Being arrested for DUI in Maryland can feel overwhelming, but your actions in the hours and days that follow are critical. Maryland’s strict DUI laws can lead to serious penalties like license suspension, hefty fines, or even jail time. Knowing what steps to take can protect your rights and minimize the long-term impact on your life. This guide explains everything you need to do after a DUI arrest, empowering you to make informed decisions and emphasizing the importance of having a skilled attorney by your side.
Step 1: Remain Calm and Cooperative
Being pulled over and arrested for DUI is a stressful experience, but it’s essential to remain calm and cooperative. Aggressive behavior or refusal to comply with police instructions can escalate the situation. Provide the requested documents, such as your driver’s license and vehicle registration, without argument.
Pro Tip: Avoid volunteering information. While being polite is critical, anything you say can and will be used against you. Stick to answering basic questions and refrain from admitting guilt or explaining your actions.
Step 2: Understand the Charges You’re Facing
Maryland distinguishes between Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Impaired (DWI) based on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and the evidence of impairment.
- DUI: BAC of 0.08% or higher.
- DWI: BAC between 0.04% and 0.08%, or signs of impairment even with a lower BAC.
Knowing the exact charge will influence your legal strategy. DUI carries harsher penalties, including potential jail time, higher fines, and longer license suspensions.
Step 3: Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
Upon arrest, you have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Politely inform the arresting officer that you wish to exercise this right. Refrain from answering questions about your alcohol consumption or where you were prior to the arrest.
This is not the time to “explain your side of the story.” Instead, save that discussion for your attorney, who can ensure your account is presented in a way that protects your interests.
Step 4: Request a Maryland DUI Lawyer Immediately
One of the most critical steps after a DUI arrest is requesting an attorney. A knowledgeable Maryland DUI defense lawyer, such as those at Maronick Law, can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and craft a defense strategy tailored to your case.
Why hire a lawyer right away?
- Legal representation during your initial hearing.
- Assistance in challenging the arrest’s validity, such as disputing improper BAC testing or lack of probable cause.
- Guidance on minimizing license suspensions and other penalties.
Step 5: Request a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Hearing
Maryland’s Administrative Per Se law means your license may be suspended immediately upon a DUI or DWI arrest. You only have 10 days to request a hearing with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to contest this suspension. Failing to request a hearing can result in automatic suspension for 45 to 180 days or the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.
At the MVA hearing, your attorney can argue on your behalf to prevent or reduce the suspension, allowing you to retain your driving privileges.
Step 6: Document Everything About Your Arrest
The details of your arrest can significantly impact your defense. As soon as possible, write down everything you remember, including:
- The reason the officer gave for pulling you over.
- Whether you were read your Miranda Rights.
- Details about the field sobriety tests (if any).
- Your interactions with law enforcement.
Your attorney can use this information to identify inconsistencies or violations of your rights that may strengthen your defense.
Step 7: Attend All Court Hearings and Stay Compliant
A DUI charge in Maryland involves court appearances, and missing any of these can result in additional legal trouble. Work with your attorney to prepare for your court dates, and comply with any pretrial conditions, such as completing alcohol education programs. Showing the court that you are taking the charges seriously can work in your favor.
Step 8: Explore Possible Defenses
An experienced Maryland DUI lawyer will evaluate your case for potential defenses. Common strategies include:
- Challenging the accuracy of BAC test results, especially if the breathalyzer wasn’t calibrated correctly.
- Arguing that the officer lacked reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop.
- Presenting evidence that field sobriety tests were improperly conducted.
Each case is unique, and your lawyer’s role is to build a defense that aligns with the facts of your situation.
Step 9: Understand Potential Penalties
If convicted of DUI in Maryland, penalties for a first-time offense may include:
- Fines: Up to $1,000.
- License Suspension: Up to six months.
- Jail Time: Up to one year.
- Ignition Interlock Device: Mandatory installation under Noah’s Law for repeat offenders or those with a high BAC.
What is the Ignition Interlock Device?
The ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath. Under Maryland’s Noah’s Law, the device is mandatory for drivers with:
- A BAC of 0.15% or higher.
- Multiple DUI or DWI convictions.
The program is designed to reduce repeat offenses and enhance public safety on Maryland roads.
How Does it Work?
- Startup Test: Before starting the car, you must blow into the device. If alcohol is detected above a pre-set limit, the engine will not start.
- Rolling Retests: While driving, you may be required to perform additional tests to ensure you have not consumed alcohol.
- Reporting Violations: The device tracks test results and attempts to tamper with it. Any violations are reported to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), which may lead to additional penalties or extended device use.
Costs and Maintenance
Drivers are responsible for all costs associated with the ignition interlock device, including:
- Installation Fees: Typically charged when the device is installed.
- Monthly Monitoring Fees: Regular fees for maintenance and data reporting.
- Removal Fees: A final fee when the program is completed, and the device is removed.
Why Compliance Matters
Failing to comply with ignition interlock requirements can lead to further penalties, including extended suspension periods or additional legal consequences. Navigating these challenges with the help of a knowledgeable Maryland DUI lawyer can help ensure you meet all obligations while exploring opportunities to minimize the long-term effects of a DUI conviction.
Step 10: Take Steps to Protect Your Future
A DUI conviction goes beyond immediate penalties—it can impact your job, family, and future opportunities. Employers may question your reliability, and your auto insurance rates could skyrocket. Early intervention with a knowledgeable Maryland DUI lawyer can help you minimize these consequences and move forward with your life. At Maronick Law, we focus on protecting your future so you can rebuild with confidence.
Your Maryland DUI Defense Starts Here: Schedule a Consultation with Maronick Law
Being arrested for DUI in Maryland doesn’t have to define your future. Taking the right steps now can make all the difference, and the experienced DUI attorneys at Maronick Law are here to help. From fighting license suspensions to building a strong defense, we’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights and minimize the impact on your life.
With offices in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Ocean City, Towson, Rockville, and other Maryland locations, we’re committed to serving clients throughout the state, including Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, and the Eastern Shore. Whether it’s your first DUI or a repeat charge, we provide personalized, results-driven representation tailored to your needs.
Call us today at 443-551-2747 or complete our online consultation form to schedule your complimentary case evaluation. During your initial consultation, we’ll review your case details, answer your questions, and outline the best options for your defense.
Time is critical—request your Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) hearing within 10 days to protect your license and driving privileges. Contact Maronick Law now, and let us guide you through every step of the process.