Avoiding a DUI in Howard County
July 9th, 2009 by Author173runk driving is never a good idea, and if you are pulled over by the police you will be arrested. To avoid being arrested have a designated driver or take a cab, but do not drive drunk. There are things that can be done to avoid a conviction, the suspension or revocation of your license, or even jail time. It is important to remember that the police officer has a job to do, but if you follow a few simple instructions you might be able to avoid a potentially damaging and embarrassing situation.
Once you are pulled over by a police officer and he or she believes that there is enough probable cause they will ask you to perform several field sobriety tests and a preliminary breathalyzer test. This is the first instance that any driver should be familiar with the Howard County drunk driving laws. You are well within your rights to respectfully refuse to take either test and request legal representation at this time. In the state of Maryland the law does not require anyone to submit to these two types of field tests, and it is in your best interest to refuse.
It is also important to know once your refuse to take these test you will be arrested and taken to the police station for a formal breathalyzer test which is required by law. Upon arrest your license will be taken from you and you will be issued a paper copy, it is at this point where your legal council will be valuable. You have the right to a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) hearing to ensure you do not lose your driving privileges. Once you are at the police station, you will be required to submit to a breath test, and if you refuse it will have negative affects including the loss of your driving privileges for 120 days.
After you have submitted to your formal breath test and if you have a blood alcohol level of more than .08 you are considered legally intoxicated and you will spend, at the very least, several hours in jail until your considered legally sober. After this it is a good idea to contact your attorney if you have not done so already. It is important when choosing an attorney that he or she specializes in DUI cases, in order to receive the best defense possible.
Your attorney will advise you on the steps that you will need to take before court to ensure that you will have your best chances of not being convicted. He or she will also request a hearing with the MVA about your driving privileges, which has to be done no later than 10 days after your arrest.
If you are wanted to save yourself from the damaging and embarrassing situation of a driving under the influence charge, it is essential that you understand the Howard County drunk driving laws. It is also essential that you contact a qualified attorney no more than three days after your arrest to ensure the best legal representation possible. Avoiding a conviction can be done with a little work, but avoiding an arrest by not drinking and driving is always the best solution.
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