How Do I Find the Best DUI Lawyer in Maryland For My Case?
A Maryland DUI conviction carries heavy legal penalties and restrictions. If you have been arrested for DUI, you want the best DUI lawyer in Maryland for your case but may not know where to begin your search. Finding a DUI defense attorney does not have to be a difficult or overwhelming task. By looking at a few key qualities of a DUI lawyer in Maryland, you can determine whether he or she has the legal knowledge and skill to successfully represent you in your case.
Criminal Defense Experience
DUI is a crime; therefore, the attorney you retain to help you fight this charge should also be an experienced criminal defense attorney. As you search for a lawyer to handle your case, look for an attorney with a proven record of successful defense against not only the charges you are facing for driving under the influence, but also a variety of misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses. As a defense attorney he or she should have the legal knowledge and courtroom experience necessary to build a strong defense.
DUI Defense Credentials
In addition to experience, your attorney should have extensive training to understand the complexities of each case and to defend against the prosecution’s evidence. Look for an attorney who is a member of professional organizations such as the National College of DUI Defense. Through professional memberships in law organizations, an attorney stays current on all issues pertaining to the science and law of defense. Furthermore, the best attorneys in Maryland will have wide knowledge of the tools used to provide evidence against you. For example, the attorney will know and understand how breathalyzer equipment works, how the machines should be calibrated and maintained, and how clinical sobriety tests should be administered. By understanding the way these machines work and how they should be used, our team can check for inconsistencies in administration or inadequate maintenance, knowing that a faulty machine or test provides disputable evidence.
Consider an attorney who has fleshed out his or her knowledge of DUI defense by extensive study of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Look for a Maryland DUI lawyer who has not only studied how the tests are to be administered, but who is a certified instructor, able to teach law enforcement agents how to accurately administer field sobriety tests.
Community Standing
Qualified attorneys will be recognized by the local media for his or her knowledge and integrity and will rely on him or her to provide commentary as a trusted legal professional on matters such as DUI, highway safety, traffic issues, and substance abuse. A well-qualified attorney will be able to accurately explain the complexities of legal issues in the community. Our attorneys have the experience and education described above and, as a result, will be respected by the Maryland district courts.
Finding the best DUI attorney in Maryland does not have to be an insurmountable obstacle. By searching for an attorney with experience, knowledge, and a commitment to excellence, you can find an attorney who will successfully represent you in court, providing you with a quality defense.