What is the Best Outcome for a DUI in Maryland?

In Maryland, DUI charges are taken seriously and can harm your future significantly. Of course, you will want to know what the best outcome for your DUI case will be.

Unfortunately, every DUI case is different, so determining the best outcome will mean examining the facts of each case. The best outcome would be to have your case dismissed. To accomplish this, there are several defenses that could be employed. Even if the case cannot be dismissed, it still might be possible to have your charges downgraded to a lesser offense.

Contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras today at (410) 694-7291 to receive your free case assessment with our Baltimore DUI defense lawyers.

What is the Best Outcome if I Have a DUI Case in Maryland?

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Maryland, it’s crucial to know that failing the breathalyzer or roadside field sobriety tests doesn’t automatically make you guilty. Despite what many people believe, breathalyzer machines and even the officers using them can make mistakes during the arrest process. In fact, many drunk and drugged driving cases have been dismissed due to legal and technical errors.

It’s important not to lose hope if you’re facing DUI charges. Seeking legal assistance as soon as possible after your arrest can help identify any police mistakes or errors in arrest procedures that might be used to your advantage in court. A knowledgeable Maryland DUI attorney in your area can review the details of your arrest and provide defense strategies to help your case.

Maximizing your chances of getting the charges dropped or downgraded is key in cases involving test results of a breathalyzer, blood, or urine. Even if your case can’t be dismissed, downgrading the charges to a lesser offense is still a better outcome than facing the maximum penalties.

There might be several legal defense options available to dismiss the offense quickly or find the best way to get the charges downgraded based on the specifics of your arrest.

What Are the Best Ways to Defend Against a Maryland DUI Case?

Successfully defending oneself against a DUI charge in Maryland requires a strategic approach, beginning with questioning the legality of the traffic stop and subsequent arrest. By challenging the circumstances surrounding the arrest, it is possible to build a strong defense and potentially avoid a conviction.

4th Amendment Challenges to the DUI Stop

If you are stopped by police officers while driving, they must have a valid reason for doing so. If you believe that your 4th amendment rights have been violated, you have the right to challenge the legality of the stop. The 4th Amendment protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures. If the stop was not made legally, any evidence obtained from it might be suppressed in court. Although there are many reasons why a police officer can stop a motor vehicle in Maryland, there are limits to their ability to do so legally.

In Maryland, a common challenge to a DUI stop is that the officer did not have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to make the stop. There are two main legal bases for motor vehicle stops in Maryland: Moving violations and Equipment Issues. However, if an officer stops you without a valid reason, your 4th amendment rights might have been violated. If successful, a 4th Amendment challenge can result in the dismissal of evidence or even the entire case.

Challenging the Arresting Officer’s Findings

Challenging a DUI arrest is possible even after being stopped by the police. In Maryland, a DUI arrest usually involves a series of field sobriety tests, which can be questioned in terms of the officer’s interpretation. The Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) are a set of physical and cognitive tests used by law enforcement to determine if a driver is impaired. These tests include the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test, the walk-and-turn test, and the one-leg stand test. Although these tests are standardized, they are not always accurate and can be subject to human error and interpretation.

An officer’s assessment of your impairment can heavily impact your case. Officers are trained to look for specific signs of impairment, but these observations are subjective and can be disputed in court. For example, if an officer claims that you have slurred speech or bloodshot eyes, our legal team can argue alternative explanations for these observations.

Challenge the Facts of the DUI Case

When fighting a DUI charge in Maryland, factual defenses are vital. These defenses challenge the prosecution’s presentation of the case, as being charged with a DUI does not necessarily mean that you were impaired. It is possible to “fail” a field sobriety test for different reasons, like physical disability, nervousness, or weather conditions during the test.

Breathalyzer tests, which measure breath alcohol content, are not always accurate. These devices must be regularly calibrated and properly administered to provide precise results. If the breathalyzer used in your case was not correctly maintained or administered, the results can be challenged in court.

Challenge the Blood Test

Blood tests, like breath tests, are not foolproof, and incorrect handling, storage, or analysis of the sample can lead to results that are challenging in court.

Should I Consider a Plea Bargain in a DUI Case in Maryland?

In certain situations, agreeing to a plea bargain might be the most suitable course of action. A plea bargain can result in reduced charges or penalties and might be a wise decision depending on the circumstances of your case. In Maryland, there are commonly three types of plea bargains for DUI charges: Stet agreements, probation before judgment (PBJ), and guilty pleas to lesser charges. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, and the optimal choice will depend on the specific details of your case.

Stet Agreements

If a stet is granted, your legal case will be indefinitely postponed and remain inactive unless the State decides to reactivate it. A stet can be a good option for you if you have a clean record and the evidence against you is not particularly strong.

Probation Before Judgment

If you’re looking to avoid a formal conviction and points on your driver’s license, probation before judgment (PBJ) might be an option for you. Once the court grants a PBJ, you’ll be placed on probation. Successfully completing your probation will result in the court striking the guilty finding, meaning you won’t have a conviction on your record.

Pleading to Lesser Charges

In some situations, it might be advantageous to plead guilty to a lesser charge, such as reckless or negligent driving, instead of a DUI charge. These offenses typically carry less severe consequences and might have a lower impact on your record.

Our Maryland DUI Defense Attorneys Can Help

For a free case review with our Towson DUI defense attorneys, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291.