Salisbury DUI Attorneys

The state of Maryland takes driving under the influence (DUI) very seriously. When an individual is charged with DUI, they face serious consequences that can have a lasting impact on their life. In addition to the standard DUI penalties, an individual charged with DUI three times in a 10-year period faces even harsher penalties. If you have been charged with DUI three times within a 10-year period, you may be facing a felony charge and the possibility of jail time. 

At the MacDonald Law Office, LLC, our Salisbury multiple DUI lawyer is dedicated to helping individuals charged with DUI in Maryland. If you are facing multiple DUI charges, we can help you fight these charges and reduce your potential penalties.

Have you been arrested for a DUI? Call the MacDonald Law Office, LLC today at (410) 348-7809 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Salisbury DUI lawyers.

Maryland DUI Laws

It is important to understand what the state of Maryland considers a DUI in order to understand the consequences of a third DUI. A DUI occurs when an individual operates a vehicle on a highway, road, or other public place while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any controlled dangerous substance. 

The state of Maryland defines an individual as being under the influence of alcohol if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent or greater. If an individual's BAC is between .05 percent and .07 percent, they are considered to be driving while impaired. An individual's ability to operate a vehicle is considered to be impaired when their ability to operate a vehicle has been "substantially" affected by the consumption of alcohol or drugs. An individual's ability to operate a vehicle is also considered to be impaired if they take a controlled, dangerous substance, such as marijuana or any other illegal drug. 

If an individual is found to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any controlled dangerous substance, they can be charged with a DUI. If an individual is charged with DUI, they can face serious penalties if they are convicted of DUI three times within a 10-year period.

What are the Penalties for a DUI in Maryland?

The penalties an individual faces for a DUI conviction depend on the circumstances surrounding the case. The state of Maryland classifies a DUI as a misdemeanor or a felony. 

• If an individual is charged with a first-time DUI, they can face up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a driver's license suspension. 
• If an individual is charged with a second or subsequent DUI, they can face up to two years in prison, a $2,500 fine, and a driver's license suspension. 
• If an individual is charged with a DUI that resulted in the death of another, they can face up to 25 years in prison and a driver's license suspension. 

There are also circumstances in which an individual can be charged with a DUI even if they are not operating a vehicle. If an individual is found to be in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any controlled dangerous substance, they can be charged with a DUI. 

• If an individual is charged with DUI while not operating a vehicle, they can face up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a driver's license suspension. 

The state of Maryland also requires an individual to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in their vehicle for at least 12 months if they are convicted of DUI. This device prevents an individual from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

What are the Penalties for Multiple DUIs in Maryland?

The state of Maryland takes DUI very seriously and imposes harsher penalties on individuals who are charged with multiple DUI within a 10-year period. 

If an individual is charged with DUI three times within a 10-year period, they face a felony charge and the possibility of jail time. In addition to facing harsher penalties, an individual charged with DUI three times within a 10-year period must install an IID for at least a year following the third conviction. If an individual is convicted of a felony DUI, they face up to 10 years in prison and a driver's license suspension.

 The state of Maryland also requires an individual to install an IID for at least 12 months if they are convicted of a felony DUI. This device prevents an individual from operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. If you are facing multiple DUI charges, our Salisbury multiple DUI attorney can help you fight these charges and reduce your potential penalties.

Possible Defenses Against DUI Charges

It's important to note that laws can vary, and the specific circumstances of your case will have a significant role in determining the appropriate defense strategy. Here are some common defenses that may be raised in DUI cases:

• Challenging the traffic stop
• Contesting the field sobriety tests
• Disputing the breathalyzer or blood test results
• Violations of constitutional rights

Remember, these are just a few potential defenses, and the success of any defense strategy will be dependent on the exact facts and circumstances surrounding your case. In your best interest, consult with our Salisbury DUI lawyer, who is here to help you understand the best defense approach. 

Contact Our DUI Lawyer in Salisbury Today

If you have been charged with DUI three times within a 10-year period, you may be facing felony charges and the possibility of jail time. At the MacDonald Law Office, our Salisbury multiple DUI lawyer is dedicated to helping individuals charged with DUI in Maryland. We are a former prosecutor who is familiar with the strategies police officers use when charging individuals with DUI. If you have been charged with DUI three times within a 10-year period, we can help you fight these charges and reduce your potential penalties.

Contact the MacDonald Law Office, LLC, today to get started on your defense with our Salisbury DUI attorneys.