Germantown, Maryland DUI Defense Lawyer

Attorney Helping People Charged With DUI Offenses in Germantown

The risks of drunk driving are serious, and people who drive while intoxicated by alcohol or other substances are more likely to cause car accidents that can seriously injure or kill themselves or others. In recognition of these issues, law enforcement officials may arrest a person who they believe was driving while intoxicated. A charge of driving under the influence (DUI) can affect a person's life in many ways. The consequences may affect their driver's license, their career, their finances, and their freedom.

For those who have been arrested on DUI charges, legal representation can be crucial. At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our attorney provides the personal attention that clients need in these situations. He will take the time to sit down with every client, explain exactly what charges they are facing, make sure they understand the potential consequences of a conviction, walk through each stage of the criminal process, and provide strong representation throughout a case.

Legal Help for People Facing DUI Charges

Our team understands that when a person has been arrested for DUI, they need clear answers to questions about these charges, a realistic assessment of their situation, and an understanding of how to achieve the best possible outcome in their case. Our attorney has a thorough understanding of the DUI laws that affect people in Maryland, the procedures followed in these cases, and the evidence that can play a role in a case. He knows how to build the strongest possible defense for each client.

Our goal is to relieve the stress that may affect our clients by keeping them informed at all times. Our attorney will explain the specific charges in a case and the potential penalties that may apply. He walks clients through the court process, making sure they are fully prepared for any courtroom appearances, including what questions may be asked, how to respond, and how to present the best image to a judge. He will make sure clients understand what will happen during their cases and how to achieve the best possible results.

DUI Traffic Stops

When police officers pull drivers over, they may look for signs that drivers are intoxicated to determine whether they can perform an arrest for DUI. However, officers cannot pull drivers over in the first place unless they have a valid legal reason for doing so. They must have a reasonable suspicion that a driver has violated the law, such as observing a traffic violation or erratic behavior behind the wheel.

An officer's observations of a driver may determine whether they will perform an investigation to determine if the person had been drinking or using other substances. Issues such as the smell of alcohol or a driver's red eyes or difficulty speaking may serve as a basis for an investigation.

Field Sobriety Tests

Some of the key tools used by officers during DUI traffic stops will involve physical tests that they may ask drivers to perform. These field sobriety tests may indicate that a person is intoxicated, and they may provide probable cause for an arrest. The three tests that officers will use most often are:

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): The officer will track a person's involuntary eye movements while they are tracking an object that is moving from side to side.
• Walk-and-Turn: A driver may be asked to walk in a straight line, turn around, and walk back to the starting point, and the officer will watch to see how well they can maintain balance and follow instructions.
• One-Leg Stand: A driver may be instructed to lift one foot off the ground for a certain number of seconds, and the officer will look for balance issues.

Chemical Testing

After a person is arrested for DUI, they will usually be taken to a police station, where they will be asked to take one or more tests to determine if their blood alcohol levels exceed the legal limit. Breathalyzer tests are used most often, but in some cases, a person may be asked to provide a blood sample that will be tested in a lab.

The results of a chemical test can lead to consequences that are separate from criminal charges for DUI. A test showing that a driver was over the legal limit of .08 percent BAC will result in a driver's license suspension lasting for 180 days. If a person refuses to take a chemical test, their license will be automatically suspended for 270 days. The length of a license suspension will increase significantly for a second or subsequent offense.

Contact Our Germantown, MD DUI Defense Attorney

After being arrested for DUI, it is important to act quickly. Early intervention by an attorney can make sure evidence will be preserved while taking steps to protect your rights. At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we can stand with you as you address DUI charges, and we will guide you through the legal process and advocate on your behalf. We will make sure you understand your options, prepare you for the issues that will be addressed during your case, and develop effective defense strategies to help you avoid a conviction. Contact our Germantown DUI lawyer today at 301-762-7500 to schedule a free consultation.