DUI Checkpoint Attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, Knowledgeable in DUI Checkpoint Legality in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, and Throughout Maryland
Arrested at a DWI checkpoint in Maryland? Our DWI checkpoint lawyers are here to help.
You're likely feeling unsure about your future. Maybe you're wondering if the stop was even legal and what your options are. There's a lot at stake:
- Possible license suspension
- Fines and potential jail time
- Criminal charges
Our team has successfully challenged many checkpoint arrests, often finding legal issues that can get DWI charges reduced or dismissed.
Take the first step to fight back. Schedule a free consultation to talk about your situation with us.
Are DWI Checkpoints Legal in Maryland?
Yes, DWI checkpoints are legal in Maryland, but police must follow strict rules when conducting them. The Supreme Court has established clear guidelines that law enforcement must follow to ensure checkpoints are constitutional:
- Police must set up clear signs and warnings so you know about the checkpoint well in advance. They can't just set up a stop without telling the drivers ahead of time. These warning signs give you time to slow down safely and prepare to stop.
- The location of a checkpoint isn't random either. Police must choose spots based on evidence, like areas with high rates of drunk driving crashes or places where residents have reported frequent impaired driving. They need data to back up their choice of location.
- In Maryland, checkpoint officers must stop every vehicle that comes through. They can't pick and choose based on how a car looks or who's driving.
- When you reach the checkpoint, officers should work quickly to assess whether you show signs of impairment. If they suspect you've been drinking, they'll direct you to a separate area for a closer look. But remember, they need probable cause before they can make you take field sobriety tests or use a breathalyzer.
DUI vs. DWI: How Are They Different?
In Maryland, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Impaired) aren't the same thing. Understanding the difference matters for your case.
A DUI charge means the police believe you were substantially impaired while driving. This usually happens when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher.
On the other hand, a DWI charge suggests a lower level of impairment, typically with a BAC between 0.07% and 0.08%. While less severe than a DUI, a DWI can still seriously impact your life.
DWI & DUI Convictions in Maryland: What Are the Consequences?
DWI Conviction Consequences in Maryland
A DWI conviction in Maryland brings serious penalties that can derail your life. The standard penalties include:
- Your license will be suspended for 180 days, making it hard to get to work or handle daily responsibilities.
- You might face up to $500 in fines and could spend up to two months in jail.
The penalties get much tougher in certain situations:
If someone suffers life-threatening injuries because of your actions, you're looking at:
- Up to two years behind bars
- Fines reaching $3,000
If someone dies as a result, the consequences increase to:
- Maximum three years in prison
- Fines up to $3,000
DUI Conviction Consequences in Maryland
DUI convictions carry even heavier penalties:
The basic penalties start with:
- License suspension for 180 days
- Fines up to $1,000
- Possible one-year jail sentence
If someone suffers life-threatening injuries, you face:
- Up to three years in prison
- Fines reaching $3,000
If someone results in fatalities, you face:
- Maximum five years in prison
- Fines up to $5,000
Don't wait to get help. Contact us today. Our Maryland DWI checkpoint lawyers helped many Marylanders get their charges dismissed or reduced.
How Our Maryland DWI Checkpoint Lawyers Can Help Fight Your Charges
Every DWI case is different, so we build a plan that fits your specific situation.
Here is how we typically fight DWI or DUI charges:
Examining Your Stop
We examine every detail of your stop, including:
- Whether the checkpoint followed guidelines
- How they selected vehicles to stop
- Whether they had probable cause for further testing
Our Maryland DWI checkpoint lawyers have successfully challenged many checkpoint arrests by finding procedural errors and helped many people get their charges dismissed.
Fighting Field Test Results
The tests police do on the road aren't always fair. We've helped many people who failed field sobriety tests not because they were drinking, but because they had other issues.
Things like bad knees, being tired, feeling scared, or even the officer giving bad instructions can make you fail field sobriety tests.
Showing Breath Tests Flaws
Breath test machines need to be cleaned and checked regularly to work right. If the police didn't take care of the machine properly, or if the lab that does your test isn't approved, we can fight to throw out the test results.
Our deep knowledge of Maryland DUI laws lets us spot opportunities others might miss. We know how to challenge evidence and negotiate with prosecutors to get charges reduced or dismissed.
Don't let a DUI charge mess up your life. Call our DUI checkpoint attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, for a free meeting. We fight hard to protect you.
Why Trust Maronick Law LLC to Handle Your DWI Checkpoint Case in Maryland
At Maronick Law LLC, we know what you're going through and we fight hard to protect you.
What Makes Us Different
We see both sides of DUI cases better than most lawyers. Our lead attorney, Thomas J. Maronick Jr, was a state trooper before becoming a lawyer. This means we know exactly what should and shouldn't happen during a traffic stop. We catch mistakes other lawyers might miss.
We Look at Everything
When you come to us, you're not just another file on our desk. We check every single detail of your case, from why you were pulled over to whether the breath test was done right.
Our Success Story
People trust us because we get results.
- We’ve been named Maryland Super Lawyer 2025.
- We’ve a perfect 10.0 rating from legal directory Avvo.
- We’ve been listed in Top 100 National Trial Attorneys.
Client testimonials that reflect our commitment:
“My lawyer Allen Foreman walked into the courtroom humbled but extremely confident. All that worried waiting for a court date and moment, Mr. Foreman bargained to speak. I knew that a good result was coming, PBJ on a DUI and a modest fine. You should be lucky to have a lawyer like Allen Foreman and the Maronick team on your team.” - Robert Robinson
With over 80 years of helping people like you, we've kept thousands of drivers on the road and out of trouble. Discuss your charges with our DUI checkpoint attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD.
Contact Our Maryland DWI Checkpoint Lawyers at Maronick Law LLC Today for a Free Case Review
We fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case, allowing you to move forward and rebuild your life.
For help from DWI checkpoint lawyers in Maryland, contact Maronick Law LLC online or call 443-551-2747 today.