Prince George’s County DUI Lawyer
Many Maryland DUI arrests begin with a night of celebration and end with a criminal conviction. A drunk driving stop and arrest could have some very significant impacts on your life. If you have been charged with DUI or DWI in the area, consult an experienced Prince George’s County DUI lawyer as quickly as possible. With the help of a criminal defense attorney, you may be able to successfully fight the charges, having your charge lessened or your case dropped completely.
If you are pulled over for any reason, it is in your best interest to politely decline to speak to authorities without the presence of your attorney. Anything you say to authorities may be used against you. Your best defense begins even before a DUI arrest. En Español.
Prince George’s County DUI Defense
Arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) are often the result of seemingly routine traffic stops. If you are pulled over and the officer suspects that you may have been drinking, he or she will ask you to perform a series of field sobriety tests. Based on the officer’s evaluation of your performance, you may then be asked to take a breathalyzer test. If tests indicate that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 or higher, you will be arrested for driving under the influence.
First DUI Offense
If you are charged with your first offense in PG County, you may be concerned and bewildered. You have every right to be worried. Even a first time conviction for such a charge can change your life forever. But there is hope—the attorneys with our firm are here to put your mind at ease as you face prosecutors and consequences.
Your Legal Rights
Before you even enter a courtroom, it benefits you to understand your rights. Here is an example: when officers come to your vehicle, you don’t have to respond to their inquiries except to provide a valid license and registration. Many of those accused of their first offense aren’t aware they can remain silent. Because of the laws of due process, you retain this right even before police officers inform you of it. You also have the right to refuse field sobriety tests.
What happens if you decide not to answer the officers’ questions and decline to perform field sobriety tests? It’s difficult to say. One thing we do know is that you can help your situation by remaining calm and polite. Unfortunately, if you lack legal help, simply being cooperative may not be enough to avoid legal penalties.
Penalties For A First Time DUI Offense
By now you may wonder, “What are the potential consequences for a first conviction in Prince George’s County?” Below, you can find the maximum penalties faced by those convicted:
- $1,000 in fines
- 12 points on your driving record
- Potential license suspension or revocation
- Up to one year in jail
These punishments can seriously impact your finances, license, and even your freedom. Hiring an experienced Prince George County DUI attorney may help you avoid these and other dire consequences of conviction.
Second DUI Conviction
When you’re arrested for a first-time DUI charge, it can be overwhelming. Typically, the second time is equally stressful, if not more so. Why is this the case? A second drunk driving conviction in PG County brings increased penalties, but without the “first-time leniency” you may have previously enjoyed. If this is your situation, you must have someone on your side who is well-acquainted with the legal system. But how do you know the right people to call during this difficult time? Start with the experienced Prince George County DUI attorneys with our firm.
Your Rights
Our Prince George’s County DUI attorneys are prepared to fight vigorously on your behalf, but first, we often elaborate on your legal rights. For instance, you don’t have to respond to police officers’ questions when you’re asked. If they want to know how much you had to drink, or where you were headed while driving, they may be manufacturing a case against you. In fact, such an investigation commences the moment they see you driving. This is why the right to remain silent is one of the most crucial in the United States Constitution. It’s easy for people to make the wrong comment, and a second drunk driving charge in Prince George’s County can ensue.
Have you had this kind of intimidating meeting with police officers? If so, our attorneys can help. From challenging why law enforcement pulled you over to de-constructing the arrest or sobriety tests, we defend your rights every step of the way.
Penalties
Another part of our defense is helping to prevent the penalties for second DUI convictions. These can include up to $2,000 in fines, the possible revocation of your license, or even two years in jail.
Third DUI Conviction
Have you received previous Maryland DUI convictions? If so, then it is likely that you understand the implications of being charged with additional ones. Looking at a third offense in Prince George’s County can be anxiety-provoking, even frightening, as the penalties get stricter with each conviction.
Penalties For A Third DUI Conviction
Third DUI convictions in Prince George’s County are taken very seriously by the state. Since police officers and prosecutors must keep the public safe, they often penalize repeat offenders vigorously. Talking to an experienced DUI attorney can help reduce the impact of any charges as well as protect your constitutional rights.
