Maryland DUI Lawyer

Top-Rated DWI Lawyers in MD

When a drunk driving charge threatens to derail your life, you need Maryland DUI lawyers who will explore every avenue of defense. The dedicated legal team at Maronick Law LLC fights tirelessly for favorable outcomes for every client we serve, crafting strategic defenses that secure the most favorable outcome possible in every type of DUI or DWI charge.

Don’t underestimate the gravity of DUI charges or the consequences you could face if convicted. With potential jail time, steep fines, and license suspension looming over you, having skilled guidance you can count on provides a critical advantage in your case.

As experienced Maryland DUI lawyers, we know how to challenge the evidence against you, pursue alternative paths to resolving your charges, and protect your rights at every turn. Contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation, and find out for yourself what we can do to minimize the consequences of this legal issue.

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Experienced Legal Help for Beating DUI Charges in Maryland

For all charges pertaining to drug and alcohol impairment behind the wheel, Maryland defendants need professional legal guidance. These charges are serious crimes under state law, and the consequences of a conviction can be life-altering.

What Is a DUI Under Maryland Law?

Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are violations of Maryland’s alcohol- and drug-related driving laws. Under Section 21–902 of the Transportation article of the Maryland Code, it’s illegal to operate any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs of any kind.

In Maryland, DUI is a more severe violation, applying to instances of operating a vehicle while “under the influence per se”—in other words, when a defendant has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08 or higher. At this BAC level, it’s illegal to operate a vehicle under any circumstances. DWI is a less severe charge that applies when a driver’s BAC is below the 0.08 threshold, but a conviction of this offense can still lead to steep fines and jail time, even for first-time offenders.

Lower BAC thresholds apply to specific circumstances, including:

• A 0.04% BAC limit for commercial drivers
• A 0.02% BAC limit for drivers under age 21, reflecting Maryland’s zero-tolerance policy

Drunk driving and drugged driving are serious criminal offenses under Maryland law, and they carry harsh consequences, even for a first offense. Retaining a Maryland DUI attorney offers you the best hope of putting up a strong, strategic defense against these charges.

Types of DUI Charges Our Attorneys Can Defend You Against

Maryland law allows for numerous types of DUI and DWI charges and consequences, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Because each type of legal matter has its own nuances, you need your case in the hands of a legal team that fully understands Maryland DUI law from every angle.

Our firm defends clients against all types of DUI charges, including:

• First offense DUI: Even a first DUI/DWI offense can result in jail time in Maryland, but we’re prepared to highlight all mitigating circumstances and help clients take advantage of alternatives such as Probation before Judgment and diversion programs.
• Multiple offense DUI: Repeat offenders face steeper penalties. Our firm is equipped to handle high-stakes cases that involve subsequent DUI convictions.
• Underage DUI: The state’s zero-tolerance rule means that motorists under 21 can face DUI charges if they’re found to have a BAC of just 0.02 or higher. We help young defendants preserve their future in the face of serious criminal charges.
• CDL DUI: Commercial drivers are both subject to a lower BAC threshold (0.04) while on the job and at risk of losing employment opportunities due to suspension of their CDL credential. Our firm provides strong defenses for truckers and other commercial drivers.
• Out-of-state DUI: Visitors who find themselves facing DUI charges during their travels face unique challenges, but our firm is here to provide the guidance and support defendants need to fight an out-of-state DUI charge.
• Misdemeanor DUI: DUI charges typically constitute misdemeanor offenses in Maryland, but underestimating their severity is a big mistake. Our team helps clients fight the harshest penalties permitted under the law, including jail terms of up to a year in prison.
• DUI causing injury: When your DUI charges arise out of a vehicle or pedestrian accident that allegedly leaves a victim injured, you’re facing enhanced penalties that may include multiple years in prison.
• Felony DUI: Even repeat DUI offenses generally don’t rise to the level of felonies, but fatal accidents are the exception. If you’re accused of DUI in connection with a deadly crash, you need the strongest possible defense to protect you from harsh penalties.
• Federal DUI: DUI violations on federal property, including national parks and military bases, result in federal charges. We’re equipped to fight for you in federal court, where prosecutors have greater resources and the penalties are generally more severe.
• Chemical test refusal: By driving in Maryland, you’re obligated under the state’s implied consent law to submit to chemical testing when requested. We represent clients in cases complicated by breath test refusal or blood test refusal.
• Ignition interlock system: In addition to the suspension of driving privileges, mandatory ignition interlock device installation may be part of the consequences you face following a DUI conviction. We defend clients accused of violating this requirement.
• BUI/BWI: Operating other vehicles besides cars and trucks while impaired by drugs or alcohol can also leave you facing criminal charges. We defend both locals and tourists accused of boating under the influence violations.

