Elkridge, MD DUI Defense Attorney

Lawyer Defending Against Charges of DUI or DWI in Elkridge, Maryland

Being arrested for drunk driving can be a frightening experience. The legal system treats DUI offenses seriously, and the consequences of a conviction may extend far beyond a simple fine. Due to issues such as license suspension and potential jail time, the impact of a DUI arrest may affect your employment, family life, and future opportunities. In a high-stakes situation like this, understanding your legal rights and the defense strategies that may be available is critical. An experienced DUI defense attorney can provide essential support and representation during legal proceedings.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., our attorney handles DUI and DWI cases in Elkridge and the surrounding area, providing experienced legal help when defending against a conviction. These cases often turn on technical evidence and specific procedural details, including how a traffic stop was conducted, whether your constitutional rights were upheld, and how sobriety testing was performed. Our lawyer can identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and advocate for reduced or dismissed charges. He will work to protect your record and help you move forward from the incident with as few long-term consequences as possible.

Understanding DUI and DWI Charges in Maryland

In Maryland, a person may be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Impaired (DWI) based on the level of alcohol or drugs in their system and the manner in which they were driving. The key difference lies in the degree of impairment.

DUI is the more serious offense, and it typically involves a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or evidence that the person was substantially impaired by alcohol or drugs. DWI charges may apply when a person has a BAC that is below 0.08%, but there is evidence of noticeable impairment. Maryland law enforcement officers may rely on several forms of evidence to support DUI and DWI charges. Even a first-time offense may lead to significant penalties.

DUI Traffic Stops

A DUI or DWI arrest will usually begin with a routine traffic stop. A law enforcement officer must have a reasonable suspicion that a driver has violated a traffic law or is operating their vehicle unsafely before they can pull the driver over. Common reasons for stops include erratic driving, speeding, or failing to obey traffic signals. Issues such as a broken taillight may also provide a reason to stop a driver.

After stopping a driver, an officer will observe their behavior and physical appearance, looking for signs of impairment. For example, if a driver's words are slurred, if their eyes are red or bloodshot, or if they seem to have poor physical coordination, these may be seen as signs of intoxication. Other observations, such as the smell of alcohol when a driver speaks, may also indicate that they have been drinking.

Our attorney can review a DUI case and examine whether the traffic stop was lawful and whether the officer had sufficient cause to prolong the stop and conduct a drunk driving investigation. If the proper legal requirements were not met, the evidence gathered after the stop may be inadmissible in court.

Field Sobriety Testing and Arrest Procedures

If an officer suspects that a driver is impaired, they may ask the driver to exit the vehicle and perform field sobriety tests. There are several tests that may be performed, and they will usually consist of standardized tests that involve having a person walk in a straight line, follow an object with their eyes, or balance while standing on one foot.

These tests are often subjective, and they depend heavily on an officer's interpretations of a driver's responses. Environmental factors, physical conditions, footwear, or other issues can affect a person's performance. Our DUI defense attorney may challenge these tests and provide alternate explanations for a "failure."

Breath and Blood Tests

Following an arrest for DUI or DWI, a driver will be asked to submit to a chemical test that will measure their BAC. This test may involve a breathalyzer device that measures the alcohol in a person's breath or a blood draw that will allow for testing in a lab.

The procedures for administering chemical tests must be followed precisely. Our lawyer can examine whether the equipment used had been properly calibrated, whether a test was administered by a certified operator, whether blood samples were handled according to legal standards, and whether the results were recorded correctly.

Legal Representation and Defense Strategies

Legal representation is essential for anyone facing DUI or DWI charges in Elkridge. Our attorney may use a range of defense strategies depending on the facts of the case, including:

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
• Questioning the validity of field sobriety tests or chemical tests
• Negotiating for reduced charges or enrollment in diversion programs
• Raising constitutional issues related to due process or unlawful search and seizure

Our lawyer has a comprehensive knowledge of Maryland DUI laws and local courts, which can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case.

Contact Our Elkridge DUI Defense Lawyer

After being arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, it is vital to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., our attorney can review your case, advise you of your legal options, and develop a strategy that will help you resolve your case successfully. He will work to protect your future and minimize the penalties you may face. Contact our Elkridge, MD DUI/DWI defense attorney at 301-589-9500 to schedule a free consultation and begin building your defense.