Ocean City DUI Arrest: Key Steps to Protect Your License and Future

What Steps Should You Take Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Ocean City?

Being arrested for a DUI in Ocean City, Maryland can be a frightening experience, especially if you’re visiting for the weekend or working in the area during tourist season. The decisions you make in the hours and days following your arrest can have a major impact on your case’s outcome. At Maronick Law, our experienced team understands the local courts, the strategies prosecutors use, and how to protect your rights from the very start.

Below are the key steps you should take after a DUI arrest to safeguard your freedom, your driving privileges, and your future.

1. Remain Calm and Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

From the moment you’re pulled over or approached by law enforcement, what you say and do can be used as evidence.

Stay polite and calm; arguing or resisting will only make things worse.
Do not volunteer extra information beyond basic identification.
Clearly state, “I am exercising my right to remain silent and would like to speak with an attorney.”

Example Scenario: Imagine being stopped after leaving a bar late at night. If you remain calm, avoid arguing, and request an Ocean City DUI lawyer, you give your defense team more room to challenge the prosecution’s evidence later.

2. Contact a DUI Defense Lawyer Immediately

The sooner you get legal help, the better. An experienced Ocean City DUI defense attorney can:

Review whether the traffic stop and arrest were lawful.
Examine the accuracy of field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results.
Identify any violations of your constitutional rights.
Advise you on whether to request an administrative hearing to save your license.

At Maronick Law, we are available 24/7 to respond to urgent calls because DUI cases move fast and delays can cost you valuable defense opportunities.

3. Understand the DUI Charges You’re Facing

A DUI in Maryland can be charged under different statutes depending on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and other factors:

DUI (Driving Under the Influence) – BAC of 0.08% or higher, or substantially impaired by alcohol.
DWI (Driving While Impaired) – BAC between 0.07% and 0.08%, or showing signs of impairment.
Aggravated DUI – Higher BAC levels, prior convictions, or involvement in an accident.

Example Scenario: A driver stopped for speeding might be charged with DWI if their BAC is 0.07%. The penalties are lighter than a full DUI, but still carry serious consequences.

4. Request an MVA Hearing Quickly

In Maryland, a DUI arrest can trigger two separate processes: a criminal case in court and an administrative case with the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

If you fail to request an MVA hearing within 10 days, your license could be automatically suspended. At the hearing, your lawyer can argue for restricted driving privileges so you can still get to work or school while your case is pending.

5. Avoid Damaging Your DUI Case

What you do after your DUI arrest can affect your defense:

Do not post about your arrest on social media. Even “jokes” can be taken seriously in court.
Avoid discussing details of your case with anyone but your lawyer.
Follow all court orders and any bail or bond conditions.

6. Gather Evidence While It’s Fresh

DUI cases often hinge on evidence collected right after the stop or arrest.

Make note of where you were, who you were with, and what you ate or drank before driving.
Save receipts or credit card records from restaurants or bars.
Write down everything you remember about the stop, including the officer’s behavior and instructions.

Example Scenario: If a driver records in detail that the officer skipped key steps during a field sobriety test, that information might help challenge the validity of the arrest.

7. Know the Possible Penalties for a DUI in Ocean City

Maryland imposes serious penalties for DUI convictions, even for first-time offenders. Under Maryland Law, these can include:

Up to 1 year in jail.
Fines of up to $1,000.
License suspension for up to 6 months.
12 points added to your license
Possible attendance in an alcohol education program.

For repeat offenses or cases involving accidents and injuries, the penalties are far harsher, including longer jail time, bigger fines, and permanent license revocation. For example, second-DUI offenders could be facing up to two years in jail, a $2,000 fine, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device and license suspension for up to a year.

8. Explore Your Defense Options

A skilled DUI defense lawyer can explore multiple strategies depending on the facts of your case:

Challenging the legality of the traffic stop.
Questioning whether the breathalyzer was properly calibrated.
Highlighting medical conditions that may have affected test results.
Negotiating for reduced charges or alternative sentencing programs.

Example Scenario: A driver with acid reflux could produce a falsely high BAC reading on a breath test. A defense team could present medical evidence to challenge that result.

9. Prepare for Court

Your first court date is typically an initial appearance where you’ll hear the charges and enter a plea. A well-prepared defense will:

Review the prosecution’s evidence in advance.
File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence.
Prepare you for questions and courtroom procedure.

This preparation not only boosts your confidence but also shows the court you are taking the matter seriously.

10. Consider Long-Term Consequences

A DUI conviction can follow you long after you’ve paid fines or completed a sentence:

Increased car insurance rates.
Difficulty finding certain jobs.
Problems traveling to countries like Canada, which can deny entry for DUI convictions.
Taking decisive action now can help you avoid or reduce these long-term effects.

Why Acting Fast After a DUI Arrest in Ocean City Matters

DUI cases in Ocean City move quickly. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can become harder to locate, and filing deadlines can pass. Acting immediately gives your DUI defense attorney more tools to protect your license, challenge evidence, and negotiate favorable outcomes.

Call Maronick Law and Protect Your Future After a DUI Arrest

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Ocean City, Maryland, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. The stakes are high and your freedom, license, and record are all on the line. Maronick Law offers aggressive, knowledgeable defense backed by years of experience in Maryland’s criminal courts.

We understand the stress and uncertainty that come with a DUI charge, and we know how to fight for the best possible result. From challenging test results to negotiating reduced penalties, our team is ready to work tirelessly on your behalf.

Call us today at 443-551-2747 or fill out our online contact form for a free, confidential consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and start building your defense immediately. Whether you’re a local resident, a college student, or a visitor caught up in Ocean City’s busy summer season, we are here to protect your rights and your future.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.