For a DUI lawyer Maryland defendants can count on to fight all types of impaired driving charges, trust your case to Maronick Law LLC.

Your Legal Rights When Accused of a DUI

Protecting your legal rights matters more than ever when you’re facing criminal charges. Throughout your case, you have the right to:

• Remain silent to avoid self-incrimination during police questioning and while in custody
• Have an attorney represent you during all interrogations and court proceedings
• Challenge the accuracy and legality of the evidence presented by the prosecution
• Have your case decided in a fair and impartial trial by jury
• Maintain the presumption of innocence until the prosecution succeeds in proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt by means of properly obtained evidence

Understanding your rights is a vital step in beginning your defense strategy. With the right DWI lawyer Maryland defendants can ensure they receive the full protections afforded to them under state and federal law. 

• ★★★★★

  I recently had Mr. Maronick represent me for my first DUI case. I was very nervous about it because of the results of the DUI incident. The outcome that I was initially looking at was jail time, high fines and a license suspension. He got me out of jail time, I got probation, and the fines were thrown out. All I ended up having to pay were court costs. He really did his job, and I am very appreciative of that. I highly recommend him to be hired for your DUI case or any others you may have.

  Myeshia
• ★★★★★

  Late last year I found myself in a position that I clearly had no ability to get out of on my end. Yes, you guessed it right I caught a DUI. Feeling ashamed and embarrassed I immediately put those feelings to the side and contacted the Maronick Law Firm. From the initial consultation, Tom made me feel at ease about my situation and instructed me on everything to do before my court date I ended up getting the DUI charge dropped to a PB - no points on my license or charges on my record, just a fine and 2yrs probation. To anyone going through a similar scenario, I highly recommend you reach out to the Maronick Law Firm.

  Brandon

DUI Penalties Under Maryland Law

The potential consequences of a DUI conviction vary depending on the specifics of the case against you and your prior record. In general, a conviction could lead to incarceration, steep fines, and loss of your driving privileges.

First Offense DUI Penalties

For a first DUI offense, you could be sentenced to up to one year of imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,200, per Section 21–902 of the Transportation Article of the Maryland Code.

A first DWI offense is less serious but still carries penalties of up to two months in jail and up to $500 in fines.

Sentences for Repeat DUI Offenses

A second DWI conviction can lead to up to one year in prison and up to $500 in fines.

For a second DUI conviction, the penalties can increase to 2 years in prison and up to $2,400 in fines.

Maryland law (under Section 21–902 of the Transportation Article) allows for even harsher sentences for those who are convicted of third and subsequent DUI violations—amounting a five-year prison term and a fine of up to $5,000 or a 10-year term and fines of up to $10,000, respectively.

Aggravating Factors and Enhanced Penalties

Repeat offenses aren’t the only factor that increases the penalties you could face for a DUI. Certain aggravating factors can also result in enhanced penalties. While accidents that cause injury and death can result in more severe punishments, so can having a minor in the vehicle at the time a DUI or DWI is committed.

With a minor in the vehicle, the penalty for a first DUI offense increases to two years in prison and up to $2,000 in fines. A second DUI offense that involves a minor in the vehicle can lead to a three-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $3,000.

Even less severe DWI charges can carry considerably more serious penalties with a minor in the vehicle. These consequences amount to up to one year in prison and up to $1,200 in fines for a first offense or up to two years in jail and up to $2,400 in fines for a second offense.

The more complex your case is, the more necessary it is that you retain a Maryland DWI lawyer who’s prepared to fight for you without backing down.

License Suspension and Ignition Interlock Requirements

In addition to incarceration and financial penalties, DUI and DWI convictions can result in suspension of your driving privileges and requirements that you install an ignition interlock system in your vehicle at your own expense. Legislative changes such as the passing of Noah’s Law, also known as the Drunk Driving Reduction Act of 2016, have strengthened these penalties.

As a result, defendants convicted of DUI violations can continue to face challenges involving access to transportation and financial burdens even after they have served jail sentences and paid court-imposed fines.

Collateral Consequences of a DUI Conviction

In so many ways, a DUI conviction can keep impacting your future both professionally and personally.

For commercial drivers, security clearance employees, and others who need specific licenses for their work, a DUI conviction can lead to temporary suspension or permanent revocation of professional credentials. Even if the charge doesn’t directly affect your career in this way, having a DUI on your criminal record can severely limit your educational and employment opportunities because many prospective employers and colleges conduct background checks on applicants.

On the personal side, your DUI conviction can undermine your reputation, impact relationships, and result in considerable financial hardships. This legal issue can even interfere with housing availability, as landlords often conduct background checks on prospective renters.

