Federal DWI Attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, Experienced in Navigating Complex Legal Issues in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, and Throughout Maryland
Have you been charged with a federal DUI in Maryland? We know you're worried about what comes next. Our Maryland federal DUI lawyers are here to help.
A federal DUI charge hits differently than a regular state DUI. It's more complex, carries harsher penalties, and requires a different approach to defense.
But you don't have to face this alone. Our team has experience handling federal DUI cases, navigating federal courts, and fighting for the best possible outcome.
Contact us for a no-cost consultation, and start building your defense today.
When Can You Face Federal DUI Charges in Maryland?
Federal DUI charges apply when you're caught driving under the influence on federal property in Maryland. This includes locations such as:
- Military bases like Fort Meade or Aberdeen Proving Ground
- National parks such as the C&O Canal
- NIH or FDA campuses
You’re considered under the influence if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or higher, or if any impairing substance is detected in your system. Even if you are taking legally prescribed medication, you can still face federal DUI charges if that medication impairs your driving ability.
How Do Federal DUI Charges Differ from State DUI Charges?
Federal DUI cases operate under a different legal framework than Maryland DUI cases. While state DUI charges are handled in Maryland state courts, federal DUI charges are prosecuted in federal court. This means:
- Different courts, different procedures: In a federal DUI case, you'll appear before a federal judge, and the proceedings will follow federal rules.
Federal rules are more complex and stringent than those used in Maryland state courts.
- Federal prosecutors: Your case will be handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office, not the local state's attorney. Federal prosecutors have extensive experience with federal law.
- Potentially harsher penalties: Federal DUI convictions typically result in higher fines and penalties than those in Maryland.
What Are the Repercussions of a Federal DUI Conviction in Maryland?
A federal DUI conviction carries severe penalties. For the first offense, you're looking at:
- License suspension for 180 days
- Fines up to $5,000
- Up to six months behind bars
Certain aggravating factors can lead to significantly harsher penalties, such as:
- BAC of 0.15% or higher
- Causing a life-threatening injury
- DUI resulting in death
Understanding the Assimilative Crimes Act
The Assimilative Crimes Act is a federal law that uses state law to fill gaps in federal criminal law.
Simply, when federal law doesn't cover any aspect of a DUI case, Maryland state law steps in through the Assimilative Crimes Act.
It doesn't mean that state law automatically applies to every aspect of a federal DUI case. Instead, the Assimilative Crimes Act comes into play only when there's no specific federal law addressing a particular issue.
This means you could face additional penalties based on state law, especially for those aggravating factors mentioned above.
How Our Maryland Federal DUI Lawyers Can Help You Fight DUI Charges
While every case is unique, our experienced Maryland federal DUI lawyers are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you. We conduct a thorough investigation of every detail of your case, examining all available evidence, including:
- Police reports
- Body camera footage
- Breath or blood test results
Potential Defenses in Federal DUI Cases
Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, several potential defenses may be available:
- A federal law enforcement officer cannot stop your vehicle without reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation. Simply leaving a bar at 2 AM is not sufficient grounds for a stop.
We carefully review the circumstances of your stop to determine if the officer had a valid legal basis. If the stop was unlawful, any evidence obtained, including breath or blood test results, may be suppressed, potentially leading to a dismissal of the charges.
- Field sobriety tests often aren't as reliable as they seem. Maybe you were dead tired after a 12-hour shift, or your knee injury made walking in a straight line impossible.
We analyze how the tests were administered, whether the officer provided proper instructions, or whether any physical limitations may have influenced your performance.
- Blood tests can be challenged too. We scrutinize everything from the technician's qualifications to whether they followed proper protocol. One missing step can invalidate the entire test.
Discuss your case with our federal DWI attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, to learn about the best defense strategy for your case.
Why Trust Maronick Law LLC to Handle Your Federal DUI Case in Maryland
At Maronick Law LLC, we understand the complexities of federal law, and we are dedicated to providing our clients with the effective representation they need.
Experience and Insight
Our founder, Thomas J. Maronick Jr., brings valuable insight to your federal DUI case. His prior experience as a police officer provides him with a deep understanding of law enforcement procedures and the details that can be crucial to a successful defense.
This insider knowledge means we spot details others miss and know exactly how to challenge the evidence against you.
When we read police reports, we know how those reports should be written and what officers are trained to do during DUI stops. We've turned seemingly hopeless DUI cases into dismissals and not-guilty verdicts.
Dedicated Advocacy
With over 80 years of combined experience, we fight for your future. While other firms might push for a quick plea deal, we dig deeper, challenge harder, and aim higher. When you work with us, you get a team that treats your case like their own career depends on it.
Our federal DWI attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, are committed to exploring every possible avenue to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.
Proven Results
Our firm has a proven track record of success in handling federal DUI cases. While past results are not a guarantee of future success, they demonstrate our commitment to our clients and our ability to achieve positive outcomes.
Our firm's dedication to protecting people's interests has been recognized by various prominent legal organizations, including:
- Avvo: Rating 10.0
- National Trial Lawyers: Top 100
- USCA Best of Baltimore Criminal Defense Attorneys
Read what past clients have to say:
“It is imperative that I thank Thomas Maronick for helping with my DUI case. This was my first DUI ever, and my main concern was I didn’t want to lose my license because it would affect my job. My attorney assigned was Thomas Ashwell; he was exceptional in court. All I got was a PBJ. Amazing job, highly recommend.” Dwayne Sylver
If you are facing federal DUI charges, talk to our Maryland federal DUI lawyers.
Contact Our Maryland Federal DUI Lawyers at Maronick Law LLC Today for a Free Case Consultation
A DUI in Maryland can have a devastating impact on all aspects of your life, including your career, your professional reputation, your personal relationships, and your financial security.
For help from federal DUI lawyers in Maryland, contact Maronick Law LLC online or call 443-551-2747 today.