DUI/DWI Defense
Baltimore DUI/DWI defense attorneys will tell you that the government, through the police, ratcheted the enforcement of the DUI/DWI laws by a factor of 10 or more in the last 30 years. The legal limit has been lowered. The use of DUI/DWI checkpoints increased. Sanctions are harsher. The possibility of a warning has disappeared. The stigma associated with a DUI/DWI is significantly more palpable than in the past. Perhaps you've heard the recent state sanctioned radio ads where an obviously intoxicated drunk driver whines"...but I don't want to be arrested". It's an ill-conceived attempt at humor about a thoroughly unfunny subject. You know what- ask anyone that's ever been arrested. No one wants to be arrested.
The reality is, as a society, we've determined that alcohol and driving never mix. We've determined that if you are going to put our safety, or that of our children or loved ones at risk, the consequences for your drunken driving will be severe. It's tough to argue against that. A Baltimore DUI/DWI defense lawyer's role is not to argue for drunk drivers. The Baltimore drunk driving lawyer's role is to hold the state to their burden of proving their case. The Baltimore DUI/DWI attorney's role is to aggressively present and advance the client's defenses. If the State's case is strong, the Baltimore DUI/DWI defense lawyer's role is to present evidence that fully presents your character, fitness and achievements to the sentencing judge. It's unfair to judge someone by a singular episode. Good people make mistakes - everyday. Anyone who has ever chosen to use alcohol has likely, at some point, had a moment of introspection where they realize "I may have had too much". A lot of people in that circumstance conform their conduct so that others are not put at risk. Perhaps most. But, consider the person who, while otherwise responsible hardworking, dedicated and disciplined, makes the wrong choice, and takes the wheel.
Perhaps the English have it right. There, you hear the offense of DUI/DWI referred to as 'drink-driving' rather than 'drunk driving'. That's a good way to look at it. It's not drunk driving that is likely to get you in trouble. Everyone in civilized society agrees that a wobbling, fall-down drunkard does not belong behind the wheel. It's the drink-driving scenario that is much more likely. Consider our hero. The guy that says, "I may have had too much", and although otherwise responsible, nevertheless, makes a singular wrong choice, and takes the wheel. Not fall down drunk, but, after having some drinks, gets behind the wheel, i.e. "drink driving". Did you know that 6 cans of beer, consumed over the course of 3 hours, can render a 185 pound man "over the limit" [in Baltimore, having a blood alcohol content of .08 or more] and not able to legally drive? Think about it. These are the folks that I really take some pride in defending.
The consequences of a drunk driving charge are significant. You're arrested; you've got bail, perhaps; you will lose your driver's license [although, with the proper legal help, you may be able to protect your right to retain some driving privileges]; some people will lose their jobs; there is a social and professional stigma; generally, spouses are not thrilled; explanations are due to friends and family; fines may be imposed; fees for driver improvement and education course are normal, and, of course, there is the notion that you might actually go to jail, which, as we've already discussed, is typically not popular.
If you find yourself in this situation, you need an experienced Baltimore DUI/DWI defense lawyer to help you. You may have legal defenses that can result in favorable resolution of your charge. An experienced Baltimore drunk driving defense attorney can accurately assess the strength of the state's case. An experienced Baltimore DUI/DWI defense lawyer can give you advice on guidance on extra-judicial steps you can take that may lessen the severity of any sanction you may receive. An experienced Baltimore drunk driving defense lawyer can give you guidance on what the maximum penalty is, and how a particular judge typically views similar cases. An experienced Baltimore DUI/DWI defense attorney can successfully protect your ability to drive.
