Glen Burnie DUI Defense Lawyer
Glen Burnie has many major roadways that connect it to the rest of Maryland, such as Governor Ritchie Highway, the Beltway (I-695) and I-97. If you were pulled over on one of these roads or some of the many others in Glen Burnie for driving under the influence, you need a Glen Burnie DUI lawyer.
Whether you were arrested or refused a breathalyzer test, you can be facing serious consequences that could alter your life. At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we have the experience it takes to help you fight a DUI charge.
Is a DUI a Misdemeanor or Felony?
The difference between a misdemeanor and felony can be life changing. Misdemeanors are considered minor offenses. However, felonies can be damaging to your life.
For example, applying to new jobs, maintaining your current employment, and obtaining clearances can all become issues once you are charged with a felony. Not to mention felonies can carry serious jail time and involve hefty fines. This long-term impact is something that most people may not think about immediately, but it should be considered.
If you have been charged with a DUI, you may now be wondering whether you are looking at a felony or misdemeanor charge. Generally, in Maryland, a DUI is charged as a misdemeanor.
Even though DUIs are charged as misdemeanors, the offense can still carry jail time and other administrative penalties such as revoked license, fines, points on your license and participation in an ignition interlock program.
All of these administrative penalties can lead to issues such as your car insurance drastically increasing or forcing you to take public transportation, rather than driving.
So, just because a misdemeanor is less serious, it can still greatly affect your life. However, if in the process of driving under the influence, you seriously injure or kill another person, you will likely be facing felony charges.
Being charged with a DUI can be nerve- racking because you may not know what will happen next. There are many penalties that can be imposed on you. Talking to an experienced Glen Burnie DUI lawyer will help you figure out what steps to take next.
Alcohol Test Refusals
If you are pulled over because an officer believes that you were driving under the influence they may ask you to take a breathalyzer test. Though, refusing one is an option, you can face serious consequences.
When a person is issued a license, it is part of the contract that you will submit to a breathalyzer test. This concept is considered implied consent. Under Maryland law if you refuse an alcohol test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC) the officer has the power to confiscate the driver’s license. After this occurs, the officer will issue a temporary paper license until your case is heard.
So what documents will be given to you at the time that you are pulled over? Well, on top of receiving the temporary paper license the officer will give you an Order of Suspension that will provide information about the incident and the pending suspension.
On the reverse side there will be a form to request an administrative hearing before the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).
How long will your license be suspended? If it is the first time that you have refused a breathalyzer test, then your license will be suspended for 120 days.
However, if it is not the first time that you have refused, your license may be suspended for a year. If you have had your license suspended, then you know that not being able to drive can be extremely inconvenient. It will make getting to work and your daily activities more difficult.
So, if you have been pulled over and refused a breathalyzer test, you need to call a Glen Burnie DUI lawyer. Call today for a free consultation to see what we can do for you.
Underage Drinking Laws
Maryland has several laws on the books that address underage drinking. For example, Maryland, like most states, criminalize underage possession of alcohol and false identification for the purpose of obtaining alcohol. Maryland also has in place laws targeting underage drinking and driving.
If a person under the age of 21 is found driving with a BAC of .02 or greater, they may be charged with a DUI. A BAC of .02 is the equivalent of a drink or less.
This means that an underage person may be driving at a level of what is considered under the influence and not even know it.
Underage DUIs also depend on how old the driver is. If the driver is under the age of 18 it may be handled in juvenile court. However, if the person is 18 – 20 the case will be handled in criminal court, just like any other DUI.
The penalties may be more severe for a person who is found driving under the influence at an age younger than 21 because they have an alcohol restriction on the driver’s license.
On top of dealing with the alcohol restriction penalties, the driver will also face the normal administrative penalties that go along with a DUI.
The penalties for someone who drives under the influence while under the age of 21 comes with a six-month suspension of the license for the first offense. For the second offense, for an underage DUI, all driving privileges will be revoked.
Underage DUIs can be terrifying. There are often thoughts of how will this affect the future of the young person. Will it affect college prospects or future job options?
If you or a child have been involved with an underage DUI charge, you need competent counsel. At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we can help you get the compensation that you deserve.
Get a Free Consultation with a Glen Burnie DUI Lawyer
If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI in Glen Burnie, you need help. Call today to get a free consultation from Rice, Murtha & Psoras. We are the experienced and skilled Anne Arundel County defense attorney that will help you navigate through this confusing time. Don’t risk your future, get in contact with us today.