Facing charges of DUI or DWI in Rockville, MD, can lead to imprisonment, probation, job loss, employment barriers, hefty fines, and more. For foreign residents, it may even result in deportation or hinder the path to becoming a U.S. citizen. A common error is pleading guilty to a Maryland DUI or DWI charge without exploring other options. It is important to seek the assistance of our experienced Rockville DUI lawyers.
A Skilled Rockville DUI Attorney on your Side
Trust our determined DUI defense lawyers in Rockville, MD, from the KGO Law Firm to stand by your side. We possess the skill to contest the introduction of evidence that the prosecution may exert against you, such as results from breath or blood tests to determine alcohol or controlled substance concentration.
Without a committed Rockville DUI attorney challenging the admission of evidence, the judge will not suppress any evidence against you. Our approach includes:
- Ensuring the police have followed statutory procedures to establish your intoxication or impairment while driving.
- Thoroughly reviewing all evidence and its acquisition, including an assessment of the legality of the initial traffic stop.
- Verifying that your legal and constitutional rights remained intact throughout the process; any violations may lead to the dismissal of charges.
A favorable plea deal might involve avoiding a conviction, pleading guilty to a lesser offense, and minimizing penalties.
Our Rockville DUI defense lawyers are confident that, for foreign residents, the negotiated plea deal will not adversely affect immigration status or residency in the country.
What to Do When Stopped for DUI in Rockville, MD
If you’re pulled over by the police while driving in Rockville, Maryland, your first priority is to remain civil. It’s important to note that, in Maryland, there is no obligation to undergo a breath or blood test unless you were part of an accident causing life-threatening injuries or death to another person. However, if convicted, a driver who refuses the test may face a prolonged license suspension, ignition interlock restriction, and increased criminal penalties.
In the event of a traffic stop in Rockville, you have the right to immediately request to speak with our DUI defense lawyers in Rockville before agreeing to an alcohol or controlled substance concentration test, provided this consultation doesn’t impede the police’s efforts to obtain test results promptly. If you choose to undergo the test, it’s essential to know that, by law, the breath test must be administered within two hours of the driver’s apprehension. Any test conducted after these two hours may be subject to legal challenges.
Avoid admitting to the police that you’ve consumed alcohol or drugs. Refrain from mentioning having “just a beer” or “some wine with dinner.” Instead, reach out to our DUI defense lawyers in Rockville for a consultation.
If you’re an undocumented foreign resident, refrain from disclosing your immigration status, stating that you have “no papers,” or revealing that you were not born in the United States. Do not answer such questions until you’ve consulted with our criminal defense lawyers in Rockville.
DUI Laws for Misdemeanors and Felonies in Maryland
Under Maryland DUI laws, your DUI offense can be categorized as either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on specific circumstances. Typically, most first-offense DUIs in Maryland are considered misdemeanors. However, if your DUI resulted in bodily injury, property damage, or death, it could escalate to a felony charge.
Whether you are facing felony or misdemeanor DUI charges, our KGO team of DUI defense lawyers in Rockville, Maryland, is here to provide assistance. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation.
If you’ve had your license confiscated after being arrested for offenses like drunk driving, impaired driving, DUI, or DWI in Maryland, you may have been issued a temporary driver’s license. This temporary license, usually a white piece of paper, allows you to continue driving for 45 days despite the confiscation of your original license. Trust our Rockville, Maryland, DUI defense lawyers to safeguard your rights, driving privileges, and reputation during this period.
Rockville's Temporary License and Hearing Process
According to Maryland law, on the 46th day, your temporary license is set to expire automatically. This expiration will occur unless the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) sends you a notice specifically extending the license to facilitate a hearing—provided you have requested one. The hearing is crucial as the MVA determines whether to issue a restricted driver’s license during this process. Such a license would permit you to continue driving, albeit with limitations, during your license suspension period. This is especially beneficial for essential activities such as commuting to work or school.
Seeking an MVA Hearing Following a DUI Offense
To prevent any disruption in your driving privileges, you must submit requests for administrative hearings with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) within 10 days of your arrest. Failure to meet this deadline may result in your suspension taking effect before the hearing. Additionally, the likelihood of securing a hearing diminishes if the hearing request is postmarked more than 30 days after your arrest. Our team of DUI attorneys in Rockville, Maryland, is prepared to represent you at the MVA hearing if necessary.