Maryland Driver's Guide - How We Can Help You with DUI - DWI Charges

First, Help Yourself!

Watch What You Say! Being placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI is a very serious matter. You will be booked and processed as a common criminal with the results going on your public record for many years in most states. Depending on the timing of the arrest you may also wind up spending one or more nights in jail.

If you find yourself in this situation, or if someone you care about does, it is very important to remain silent until you speak with an attorney. Absolutely anything you say might be used against you during court proceedings. This applies not only to the officer who made the arrest, but also to anyone you happen to talk with during processing and incarceration (jail), even others you may be sharing a jail cell with. Always keep in mind that cameras are everywhere in these situations. From the police car to the jail house virtually everything you say and do may be recorded.

Before talking with an attorney, never admit your actions were unlawful, do not ask to be given a break and do not express remorse. Do not try to bargain for better treatment or inquire about what punishment you may receive. Never volunteer any information about the situation to anyone except your attorney. If anyone attempts to question you while under arrest, simply be polite and inform them that you have been instructed by your attorney not to speak with anyone without your attorney present.

Of course, it is always best to avoid being arrested, if at all possible. If you are stopped, however, always follow the guidelines:

* Always be respectful and polite when engaging a police office during a traffic stop.
* Do not argue with the officer or attempt to "talk your way out".
* Do not admit to a violation (like "I know I was speeding" or "I've had a couple of beers").
* Do not give the officer permission to search your vehicle.
* Remain calm and cooperate with the officer to the extent you can without violating other rules.
* If you are arrested, contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible and speak with no one regarding the matter until you have been instructed to by your attorney.

Protect Your Drivers License

Many states have the right to revoke your drivers license BEFORE you are convicted of a DUI charge. This is a serious matter that must be dealt with. If you are charged with DUI, it is best to contact a qualified DUI attorney right away so that you may take the proper steps to keep your drivers license. In some cases, you may be able to secure a provisional license that will allow you to drive to work and deal with other necessities.

Protect our Personal Reputation

Face it, a DUI arrest and conviction will create a social and legal stigma. People may assume you have a dependency issue, think you are not trustworthy or reliable, and may even treat you as a criminal. A DUI arrest and conviction may affect the outcome of child custody hearings and be the basis for lawsuits and other legal troubles. Don't gamble with your future, insist on quality legal representation if you are charged with DUI. You simply have too much to lose.

Protect Your Job

A DUI arrest or conviction can cause you to lose your current job and even prevent you from getting a new one. Even if you don't drive a car or truck for a living, having your license revoked or suspended can interfere with your ability to get to work and perform the duties required by your job.

DUI arrests and convictions are matters of public record and will show up on background checks. This may also make the difference in getting a new job or promotion. Remember, a qualified DUI attorney can help you maintain the cleanest record possible and even help you get a provisional drivers license if yours has been suspended or revoked.

Many states use point systems where traffic violations result in "points" being applied to your drivers license. An accumulation of points can result in suspensions, revocations and surcharges that must be paid in order for you to keep your license in force. These stringent programs operate independent of any DUI legal proceeding and must be considered as part of your defense strategy.

DUI arrests and convictions can also cause you to lose your car or truck insurance or make your insurance so expensive that you can not afford to drive anymore. Always seek a qualified DUI attorney as soon as possible to help you avoid or deal with these issues.