Howard County DUI Lawyer

If you are convicted of driving under the influence, you face sentencing and sanctions that include jail and driving restrictions. A drunk driving conviction also carries consequences that can have a significant financial impact: fines, court costs, fees, alcohol treatment and counseling, and high-risk insurance make the average cost of a conviction between $10,000 and $15,000. To minimize the legal, personal, and financial repercussions of an arrest, get legal representation from a Howard County DUI lawyer with our firm. Call and schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case with a DUI lawyer in Maryland.

DUI Charges in Howard County

In Maryland, a driver can be convicted of driving under the influence if he or she is caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or greater. Many people, however, do not realize that a driver may be charged with an alcohol-related driving offense with an even lower BAC. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) may be charged even if a driver’s BAC is below the legal limit of 0.08. With fines, driving restrictions, license suspension, and jail time as possible consequences of even a first-offense DUI, it is important that anyone charged contact an experienced Howard County DUI attorney. One of the members of our legal team will carefully evaluate the circumstances of your case to find the best possible strategy for your defense.

Though many people picture a drunk driving arrest stemming from wildly erratic driving or even a terrible accident, in fact, many arrests are the result of a seemingly minor traffic stop. If you are pulled over and an officer suspects you may be intoxicated, you will likely be asked to perform a variety of field sobriety tests or even take a portable breath test. Based on the results of these tests and the officer’s observations, you may be arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. After your arrest, you will be asked to perform a chemical blood analysis. While you are entitled to refuse the roadside breath test and the field sobriety tests, under Maryland’s implied consent laws you must submit to chemical blood testing after an arrest. Your refusal to submit will result in the suspension of your license regardless of the outcome of your case. The Howard County DUI lawyers with our firm are well-equipped to provide quality defense, even in the face of incriminating blood alcohol analysis results.

Find a DUI Lawyer in Howard County

Our legal team is comprised of defense lawyers with significant experience representing defendants at the Howard County District Court, located at 3451 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City, MD. When you need a Howard County DUI lawyer, turn to us to organize a successful defense against the charges you face. Our attorneys successfully defended hundreds of clients against similar charges. After a careful evaluation of your case, one of our lawyers will work with you to create an aggressive defense strategy, whether that means negotiating a plea agreement or sentencing options, such as Probation Before Judgment, or fighting the charges at trial.
Here is further information on your rights and the penalties you face for:

Howard County Courthouse

The Howard County District Courthouse is located at 3451 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City, Maryland. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Howard County District Court has a large parking lot next to the building which is free of charge. In addition, the courthouse is accessible from the Howard Transit Courthouse Dr. & Martha Bush SB bus stops.

Cell phones are currently permitted in the Howard County District Court, but they must be either turned off or put in silent mode in the courtroom.
The Howard County Circuit Courthouse is located at 8360 Court Avenue in Ellicott City, Maryland. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

While there is no public transportation near the courthouse, there is a sizable free parking lot on the east side of the building. Cell phones are allowed in the Howard County Circuit Courthouse, but they must be silenced while in the court room.

Driving Directions to District Court

3451 Courthouse Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043-4377
From 695 take Exit 15 to Ellicott City. Follow Route 40 West to Route 99/Rogers Ave. Make a left onto Rogers. The courthouse is on the left.

Parking at District Court

There is parking next to the building.

District Court Clerk

Nancy E. Mueller

Driving Directions to Circuit Court

8360 Court Avenue
Ellicott City, Maryland 21043
From Baltimore: From Baltimore Beltway 695, take I-70 West towards Columbia. Take the left exit to 29 South. Exit at Route 40 East. At the second stoplight turn right at Rogers Avenue. Follow the signs to the circuit court.
From Annapolis: From I-97, take 100 West towards Ellicott City. Bear off to the right onto 29 North. Exit at Route 40 East. At the first stoplight turn right at Rogers Avenue. Follow the signs to the circuit court.
From Frederick: Take I-70 East towards Ellicott City. Take the exit to 29 South. Exit at Route 40 East. At the second stoplight turn right at Rogers Avenue. Follow the signs to the circuit court.
From Washington: Take I-95 North towards Baltimore (or take Baltimore/Washington Parkway 295). Take 100 West towards Ellicott City. Bear right onto 29 North. Exit at Route 40 East. At the first stoplight, turn right at Rogers Avenue. Follow the signs to the circuit court.

Parking at Circuit Court

Free parking is available. Handicap parking is available next to the court house.

Circuit Court Clerk

Margaret D. Rappaport
(410) 313-2111

Driving Under the Influence in Ellicott City

Most drunk driving arrests occur as a result of a minor traffic violation, such as failure to signal or failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. If you are pulled over and the officer suspects that you may be intoxicated, he or she will ask you to complete a series of field sobriety tests. Based on the officer’s evaluation of your performance on these tests, you may also be asked to take a portable breathalyzer test. You do have the right to refuse these tests prior to an arrest, but because Maryland is an “implied consent” state, you are required to submit to chemical blood testing after your arrest. Your refusal to take the test will result in the immediate suspension of your license, regardless of the outcome of your case. Our attorneys are experienced litigators who can offer the best possible defense, even in light of damaging blood alcohol analysis results.

Driving Under the Influence in Columbia

Do not be tempted to handle your Maryland DUI case without the help of an experienced Columbia DUI Lawyer. Even as a first offense, a drunk driving conviction carries harsh penalties, including fines, license suspension, alcohol treatment and counseling, and even the possibility of jail. If you are arrested for driving under the influence in Columbia, Maryland, it is in your best interest to immediately contact a reputable and aggressive attorney who can help organize a strong defense strategy.