Towson DUI Defense Attorneys 

Facing DUI charges in Towson, Baltimore County, and indeed all of Maryland can be overwhelming. Maryland's ongoing initiatives to reduce vehicular deaths and injuries have created an environment of increased scrutiny and harsher enforcement. Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors often act decisively in their efforts to secure convictions, which can make it seem as though a positive result is out of reach. 

But that’s where having the right legal team on your side makes all the difference. Handling a DUI charge is not just about understanding the law; it’s about understanding you, your circumstances, and what’s at stake. We are committed to carefully navigating this complex process with you, empowering you to make informed decisions at every stage. 

Whether you're in Towson, Baltimore County or anywhere in the State of Maryland, we are uniquely positioned to represent your interests. Having worked with local courts, law enforcement officers, and prosecutors, we understand the tactics often employed against defendants and how to address them.

Call (410) 755-5801 or contact us online today to set up a free consultation. We also serve Defendants in Timonium, Baltimore County, and all of Maryland.

Understanding Maryland DUI Laws and Penalties 

DUI, or driving under the influence, is generally charged when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. However, being charged isn’t limited to alcohol consumption. You could also face charges for operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs, including prescription medications or controlled substances. 

A DUI conviction carries serious penalties. For a first offense, you could face up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a six-month license suspension. For a second offense, these penalties increase to a maximum of two years in jail with a mandatory minimum of five days, a $2,000 fine, and a longer suspension period. If you’re facing a third offense, the stakes are even higher, with up to three years of imprisonment among the possible consequences.

The severity of your penalties may increase depending on aggravating circumstances, such as causing an accident or having a minor in the car at the time of your arrest. Maryland also enforces “implied consent” laws, meaning that refusing a breath or blood test can result in immediate administrative penalties, including a license suspension or mandatory enrollment in the Ignition Interlock Program. 

DUI vs. DWI in Maryland: What’s the Difference? 

Many people use the terms DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while impaired) interchangeably, but in Maryland, they are distinct charges with important differences. 

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is considered the more serious of the two offenses and is charged when a driver has a BAC of 0.08% or higher. This charge applies to cases where a person is substantially impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Driving While Impaired (DWI) is a lesser charge but still significant. It applies when a driver’s BAC is at least 0.07% but less than 0.08%, or when an officer determines that a driver’s abilities are impaired to some extent by alcohol or drugs.

Additionally, if a driver’s BAC is between 0.05% and 0.07%, there is no presumption of impairment, but this evidence can be considered alongside other factors to determine if the driver was impaired. 

Both DUI and DWI can carry harsh penalties, but the potential consequences for DUI are more severe. It’s also possible to face multiple charges simultaneously, depending on the circumstances of your case. Understanding the nature of your specific charge is critical to building an effective defense strategy. 

How to Defend Against a DUI Charge in Maryland

Facing DUI charges can be a very scary experience for anyone. In the blink of an eye, a defendant faces the loss of their driver’s license, a criminal record, the loss of reputation, substantial fines, and potential jail time. If your blood-alcohol content (BAC) level comes back at or above the Maryland legal limit of 0.08%, it might feel like there’s no other choice but to plead guilty. At least, that’s what the District Attorney’s office would like you to think. 

The reality is that there are a lot of ways to effectively mount a defense against DUI charges. From the legality of the stop to the accuracy of the test, there are several avenues of defense available to our legal team: 

Lack of Probable Cause

A police officer cannot randomly pull a driver over, unless it’s at a designated sobriety checkpoint that has been announced to the public. Otherwise, the officer needs probable cause, which is the reasonable belief that a crime has been, or is being committed. 

What would be examples of probable cause in a DUI case? If a driver is swerving, even a little bit, that could be justification for making the traffic stop. If the driver committed some other traffic violation, that is justification for making the stop. 

Probable cause also applies to what takes place after the stop is made. An office must have a valid reason to order a breathalyzer test. If the driver failed the field sobriety test, that would be considered probable cause. If there is a slurring of words or open containers, that could justify ordering a BAC test.

It’s worth noting that in Maryland, drivers have the right to refuse these tests. However, refusal can carry consequences, including suspension of driver’s license, Ignition Interlock, and more. 

The police are obligated to record the traffic stop. One possible avenue of defense is to review the recording of the entire stop, including the field sobriety test, and see if probable cause really did exist. 

While the threshold for probable cause is not high, there has to be some reason for the original stop and the subsequent sobriety test. If that reason doesn’t exist, then all the evidence obtained is inadmissible in court. 

Inaccurate Breath and Blood Tests

The breathalyzer equipment and the blood tests are not infallible. Several factors could cause them to render what are called “false highs” on BAC levels. These include situations that are part of normal, everyday life for many people. 

A prime example is the kind of food being consumed by the driver. Sugar and bread products can create a false high on a breath test. Did you eat cake with that glass of champagne? Did you have pretzels with the beer you drank? That could be the reason your BAC level came out higher than it should of. 

