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Consequences of drunk driving in Maryland: a Lawyer’s perspective

Our drunk driving defense attorneys will work with you and offer legal expertise that will make a difference in the outcome of your case!

Here are some startling statistics:

Fatality resulting from drunken driving was at its maximum in 1986, when approximately 407 deaths were recorded. The same was at its lowest in 2008, with 186 deaths reported. Even so, in the year 2008, 26% of traffic fatalities involved a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of .08 or higher!

Given the above facts, it is only natural that as people begin to unwind in the summer, the police will tighten its stranglehold on drunk drivers. They will try to amass maximum numbers of drunk drivers through speeding traps, field sobriety checks and by actually searching out watering holes. As a result, the chances of anybody being stopped and arrested for drunken driving are much greater than they were, say, a few years ago.

If you are stopped for suspected drunk driving in Maryland, a lawyer is your best bet against arrest. Keep in  mind that as of February, 2009, a number of changes have been proposed in the existing laws pertaining to drunken driving in Maryland. So, a lawyer will have the latest information and they will be able to guide you on your rights and duties.

But, there are certain things you need to know of before your lawyer can reach you. Your actions and reactions in the first few minutes are important because they provide important evidence to prosecutors when you are in court. The key is to be on your best behavior. Do not argue with the police. You need not take the field sobriety test if you do not want to. You do not have to answer the questions of the officer (in fact, you should try not to answer them because your answers could be used as evidence against you). Refusal to take PBT (Preliminary Breath test) may lead to a confiscation of your license. However, the result of this test is admissible in court if they are favorable to you and inadmissible if they are unfavorable. So, you do not lose anything by taking this test. Understand your rights.

If you are charged with DUI/DWI, it is a serious infraction. But, this generally happens only if your blood alcohol concentration is .8% or above. The punishment is extremely severe in Maryland as the crime could lead to immediate revocation of your license and 12 points could be automatically marked against you. The monetary costs are also high as you would have to pay a fine and also hire a DUI/DWI lawyer who can take care of the drunken driving offense in Maryland.

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