charles County, you are not alone. Team up with Hennessy Law, LLC today, and you can defend yourself with dignity and efficiency. Most DUIs are not the end of the world, but they can affect your reputation, your criminal record, and many other aspects of your life. With help from a legal professional, you can mitigate consequences and avoid certain penalties such as jail time or excessive fines. But how does Maryland define a DUI? How can you avoid penalties, and how can a DUI lawyer in Charles County help you? Let’s find out:

DUIs Get Worse With Repeated Offenses

The penalties for DUIs range from a slap on the wrist and a suspended license to years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. The main thing to remember is that the consequences will get worse if you commit numerous DUIs within a five-year period. The consequences will also become more severe if certain aggravating factors are present, such as having a minor in the car, having a BAC level of 0.15 or higher, or causing an injury or death.

Alternate Programs for First-Offense DUIs

One of the most important reasons to work with a qualified attorney is that it makes diversion programs more accessible. This can be crucial if you are a first-time DUI offender who wants to limit your consequences as much as possible. Criminal courts in Maryland recognize that people often make mistakes, and they may be lenient if it is your first time being intoxicated behind the wheel. Your options include the following:

• Probation: The conditions of your probation may vary depending on your unique situation. For example, the judge may allow you to drive back and forth from work but ban you from using your vehicle for any other reason.
• Safe Driving Classes: If given the option, you may complete a safe driving class to avoid more serious penalties – such as jail time. You must complete your classes and regularly attend if you want to enjoy this benefit.
• Alcohol Counseling: If the judge determines that your drunk driving is caused by alcoholism or substance abuse issues, they may give you the option to complete alcohol counseling instead of more serious penalties. Once again, you must take this seriously and attend each counseling session if you want to enjoy this lenient treatment.
• Attending Victim Impact Panels: You could also be ordered to attend a victim impact panel. This exposes you to the victims of drunk driving, including family members who have lost loved ones in fatal accidents. These panels are often organized and run by Mothers Against Drunk Driving

What is the Difference Between a DWI and a DUI in Maryland?

DWI stands for “Driving while Impaired,” while DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence.” Although these two phrases might sound virtually identical, there are considerable differences:

• DUI: You may be charged with a DUI if your BAC level is over 0.08%
• DWI: You may be charged with a DWI if your BAC level is between 0.07% and 0.08%

The logic is that even if you were slightly below 0.08%, you are still behind the wheel after consuming a potentially unsafe amount of alcohol. Being “just under” 0.08% will not allow you to escape penalties altogether.

The penalties for a DWI are not quite as bad as the penalties for a DUI. You will face a maximum of 60 days in jail for a first offense – plus a fine of $500. If you commit subsequent DWI offenses, you could face up to a year in prison. It is still worth fighting a DWI, even though this offense is not considered as serious as a DUI. This is especially true if you rely on your vehicle for work.

Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced DUI Lawyer in Charles County?

If you have been searching for an experienced DUI lawyer in Charles County, look no further than Hennessy Law, LLC. Over the years, we have helped defendants in the Maryland area. We know that a DUI can feel a bit overwhelming, but there is no reason to give up hope. Your chances of a positive legal outcome might be better than you think – especially if you act quickly and speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. While internet research certainly helps, the only way to determine the best defense strategy is to speak with a lawyer. Reach out now to get started.