How Maronick Law LLC Can Help

As experienced Maryland DUI lawyers, our team addresses all aspects of your legal issue, advocating for your interests to minimize consequences both big and small.

Seeking Favorable Outcomes in DUI Cases in Maryland

Our Maryland DUI lawyers pursue the most favorable outcome possible for every client we serve. Depending on the specifics of your situation, that may mean:

• Filing motions to get the charges against you dropped or dismissed entirely due to a lack of sufficient evidence
• Seeking a resolution through DUI Probation before Judgment (PBJ), an alternative resolution that allows you to avoid a criminal conviction by completing conditions that include probation
• Negotiating a plea deal with the prosecutor to reduce the severity of charges and penalties
• Arguing for the suppression of evidence that was obtained through improper police procedures or violations of your rights
• Presenting a strong case in your favor at trial by challenging the prosecutor’s evidence and introducing evidence that supports your defense
• Pursuing the most lenient sentence possible by highlighting mitigating circumstances during sentencing in the event of a conviction

We’re committed to pushing for the outcomes that protect our clients’ best interests. Whether you’re facing a less serious first DWI offense charge or a repeat DUI violation with aggravating factors, we provide the comprehensive support and strategic representation you need to preserve your future.

Representation at MVA License Suspension Hearings

The criminal aspect of your DUI case may pose the most severe consequences, but we don’t overlook the impact that license suspension can have on your life. We will make every effort to preserve or restore your license and minimize or avoid suspension of your driving privileges, including representing you in MVA hearings and administrative hearings.

We help commercial drivers protect their CDL credentials and assist eligible clients in applying for restricted licenses that may permit them to operate their vehicles for specific purposes, such as commuting to school or work.

Legal Strategies Our DWI Lawyer MD Will Explore for You

Often, defense in a DUI or DWI case will focus on challenging the evidence against you. The prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. Countering the opposing side’s evidence and introducing doubt of any kind can put you on the path to the dismissal or reduction of charges or a not-guilty trial verdict.

Examples of the types of evidence we may challenge include:

• The legality of traffic stops or DWI checkpoints
• The accuracy of test results, including the calibration of breathalyzer devices and the proper administration of field sobriety tests
• The handling of breath and blood test evidence, including the chain of custody
• The arrest procedures carried out by law enforcement officers

We pursue all strategies for minimizing the consequences of your case, from building an effective defense to assessing eligibility for DUI/DWI diversion and PBJ programs.

Why Choose Maronick Law LLC as Your Maryland DUI Lawyers?

There are good reasons the legal professionals at Maronick Law LLC are the DUI lawyers Maryland defendants trust to represent them. We’ve developed a widely recognized reputation throughout the state for our extensive experience, proven results, and dedicated client service.

80+ Years of Combined Experience

With decades of combined experience in legal practice, our firm has a history of fighting for the accused. We have served clients statewide and are known as authorities in the legal field. Particularly noteworthy are founding attorney and senior partner Thomas J. Maronick Jr.’s accomplishments, which include recognition as a Super Lawyer, receipt of a "Superb" Awo.com rating, and inclusion among the National Trial Lawyers Top 100.

A Record of Results in DUI and Criminal Defense Cases

For a DWI lawyer MD who gets results, our firm is the clear choice. Through our innovative and effective defense strategies and our dedication to fighting for our clients, we have achieved favorable outcomes that include getting all charges dropped, securing not-guilty verdicts, getting our clients into DUI diversion programs and Probation before Judgment resolutions, and more.

Client Service That Puts You First

Our firm considers every client we represent to be our most important client. We recognize the stress and worry that come with facing DUI charges, and we’re committed to protecting your best interests while providing peace of mind. Count on us for compassionate service and individualized legal strategies.

Why Choose Maronick Law LLC?

Maronick Law LLC has a proven track record in handling DUI/DWI cases. Our deep knowledge of Maryland DUI/DWI laws and extensive courtroom experience make us a formidable ally in your defense. We prioritize personalized service, understanding each client's unique needs, and fighting tirelessly for the best possible outcomes. Our client-focused approach ensures that you receive the attention and care you deserve. Our success in DUI/DWI cases speaks for itself. We have helped numerous clients achieve favorable results, from reduced charges to acquittals. Client testimonials and case results highlight our dedication and effectiveness.

Contact the Maryland DUI Lawyers at Maronick Law LLC Today for a Free Consultation

Begin building your defense with a free, confidential consultation. Our firm is ready to analyze the facts of your case, help you understand your rights, and launch an investigation that supports your defense. With 24/7 availability, we’re here to protect your rights and answer your questions when you most need legal help—even if your legal ordeal doesn’t stick to regular business hours.

For help from an experienced DWI lawyer MD, contact Maronick Law LLC online or call 443-351-6657 today.