Did you face punishments following your first two convictions? If so, they were likely severe; you can receive even worse consequences for another one. The maximum penalties for a third conviction in PG County include the following:
- Suspension of your driving privileges
- A maximum of $3,000 in fines
- A maximum of three years in jail
- Other effects of third DUI convictions in Prince George’s County
Legal penalties aren’t the only worry you may have with a third DUI conviction. You can also endure increased insurance premiums, loss of employment (or inability to find new employment), and personal relationship stress. Concerns like these are a good reason to look for a qualified attorney. If you have been arrested in Virginia, please visit our Fairfax DUI lawyer page for more information.
How a Prince George’s County DUI Lawyer Can Help
People get behind the wheel every day after drinking. They almost never expect that they will be convicted of illegal activity. Because first-time “forgiveness” isn’t available for those frequently arrested or convicted of DUI charges, a strong defense is essential. For a third offense, reach out to an advocate with a keen understanding of the law and the area’s court system.
At this point, you may be asking yourself, “Who is the most effective attorney I could hire?” The answer is that the most effective attorneys are those who know local courthouses. The attorneys with our firm have outstanding working knowledge of the Prince George’s County District Court, located at 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. It is this knowledge that helps us to work towards satisfactory case outcomes. Contact us today to let us know how we can help you.
The more DUI charges that you accrue, the higher the penalties are if you face a conviction. So with each charge you gain, the importance of retaining strong legal representation grows. If you are facing a third conviction, make sure that you contact our attorneys to work towards a strong result in your case.
Prince George’s County Courthouse
Prince George’s County Court is located at 14735 Main Street in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The hours of operation for the courthouse are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Unfortunately, the parking garage for the Prince George’s County Judicial System is currently closed due to renovations. Drivers are encouraged to park at the Showplace Arena for free parking and take a shuttle from the arena to the court. Another option is to use one of the metered street parking spaces that surround the courthouse. The Price George’s County Court is also accessible by public transportation, which is detailed in the section below.
Cell phones are permitted in the courthouse, but they must be put on silent mode or turned off in the courtroom and in the hallways outside of the courtrooms.
Driving Directions
From the Capital Beltway (I-495) and points north, take exit 11A onto MD Route 4/Pennsylvania Avenue S. Proceed approximately 9 miles past Woodyard Road, Ritchie-Marlboro Road, and Crain Highway to the exit for Upper Marlboro. If you reach the exits for 301, you have gone too far. At the stop sign at the end of the exit ramp, bear right to use the free satellite parking lots or make a left for the metered lots next to and in front of the courthouse. Free shuttle buses frequent the satellite parking to provide convenient transportation to the courthouse.
From Charles County, follow MD Route 301 N and exit onto MD Route 4/Pennsylvania Avenue N. DO NOT MERGE ONTO ROUTE 4. Stay on the exit ramp to enter Upper Marlboro. At the stop sign at the end of the exit ramp, make a left to use the free satellite parking lots or bear right for the metered lots next to and in front of the courthouse. Free shuttle buses frequent the satellite parking to provide convenient transportation to the courthouse.
From Calvert County, follow MD Route 4 North just past the exits for MD Route 301. Take the next exit, marked Upper Marlboro. At the stop sign at the end of the exit ramp, make a left to use the free satellite parking lots or bear right for the metered lots next to and in front of the courthouse. Free shuttle buses frequent the satellite parking to provide convenient transportation to the courthouse.
Public Transportation
There is local bus service on weekdays on two routes from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. between Upper Marlboro and the New Carrollton and Addison Road Metro stations. Route 21 runs between Upper Marlboro and the New Carrollton Metro station. Route 20 runs between Upper Marlboro and the Addison Road Metro station.
Buses operate Monday through Friday every 30-35 minutes during rush hours and every 80 minutes during non-rush hours.
No service is provided on Saturday, Sunday, or major holidays.
THE UPPER MARLBORO MOVER
Going down Route 53, this bus serves Marlboro Meadows, the Villages of Marlborough, the county administration building, the courthouse, and the detention center. Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, except concurrent county/state holidays. The Upper Marlboro Mover offers FREE transfer to Routes 20 & 21.
FARES: Adults: $ .75
Seniors & Disabled : $ .35
Children under five: FREE
Limited transfers available.
Please have exact fare ready when you board. Drivers do not carry change.
Call For a Free Consultation Today
A skilled PG County DUI lawyer has a number of options for defending your case. Illegal traffic stops, improper police procedure, and inaccurate breathalyzer results are all means to have your case dismissed. If a DUI arrest was legal and valid, your local attorney may be able to successfully negotiate a plea to a lesser charge. Call today.