Ordinary medications and health conditions can also trigger false highs. Mouthwash can do the trick. Acid reflux can make it appear to a breathalyzer machine like you drank more than you really did. These are just two of the most common examples. 

When you take a blood test, the needle will likely have been cleaned with alcohol prior to drawing the sample. Suffice it to say that if not done properly, this could impact the result. This underscores the importance of law enforcement following proper procedures in the administration of these tests. 

Breathalyzer machines must be calibrated on a regular basis to ensure their accuracy, and that calibration must be documented. Blood tests must follow a strict chain of custody. All of these protocols exist to protect the rights of ordinary citizens charged with DUI. We make sure all involved are doing their jobs.

Take the first step toward building your defense. Call (410) 755-5801 or reach out online for a free consultation to discuss how we can help with your DUI case.

How a DUI Conviction Can Impact Your Life 

A DUI conviction in Maryland doesn’t just mean facing jail time or fines. It has far-reaching effects on virtually every aspect of your life. 

• Driver’s License Suspension: A DUI conviction will likely result in the suspension or revocation of your license, making everyday tasks like commuting to work or picking up your children more difficult. 
• Employment Challenges: Many employers conduct background checks, and a DUI conviction may raise red flags, making it harder to secure certain jobs or maintain professional licenses. 
• Insurance Premiums: A conviction will almost certainly cause your car insurance premiums to spike, sometimes dramatically, as insurers consider you to be a high-risk driver. 
• Personal and Professional Reputation: Being charged with or convicted of a DUI can harm your standing in your community, complicating personal and professional relationships. 

These consequences underscore why it’s so important to approach DUI allegations with a strong legal strategy. 

Alternative Sentencing Options for DUI Offenders in Towson 

Maryland’s legal system recognizes that not every DUI offender represents a danger to the public, which is why certain alternative sentencing options may be available. These alternatives are designed to reduce recidivism while addressing the underlying issues, such as substance use, that may have contributed to the offense. 

• Probation Before Judgment (PBJ): For many first-time offenders, pleading guilty and receiving probation without a formal conviction may be an option. Completing all conditions of probation does not automatically result in a clean record, but PBJ cases may be eligible for expungement under specific conditions. 
• Alcohol Education Programs: Alcohol education programs can serve as an alternative to traditional sentencing for DUI offenses. Depending on the jurisdiction, successful completion may lead to reduced penalties, deferred sentencing, or even case dismissal.
• Ignition Interlock Devices: This device requires a driver to pass a breathalyzer test before their vehicle can start. Although inconvenient, it allows you to retain driving privileges while preventing impaired driving. 

The availability of these options often depends on the specifics of your case, including your criminal history and the evidence presented. 

What to Expect During the DUI Legal Process in Towson 

Navigating Towson’s DUI legal process can feel daunting, which is why knowing what to expect every step of the way is so important. Here’s a general breakdown of the timeline from arrest to resolution:

1. Arrest - After being pulled over, if officers suspect impairment, they may conduct field sobriety or breathalyzer tests. Depending on the outcome, you may be taken into custody. 
2. Arraignment - This is your first court appearance, where you will hear the charges against you and plead either guilty, not guilty, or no contest. 
3. Discovery - During this phase, attorneys gather information on evidence, police reports, and witness testimony. 
4. Pre-Trial Motions - Pre-trial hearings may be held to address legal issues, such as the admissibility of evidence. 
5. Negotiations - Many cases are resolved through plea bargaining, which involves agreeing to specific terms in exchange for reduced consequences. 
6. Trial - If no resolution is reached, your case will go to trial, where evidence is presented before a judge or jury. 
7. Sentencing - If convicted, sentencing will follow. 

Alex and LaFleur Attorneys at Law LLC: Compassionate & Dedicated Advocates for Your Rights

Choosing the right defense attorney is a critical step in fighting DUI charges. Here’s why our legal team could be the right fit for you:

• We have successfully handled thousands of cases, giving us substantial courtroom and client service experience. 
• Our firm offers free and virtual consultations, making it easier for you to access the legal advice you need. 
• Having served clients since 2004, we bring over 10 years of practice in Maryland criminal defense. 
• Mike LaFleur, with his background as a former prosecutor, brings unique insight to each case. From district and circuit court to administrative hearings, he has worked across Central and Western Maryland, allowing us to anticipate and address the prosecution’s approach. 
• We work on contingency-based fees, which means you will pay no legal fees unless your case is resolved in your favor. 

When you work with us, you gain advocates who focus on putting you in a better position by tailoring strategies to fit your situation. Together, we’ll move through this challenging time with care and determination.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Please call us at (410) 755-5801 if you need legal advice or assistance with your case.

Contact Alex and LaFleur Attorneys at Law LLC at (410) 755-5801 today. We’ve earned a lot of good reviews for our past work, and welcome the opportunity to fight for you, too.