Essex DUI Defense Lawyer

Baltimore Crimianl Defense Lawyers

Have you been charged with DUI or DWI in Essex, Maryland?

Then contact the Essex criminal defense attorney Randolph Rice today for immediate legal help. If convicted of DUI, you could be ordered to pay expensive fines, placed on probation or worse; put in jail.

Common Questions about Drunk Driving in Essex

Under the Maryland laws, there are various forms of the drunk driving statutes that you can be charged with. Those include driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, driving while impaired by drugs or drugs and alcohol, or driving while impaired by controlled dangerous substance. In addition, if you have a minor in the vehicle at the time of the DUI arrest, you could be charged with driving under the Influence or driving while impaired while transporting a minor. If you’re charged with driving drunk with a minor in the vehicle, the penalties increase to up to four years in jail and or a $4,000 fine.

DUI Attorney in Essex, MD

What if I am charged with DUI?

DUI stands for “driving under the influence”. If you’re convicted of driving under the influence in Essex Maryland, then you could be facing a penalty of one year in jail and or $1,000 fine for a first offense. If you’re convicted of a second offense you could be facing up to two years in jail and or a $2,000 fine. A third or subsequent offense for driving under the influence could land you in jail for 3 years and or a $3,000 fine. In addition, there are mandatory minimum penalties of imprisonment. If within 5 years after a prior DUI conviction you are found guilty again you could be sentenced to a mandatory 5 days in jail. If you receive a third or subsequent offense within 5 years you could be facing a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 days in jail.


What if I am charged with DWI?

DWI stands for “driving while impaired.” You can be charged with driving while impaired by alcohol, driving while impaired by drugs or drugs and alcohol or driving while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance. If you’re convicted of driving while impaired by alcohol, a first offense could result in 60 days in jail and or a $500 fine. If you’re convicted of driving while impaired by drugs the penalty is the same for a first offense. However, if you’re convicted of driving while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance the maximum penalty is one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Is DUI considered a misdemeanor or felony?

In Maryland, driving under the influence and driving while impaired is classified as misdemeanors. One of the most important outcomes in a DUI case is the receipt of a probation before judgment, PBJ. If a defendant receives a PBJ for a DUI, then no points will be assessed to that drivers driving record. However, if the driver receives a guilty finding, then the appropriate number of points will be assessed to the driver’s record. If convicted of DUI, the motor vehicle administration will assess 12 points to the driver’s record. That will result in a revocation of the driver’s privilege Drive. 

However, the MVA oftentimes allow a driver to participate in the ignition interlock program, and the driver will be able to continue to drive. If an individual receives a guilty finding for a driving while impaired, or DWI, then eight points will be assessed to that driver’s record. 8 points on a driving record will result in a suspension of the driving privilege. Similarly, the MVA will often times allow that driver to participate in the ignition interlock program in lieu of a suspension.

What does a DUI lawyer do?

The reason you hire a DUI lawyer in Essex Maryland is to ensure that your rights and freedom are protected. A DUI lawyer in Essex Maryland will guide you through the process of the DUI arrest and trial. A DUI lawyer can advise you of the maximum penalties as well as prepare mitigation for your trial date. Most judges for Baltimore County required defendants to complete a number of tasks before the court. A DUI lawyer will select the proper and appropriate tasks to be completed prior to trial. Those may include alcohol and drug treatment, community service, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), or other appropriate activities.

How do you find a good DUI lawyer in Essex Maryland

Attorney Randolph Rice has been ranked by SuperLawyers as well as Avvo and recognized as one of the Best DUI lawyers in Essex Maryland. Experience in the courtroom is a key factor when selecting a DUI lawyer. In addition, knowledge of the law as well as the judges and prosecutors that handle DUI cases in Essex Maryland. It is advised that you hire a lawyer that will take the time to give you the best possible representation for your DUI arrest.

What to look for in a DUI Attorney

When looking for a DUI lawyer in Essex Maryland you should contact attorney Randolph Rice for advice. Once you contact his office he will schedule a free consultation to sit down and discuss the DUI or DWI matter with you. It is advised that you bring all the documentation and paperwork you received from the police officer as well as the commissioner. Mr. Rice will review the documentation with you, and ask you about your background and history. He will develop a plan and strategy for your case, which may include a bench or jury trial. Your prior criminal and traffic record are important when determining what will happen in your DUI case. Most prosecutors and judges look to a driver’s record when determining the penalty for a DUI case.

Contact an Essex Maryland DUI lawyer today

If you’re facing a DUI or DWI in Essex Maryland, contact the Rice, Murtha & Psoras today to schedule a free consultation and to discuss your case. Mr. Rice has handled hundreds of DUI and DWI arrests in Essex Maryland, as well as the Essex District Court. If charged with DUI or DWI in Essex Maryland, it is more likely that your case will be heard in the Essex District Court on Kelso Drive. 

The trial date typically occurs within 45 to 90 days and you will have to appear before one of the Essex District Court judges for a trial date. Trial dates for DUIs at the Kelso Drive District Court are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays in both the morning and afternoons. Contact attorney Randolph rice today to discuss your case and start the defense of your DUI or DWI.