Silver Spring, Maryland DUI Defense Lawyer

Attorney for DUI/DWI Charges in Silver Spring

For most drivers, being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is something to avoid at all costs. However, these arrests take place frequently, and those who are stopped by police, asked to perform field sobriety tests or other tests, and taken into custody on suspicion of drunk driving will need to understand what to do next. The consequences of a DUI can be serious, but with the help of a skilled lawyer, a person can determine what steps to take to defend against these charges.

At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we know how much is at stake when a client faces DUI charges. We provide every client with personal attention, working to ease their concerns and help them determine the best steps to take to resolve their cases successfully. Instead of trying to resolve cases quickly by encouraging clients to plead guilty, we will fight to achieve the best possible results in DUI cases by advocating on their behalf in the courtroom.

The Potential Penalties of a DUI Conviction

The consequences that you may face if you are charged with DUI in Maryland will depend on whether it is a first offense and whether your case involved aggravating factors. Our attorney will make sure you understand exactly what you are facing before making any decisions about your case.

If you are facing a first-time DUI charge, you could be sentenced to up to one year in jail, and you may face fines as high as $1,200. For a second DUI, the potential sentence may increase to two years, and fines may be as high as $2,400. Penalties continue to increase for any subsequent DUI charges.

If your case involved aggravating factors, you could face felony DUI charges. These factors may include a minor in your vehicle while you were allegedly driving under the influence, an accident that resulted in someone's injury or death, or a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least .20 percent.

Preparing for Court in DUI Cases

Our attorney believes in making sure that our clients are well-prepared to appear in court and defend against DUI charges. This will not only make sure you will have a stronger legal position, but it can also help you prepare emotionally for the procedures that will be followed and the questions they may be asked. We will not simply inform you of your court date and expect you to show up at that day and time. We take a hands-on approach to case preparation that includes:

Reviewing the Evidence

Our lawyer will conduct a full review of the evidence involved in a case. He will look at the reports of police officers detailing the reasons for an arrest and the procedures that were followed, dashcam and bodycam footage, the results of breath or blood tests, and much more. He will look for procedural errors, constitutional violations, and weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Explaining What to Expect

Many people who have never been charged with a crime have no idea what will happen when they go to court. Our attorney will walk clients through every step of the process, making sure there will be no surprises. If necessary, we can even help ensure that clients are professionally dressed by providing a tie, and we will help a person understand how to conduct themselves in court.

Preparing for Testimony

If a client may testify or be asked questions by a judge during hearings or a trial, our lawyer will make sure they are fully prepared. We will discuss what questions may be asked and how to respond to these questions clearly and honestly. Our goal is to make sure our clients will be fully prepared and will feel confident during legal proceedings.

Exploring All Options

Our attorney will not encourage clients to accept a plea agreement simply because it is the easiest way to resolve a case. He will work closely with clients to explore every option and determine the best approach to take. When a plea agreement makes sense, he will negotiate for the most favorable terms. He will also prepare to take a case to trial when necessary, making sure a client will be able to achieve a positive outcome.

Defense Strategies in DUI Cases

Our lawyer will examine a case to determine the best strategies that may be used to defend against a conviction, which may include:

Challenging the Legality of the Traffic Stop Under the Fourth Amendment

A law enforcement officer cannot stop a vehicle based on a hunch or a vague belief that a person may have been intoxicated. A traffic stop must have a valid legal reason under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, such as an observation of a traffic violation. If a traffic stop was based on an unlawful reason, our attorney may take steps to suppress the evidence that an officer obtained after pulling a driver over or making an arrest.

Addressing Field Sobriety Tests

Many DUI arrests are based on the ways drivers perform when taking field sobriety tests by the side of the road. These tests are supposed to follow standardized procedures as officers ask drivers to perform tasks like walking along a straight line or balancing on one foot. However, there may be reasons to challenge these tests because they were not conducted correctly or because factors like footwear, uneven pavement, or poor lighting affected a person's performance.

Questioning the Results of Breath or Blood Tests

After a person is arrested, they will usually be asked to take a breathalyzer test to measure the level of alcohol in their system. In some cases, blood tests may be performed. Our lawyer can determine whether the results of these tests may be challenged because a breathalyzer device had not been properly calibrated, because an officer was not certified to perform a breathalyzer test, because of gaps in the chain of custody of a blood sample, or because of other potential errors during testing.

Contact Our Silver Spring, MD DUI Defense Attorney

When facing charges of DUI, you should not wait to get legal help. Acting quickly can help ensure that evidence can be obtained while it is still available and that you will be able to challenge the accusations you are facing. At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our attorney can provide you with the personal attention, honest guidance, and effective representation you need. He will help you understand your rights, prepare to appear in court, and develop a successful defense strategy. Contact our Silver Spring DUI lawyer at 301-762-7500 to schedule your free consultation.