Baltimore Maryland DUI Lawyers Cohen & Dwin, PA Harold P. Dwin, Attorney at Law
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(877) 836-0109
Baltimore Maryland DUI Lawyer
Cohen & Dwin, PA Harold P. Dwin 201 Milford Mill Road 2nd Floor Baltimore MD 21208
If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated ("DWI") or driving under the influence ("DUI") of alcohol, the state of Maryland must prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The difference between a DWI and a DUI is one of degree.
In Maryland, if your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is .08 or above, you are considered legally drunk and can be charged with a DWI. If your BAC is between .04 and .07, you can be charged with a DUI. In Maryland, a DUI is a lesser infraction, but it is still a serious offense.
If you opt to take a breath test administered by police, the prosecutor will try to use your BAC to prove your guilt.
From the time a police officer first spots the driver, he or she will observe your behavior and coordination skills. Police are looking for:
The smell of alcohol coming from your breath
The inability to stay in one lane
Excessive speed
Bloodshot, watery eyes
The inability to exit the vehicle without assistance
Slurred speech and a pale face
The inability to walk without assistance
Failure to follow the officer’s instructions
Aside from these observations, an officer may ask you to perform roadside field sobriety tests. These tests were developed to determine your level of impairment and to establish probable cause to make your arrest. The field sobriety tests are used against you in court and can even be the lone basis for your conviction.
Legally Drunk
Once you are under arrest, the officer must offer you the opportunity to submit a breath test or a blood test to determine your BAC. Refusal to take the breath test will result in a license suspension for at least 45 days.
Request of Administrative Hearing
You may request an administrative hearing (in writing) within 30 days of the date of the Order of Suspension to show why your license should not be suspended; you must request a hearing within 10 days of your Order of Suspension to request that your license NOT be suspended prior to your hearing. This request for a hearing also costs $125.00.
Two Cases
If you have been arrested in the state of Maryland for suspicion of a DWI or DUI there will be two different cases brought against you. One is the criminal case brought by the state, and the other is by the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles to revoke your license. If your BAC is above .15 you may be required to participate in the Ignition Interlock System—a breathalyzer device attached to your vehicle’s starter. You will be required to blow into the device in order for your vehicle to start.
Driver’s License Compact
Maryland is a member of the Interstate Drivers License Compact which means that if you are convicted of a DUI or DWI in this state, they will share that information with all of the other states in the compact. There are 45 states in the U.S that participate in the Interstate Drivers License Compact.
If you have been charged with a Maryland DWI there are two things that you need to consider:
Take the charge seriously—a conviction for a Maryland DWI will have long lasting consequences. A criminal record can affect your employment, your future and your personal freedom.
Hire an experienced Maryland DWI Lawyer—comprehending the Maryland DWI laws and courtroom proceedings can be intimidating and challenging. Hiring a qualified attorney, like those at Cohen & Dwin can make a difference in the outcome of your case.
Contact Cohen & Dwin today to schedule your free initial consultation. Our experienced lawyers can help you in this time of need. Please call (877) 836-0109 today. "Let Our Family Help Your Family."
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
TYPE OF CASES OUR FIRM HANDLES I handle many types of cases to bench and jury trials including DUI, Criminal and Traffic.
WE THINK YOU SHOULD HIRE US IF: You want a lawyer who will personally handle your file and will be available for consultation afternoons, evenings and weekends. I will fairly evaluate your case and determine the most favorable course. I will not hesitate to go to trial on your case; that decision, however, will ultimately be yours.
OUR FIRM IS NOT RIGHT FOR YOU IF: You are looking for a lawyer who will only tell you what you want to hear. I will work with you to honestly assess the facts of the case.
IF YOU WANT TO TELL OUR LAW FIRM ABOUT YOUR SITUATION YOU SHOULD: I personally communicate with you whenever possible. If I am in Court when you call, you can leave a message with my secretary or on my voicemail. I personally guarantee you will hear back from me in 24-hours, or less - most often, much less. My office phone is (877) 836-0109or email at harolddwin@cohendwin.com
THE TYPICAL COST TO GET US TO START WORKING ON YOUR CASE IS: The cost varies depending on the allegation and facts of the case. A fee will be quoted at our initial consultation.
OUR CLIENTS WILL TELL YOU THAT: My level of experience, knowledge of the law, and personal familiarity with the judges, prosecutors, and system is a great advantage. In addition my personal and regular contact with clients, availability and involvement with every aspect of the case bring the most favorable results.
OUR PHILOSOPHY ON HOW WE APPROACH OUR CASES IS: Depending on the type of case I like to find out as much as I can about the facts of the case and talk to anyone who can help our defense. At that time we can discuss our options. The stronger our defense appears to the prosecutor, the better our chances are of getting a favorable result.
IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FIRM YOU SHOULD: During our free initial consultation I will answer any questions. Please call (877) 836-0109.
