Hyattsville DUI Defense Lawyers

Attorneys Representing Clients Who Are Facing DUI/DWI Charges in Hyattsville, MD

Police officers may pull drivers over for a variety of reasons. While many of these traffic stops will result in minor traffic tickets and relatively small fines, others can have consequences that may follow a person for years. As officers patrol busy roads and highways in Hyattsville, they may pull drivers over based on suspicions of drug or alcohol intoxication. People who are arrested for DUI may face multiple types of serious penalties, and they will need to understand their options for defense.

At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we provide legal representation for people who are facing charges of DUI or DWI. We work to protect our clients' rights and defend against convictions that can have a long-term impact on their futures. We understand that every DUI case is different, and our attorneys will take steps to identify weaknesses in the case against a person and build a defense strategy that will help them put the charges behind them and move forward.

Dealing with DUI charges can be stressful, and many people do not know what to expect when addressing the accusations against them and appearing in court. Our lawyers take a compassionate approach to the cases we handle while providing each client with personal attention. We make sure our clients understand the charges against them, and we will prepare them for what will happen in court. We will explain how to answer questions from a judge or prosecutor, what outcomes they can expect, and even what to wear to ensure that they look and behave professionally. Through this client-focused approach, we provide the support needed to resolve DUI cases successfully.

DUI and DWI Charges in Maryland

In many cases where people are arrested by police based on suspicions of intoxicated driving, they will face charges of driving under the influence (DUI). This charge will typically apply when a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at least .08 percent. DUI charges may also be based on the use of controlled substances.

In other cases, people may face charges of driving while impaired (DWI). This is a less serious offense that may be based on allegations that alcohol or drugs have impaired a person's driving ability, even if they are not over the legal limit. However, DUI and DWI charges can both lead to serious penalties, including fines, the suspension of a driver's license, and potential jail time.

The Reasons for DUI Traffic Stops

A police officer must have a reason to suspect that a driver is intoxicated or has committed a traffic offense before they can stop a vehicle. Our lawyers can look at the reasons for traffic stops that led to DUI arrests.

If a stop was based on an equipment violation like a broken taillight, or if an officer pulled someone over for speeding, running a red light, or another traffic violation, we can review the evidence to determine whether the alleged violation actually occurred and whether an officer had a reason to justify a traffic stop. We may take steps to show that a traffic stop was unlawful and prevent any evidence obtained after the stop was performed from being used in a DUI case.

Police Observations and Field Sobriety Tests

When speaking to a person who has been pulled over, a police officer may look for signs that the driver is intoxicated, such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or awkward movements. They may also conduct field sobriety tests, such as having a driver walk in a line or stand on one foot without losing balance. These observations and tests are subjective, and since officers will be looking for any signs of intoxication, they may be biased. Our attorneys may be able to show that there were other reasons for a person's behavior, such as medical conditions, anxiety, pool lighting, or uneven pavement.

Portable Breath Tests and Their Limitations

As officers evaluate drivers who have been pulled over, they may use breath testing devices that can help them determine whether a person has been drinking alcohol. The results from these devices are generally not admissible in court during a DUI case. A portable breath test will provide a rough estimate of a driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which may be enough to perform an arrest, but the results are not conclusive evidence of intoxication. Our lawyers can address the use of roadside breath tests and take steps to challenge claims that a person was under the influence while they were driving.

Chemical Testing of Breath or Blood

After a driver is arrested, they will be asked to submit to tests that will determine whether they are over the legal limit for BAC or whether they are under the influence of controlled substances or prescription drugs. Breathalyzer machines will be used in many cases, but they must be properly calibrated and maintained to ensure that their results are accurate. Our attorneys can review records of breathalyzer device maintenance or determine whether there may be other reasons to challenge breath test results, such as improper testing procedures or the level of training received by an officer who conducted a test.

We can also address blood tests performed after DUI arrests. Blood samples must be collected by medical professionals who have the proper training, and they must be labeled, transported, stored, and analyzed correctly. We can look at chain of custody documentation and other records to determine if there are ways to challenge the results of blood tests and argue that they are not conclusive evidence of intoxication.

Contact Our Hyattsville, Maryland DUI Defense Attorneys

A DUI arrest could have an impact on your future, but multiple options for defense may be available. By carefully reviewing what happened when you were pulled over, after you were arrested, and at other points during your case, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can help you determine your best options for defending against a conviction. We will be there by your side during every step of your case, from the first court appearance through the final resolution, and we will work to protect your driving privileges, your professional license, and your record so that you can put this situation behind you. Contact our Hyattsville DUI lawyers at 301-762-7500 to schedule your free consultation.