Cecil County DUI Defense Lawyer

Baltimore Crimianl Defense Lawyers

Have you been arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Cecil County Maryland? You need an experienced and seasoned Cecil County DUI lawyer on your side. Someone that will fight for your rights and freedom and work to protect your driving privilege in Cecil County Maryland. Attorney Randolph Rice is ready to help you after a DUI arrest.

Who is the best DUI lawyer in Cecil County?

When searching for the best DUI lawyer in Cecil County Maryland, you should consult with attorney Randolph Rice. Mr. Rice is a former assistant State’s Attorney and has been representing clients throughout Maryland since 2009. He has defended thousands of DUI and DWI cases and fought to protect his client’s constitutional rights after a drunk driving arrest.

Cecil County drunk driving attorneyWhat are the DUI penalties in Maryland?

In Maryland, there are two sets of penalties that a driver can face if arrested for DUI. The first penalty or tribunal is the administrative penalties imposed by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, MVA. The second set of penalties can be imposed by either the Cecil County District Court judge or a Cecil County circuit court judge.

Administrative penalties after a DUI arrest in Maryland

If stopped and a police officer suspect that you are driving while impaired or driving under the influence, then you will be required to submit to a breath or blood test. In Maryland, you are not required to submit to this test, however, there will be administrative penalties if you refuse a test. Individuals that refuse to take a breath test will be subject to a suspension for 270 days for a first offense and two years for a second or subsequent offense.

The alternative to the license suspension Is the participation in the ignition interlock program. The ignition interlock program requires drivers to have a device placed in their vehicle for one year. Individuals that do submit to a breath or blood test for the result of .08 but less than .15 are subject to a license suspension for 180 days. Individuals that did submit to a test and return results of .08 but less than .15 are eligible for a modification or a restricted license at an MVA hearing. Individuals that submit to a test and return a result of .15 or more are subject to a license suspension of 108 days for a first offense and 270 days for a second or subsequent offense.

Penalties and fines for a DUI

If facing a DUI, Driving Under the Influence, or DWI, driving while impaired, there are various penalties that can be imposed by a Maryland judge. Since the state’s attorney is Prosecuting all DUI cases in Maryland, the state has the option of nolle prosequi a DUI DWI case or asking the court to mark the matter STET.

If the state decides to move forward with the DUI or DWI case then the potential outcomes may be a not guilty, guilty or a probation before judgment. A probation before judgment for a DUI in Maryland is when a judge strikes the guilty finding and enters the PBJ. A PBJ in a DUI in Cecil county is beneficial because the DUI or DWI will not appear on the public driving record for the individual and there will be no points assessed by the motor vehicle administration.

Probation before judgment for a DUI in Maryland

A probation before judgment, PBJ, is a disposition that can occur in a DUI case. Unfortunately, a PBJ in a DUI or DWI case is not eligible for expungement. Along with the PBJ, most judges in Cecil County will order the defendant to be placed on either supervised or unsupervised probation. During that period of probation, the individual is required to complete certain tasks by the division of parole and probation.

That may include completing an alcohol treatment or education course as well as remaining crime free during the period of probation. Any subsequent charges after the DUI PBJ or conviction and during the period of probation can violate that probation order and will result in either a summons or warrant being issued by the judge. New crimes must include criminal Acts or serious traffic offenses, payable traffic tickets that do not require an appearance in court will not violate probation.

Cecil County DUI lawyer Randolph Rice

Attorney Randolph Rice has defended thousands of individuals charged with crimes in Maryland. His experience as a Cecil County criminal defense lawyer and DWI DUI defense attorney provides exceptional reassurance to his clients for the best possible outcome.

When looking for the top Cecil County DUI lawyers, look no further than the law offices of Randolph Rice. Mr. Rice is ranked by Super Lawyers as a Maryland Rising Star, although rated 10 out of 10 superb, and is lead counsel rated for DUI and criminal defense in Maryland.

Cecil County Courts

There are two courthouses in Cecil County. The District Court, which is where all DUI and DWI cases originate. And the Circuit Court which is the court that hears jury trials and serious felony cases. A drunk driving charge and Cecil County can be prosecuted in the circuit court if the defendant elects a jury trial. In Maryland, charges that carry a penalty of more than 90 days are eligible for a jury trial.

The Cecil County District Court is located at 170 East Main Street Elkton Maryland 21921. The courthouse is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. The Cecil County District Court can be contacted at 410-996-2700. When traveling to the Cecil County District Court take Interstate 95 to exit 109-A for Elkton Maryland. Proceed off the ramp onto Route 279 and at the third traffic light turn left onto Route 213, also known as Bridge Street. Follow Route 213 to the fourth traffic light which is Main Street and turn left onto Main Street. After the next traffic light, the courthouse will be located on the right. There is parking on the street around the district court at meter locations.

The Cecil County Circuit Court is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. The courthouse is located at 129 East Main Street Elkton Maryland 21921, just down the street from the district court. Parking is available free of charge in the parking lot located behind the courthouse and additional parking is available along Main Street for a fee. There is also free municipal parking lot located on Howard Street.

When to call a Cecil County DUI lawyer

Don’t wait to contact a drunk driving lawyer in Cecil County. The clock will start to run as soon as you are issued the temporary license by the police officer. To protect your driving privilege, you must request a hearing within 10 days or your license may be suspended pending that hearing.

In addition, you want to discuss with an experienced DUI lawyer your options and the best course of action prior to the trial date. In addition, you want to give the DUI lawyer plenty of time to prepare for trial and any possible defenses. If you’ve been charged with DUI or DWI in Cecil County, contact attorney Randolph Rice today to schedule a free consultation.