A DUI OR DWI CAN BRING GRAVE CONSEQUENCES!
July 28th, 2009 by Author173A DUI or DWI arrest in Maryland can bring grave consequences. Incarceration of up to 3 years, a fine of up to $3,000 and loss of driving privileges can all result from a criminal charge of DUI, whether you are innocent or guilty.
In addition, a criminal DUI charge in Maryland can be brought against you whether you were driving your car while intoxicated or not. Charges can be brought even if you had not driven at all. You need only to have been intoxicated and inside your vehicle to be arrested for a DUI. If you were parked and inside your car “sleeping it off,” you can still be found guilty of DUI. If you have been arrested for a DUI in Maryland, it’s imperative that you seek the skilled representation of a Howard County Attorney if you wish to avoid the serious penalties that can be levied against you.
Under Maryland law, you can be charged with a DUI as long as you were in physical control of your vehicle while under the influence, even if you were only using your vehicle as shelter. The Maryland Legislature differentiates between intoxicated drivers who are a threat to public safety and those who aren’t. But because the law can be interpreted in many different ways, it essential that you consult with a Howard County Attorney as soon as possible and obtain representation.
It is also crucial that you be evaluated by a Maryland Certified alcohol treatment center prior to your court appearance. Based on the results of your evaluation, you may be advised to attend alcohol education classes and/or to participate in counseling sessions. If you cannot afford to pay for evaluation and treatment, and you are a Howard County resident, you are entitled to evaluation and treatment at the Howard County Health Department Substance Abuse Service.
Any first time DUI offense can be considered for probation. An immediate display of willingness on your part to deal with the problem by obtaining evaluation and treatment will count greatly in your favor when you appear in court.
Contact a Howard County attorney immediately to insure that your case is fairly represented. The Maryland/Howard County law firm of Shapiro & Mack, P.A. has extensive experience and proven success defending those charged with DUI in Howard County. The Shapiro & Mack attorneys are especially skilled in the matter of whether an intoxicated driver was, in fact, a threat to public safety when arrested.
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