Towson DUI Attorneys
Defending Against DUI Charges in Maryland
Have you been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Towson, Maryland? The consequences for driving under the influence are very serious, and the courts will do their best to punish you to the fullest extent of the law. Though your circumstances may be dire, a qualified attorney can help you get your life back on track.
At Albers & Associates, we represent people who have been arrested for DUI and who are facing all types of DUI-related charges, penalties, and administrative consequences. We are experienced in all aspects of these cases, from challenging the results of a breathalyzer test to helping you work to reinstate your driver’s license and stay out of jail.
For a free, confidential consultation, call Albers & Associates today at (410) 927-5717 or contact us online. Our Towson DUI defense attorneys are ready to fight for you.
Maryland DUI Laws
In Maryland, it is illegal for anyone to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. “Impairment” is typically measured by blood alcohol concentration (BAC), but a police officer may arrest you for DUI if you appear substantially impaired, regardless of BAC, and you are driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle. This means you could be arrested and charged with DUI if you are sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle and you appear intoxicated, even if the vehicle is not turned on.
Driver's BAC limits in Maryland depend on your age and driving status:
- 0.08% or higher, if you are age 21 or older and not a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder
- 0.04% or higher, if you are 21 or older and have a commercial driver’s license, even for personal vehicles
- 0.02% or higher, if you are under age 21
While most DUI cases involve drinking and driving, it’s important to remember that you could be charged with a serious crime if you are arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance.
What are the Penalties For a DUI in Maryland?
If you are arrested for DUI in Towson, MD, you may face jail time, fines, and the automatic suspension of your driver’s license. Other consequences could include the loss of your job, social stigma, and higher insurance rates. Even if this is only your first offense, the consequences can still be life-altering. This is especially true if you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
The most common DUI penalties in Maryland include a combination of some of the following:
- Driver’s license suspension
- Driver’s license revocation
- Fines and court fees
- Mandatory or voluntary jail time
- Enrollment in the Ignition Interlock Program
However, some first-time offenders can seek probation before judgment (PBJ), which can allow them to avoid a formal conviction if they meet and follow the requirements set forth by the judge(s) in their criminal hearing.
For second and third DUI offenses, or if you are an underage DUI offender, penalties will almost certainly be worse. This includes steeper fines, more jail time, and longer driver’s license suspension/revocation. When you call on the aid of an experienced DUI attorney, however, you open up your options and can potentially maintain your quality of life.
Can DUI Charges Be Dropped in Maryland?
There are only a few cases where your DUI charges may be dropped. This is due to the fact that Maryland has a zero-tolerance policy regarding drivers who choose to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
If any of the following applies to your DUI offense, you may be able to have your charges dropped:
- Your arresting officer did not follow proper procedures during your stop
- You can prove, with the assistance of your DUI defense attorney, that the officer did not have probable cause to pull you over
- The DUI checkpoint you encountered was not operating in accordance with lawful practices
At Albers & Associates, we know how to investigate to determine whether the arresting officer did everything according to the law. We also know how to challenge the results of a breathalyzer or chemical BAC test, such as a blood or urine test. In many cases, we have been able to successfully have our clients’ DUI charges dropped.
Resources for DUI Offenders in Towson, MD
If you've been charged with a DUI in Towson, MD, it's important to understand your options and the resources available to help you navigate the legal process. Below is a list of valuable resources for DUI offenders in Towson:
- Baltimore County District Court – Towson Location: The Baltimore County District Court in Towson handles DUI cases. You can check court dates, obtain legal forms, and access information related to your case.
- Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) – DUI Resources: The MVA provides important information regarding license suspensions, ignition interlock devices, and the steps to reinstate your driving privileges after a DUI.
- Alcoholics Anonymous – Towson: AA offers support and resources for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. If your DUI is connected to alcohol dependence, AA meetings in Towson can provide a supportive community.
- Maryland DUI/DWI Education & Rehabilitation Programs: Offers education and rehabilitation services for DUI offenders. This may include court-mandated programs designed to reduce the risk of future offenses.
- Maryland Ignition Interlock Program: The Maryland Ignition Interlock Program helps DUI offenders continue to drive by installing a device that prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected in the driver’s breath. You may be required to participate in this program depending on the severity of your offense.
- Towson Legal Aid Bureau: Provides free legal assistance to eligible individuals facing DUI charges who cannot afford private legal representation.
- Baltimore County Health Department – Substance Abuse Services: Offers substance abuse treatment and counseling services. If your DUI offense is related to alcohol or drug dependency, these programs can be essential for rehabilitation.
DUI Cases We Handle
An experienced lawyer can have an invaluable impact on your Maryland DUI case. With legal assistance, you may be able to have your charges reduced or dropped altogether, depending on the details of your case and of your arrest. It is also a good idea to work with a lawyer for your MVA hearing in Towson, MD.
At Albers & Associates, we represent clients who are facing all types of DUI offenses and related issues, including but not limited to:
We can help you navigate the legal process and prepare for court if necessary. DUI offenses are very serious, and you should remember that you have the option of fighting your charges. Our Towson DUI defense lawyers can help you work to protect your rights and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Arrested for DUI?
If you are arrested for DUI in Towson, your first step should be to contact a Towson DUI attorney immediately to protect your rights. Do not make statements to law enforcement or discuss your case with anyone aside from your defense attorney. You have only 10 days to request a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) hearing if you want to contest an automatic license suspension, so it’s critical to act quickly. Our Towson DUI defense lawyers at Albers & Associates handle these urgent deadlines, obtain discovery evidence, and begin building your legal strategy right away. Prompt legal representation increases your options for a favorable outcome in the Baltimore County District Court and helps avoid common mistakes that can harm your defense.
Can a First-Time DUI Offender in Towson Avoid Jail Time?
While every case is unique, first offense DUI charges in Towson often provide flexibility for creative sentencing. Defendants with no prior record, a low BAC, and evidence of proactive rehabilitation may be eligible for probation before judgment (PBJ) or other alternative sentencing that avoids jail. Proactive steps such as voluntary enrollment in alcohol education and community service can help persuade judges in the Baltimore County District Court to consider leniency. Our particular focus as Towson first offense DUI attorneys is preparing and presenting your case thoroughly so that you have the best chance to avoid incarceration and minimize negative impacts on your future.
How Long Will a DUI Charge Stay on My Record?
In Maryland, a DUI conviction may remain on your record for years and can lead to increased insurance premiums, career obstacles, and ongoing regulatory requirements. With a first offense, if you receive probation before judgment (PBJ) and complete all required conditions, you may avoid having a formal conviction entered on your permanent record. However, Maryland law makes expungement of DUI convictions very difficult, and it is essential to work with a Towson DUI lawyer to understand all possible remedies in your case. Our attorneys will counsel you about both immediate defense and the long-term consequences for your criminal and driving record, providing reliable guidance tailored to Towson and the wider Baltimore County region.
Contact Our Towson DUI Attorney Today
Though it is possible to represent yourself in a court of law, this is almost never advisable. Only with experience can you know what type of DUI defense will be effective in court. An experienced Towson, MD DUI lawyer will have a sufficient understanding of the laws and the accompanying penalties. They will be able to help ensure the prosecution never gains the upper hand. They also have the knowledge needed to help you prevent repeat offenses and can assist you with knowing what to do at sobriety checkpoints.
At Albers & Associates, we have worked on countless DUI cases in Towson, MD, as well as Westminster, Columbia, and throughout Maryland. Our team is ready to fight for you.
Don’t risk your future—work with our Towson DUI lawyers with a proven record of client success. Call Albers & Associates today at (410) 927-5717. You can also contact us online using our secure form.