DUI Lawyer Baltimore, MD

If you were recently arrested for drunk driving, you may want to contact a Baltimore, MD DUI lawyer. A DUI is a serious charge and shouldn’t be taken lightly. An experienced lawyer can help you fight your charges and look out for your best interests.

How to Explain a DUI During a Job Interview

People with DUI’s on their records may worry about finding a job. While it may be more difficult to get certain jobs with a DUI, it’s not impossible. Here are some tips for explaining a DUI during a job interview.

• Be honest. If an employer asks you about your criminal record during an interview, you may be tempted to not mention your DUI. However, this can backfire late on. Many employers conduct background checks and can easily discover that you have a DUI. If they find out that you lied about it, they probably won’t hire you.

• Own up to your mistake. Some people make the mistake of not accepting blame for their DUI in an interview. For example, they might say that they weren’t actually that drunk or the arresting police officer had it out for them. This won’t look good to a potential employer. It’s important to own up to your mistake. A potential employer will respect you more if you admit that you were in the wrong.

• Talk about how you have grown. Although driving drunk is a terrible thing to do, it does not necessarily make you a bad person. You may have completely changed since the ordeal. If that is the case, a Baltimore DUI lawyer may suggest talking about that with a potential employer. For example, you may have completed drug and alcohol treatment and have stayed out of trouble ever since.

• Discuss the positive things you have done. After disclosing a DUI, you may worry that a potential employer may view you in a negative light. One thing you can do is highlight some of the positive actions you have made yet. Perhaps you started volunteering at an animal shelter or have helped out at a senior center. A potential employer may shift the focus on your positive contributions and still consider you for the position.

• Provide references. If you have a DUI, it may be helpful to provide references of people who can say positive things about your character. Whether it is a past boss or friend, character references can improve your chances of getting a job.

Getting Your DUI Expunged

If your DUI conviction is making it more difficult to get a job, you may want to talk to a lawyer about getting it expunged. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to remove the conviction from your record. Then, you may have more job opportunities.

Schedule a consultation with a Baltimore DUI lawyer from Attorney Eric T. Kirk to discuss your case.

What To Do If You Are Stopped For A DUI 

Being pulled over on the street on suspicion of DUI is an intimidating experience for many people, as an experienced Baltimore, MD DUI lawyer is familiar with. Knowing your legal rights and how to navigate the situation can help to alleviate anxiety during a DUI stop. When you understand what to say to a police officer and how to respond during the stop, you can improve your chances of having a smooth experience and avoiding any unnecessary trouble that can worsen your situation. Here are some things that you should do if you are ever pulled over for a DUI.  

Remain calm

One of the most important things that you should first remember when you are stopped for driving under the influence is to stay calm. Panicking may only make your situation worse and make it more difficult for you to understand and follow the officer’s instructions. When you are able to calm yourself, you can better handle the scenario in a controlled manner. Take deep breaths and focus on staying calm to protect yourself and avoid getting into a more difficult situation. 

Put your hands on the wheel

Any time that you are stopped by an officer while driving, remember to keep your hands on the wheel. This is not only for your protection, but for the police officer’s peace of mind as well. They do not know you and your background, so they will want to know where your hands are at all times. Keep your hands and arms visible so that you can communicate to them that you are not making sudden, rash movements. If you need to grab an item such as your license, inform that officer before you reach for it. 

Do not be speak aggressively

Positive communication can help to make the interaction go as efficiently as possible. One mistake that many people make is to speak in an aggressive tone. You do not want to say or do anything that can give the officer even more of a reason to keep you at the stop. Whenever you are speaking to the officer, keep your tone even, neutral, and pleasant. 

Avoid saying incriminating things

Do not say anything defensive or incriminating because it can be used against you, as a Baltimore DUI lawyer can tell you. Even if you unintentionally give away details, it can be used to support a charge against you. Do not say that you have had a lot to drink if you have been drinking. You should not not admit to any behavior or offer to take the sobriety tests. If you are not sure what to say, simply remain silent or keep your responses brief without divulging any details. 

Handling a DUI stop can be intimidating, but if you are facing any issues you can reach out to a lawyer for more information about your case. If you are charged with DUI, it may be possible to reduce the charge or have it dropped with the help of a qualified lawyer. If you would like to find out more about legal services that a Baltimore DUI lawyer can offer you, do not wait to set up a consultation. 

DUI Frequently Asked Questions

If you have been charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), it is normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. In this blog, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) that you may have as someone who has been charged with a DUI.

What exactly is a DUI?

A DUI is a criminal offense that involves operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher. DUI laws vary by state, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the laws in your state.

What are the consequences of a DUI conviction?

The consequences of a DUI conviction vary depending on the circumstances of your case and the state in which you live. Generally, DUI convictions can result in fines, license suspension or revocation, mandatory drug and alcohol education or treatment programs, and even jail time. Additionally, a DUI conviction can impact your ability to get a job or obtain housing in the future.

Do I need a lawyer if I have been charged with a DUI?

Yes, it is highly recommended that you hire an experienced DUI lawyer if you have been charged with a DUI. A DUI lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and build a strong defense on your behalf. Your lawyer can also negotiate with the prosecutor to potentially reduce your charges or negotiate a plea deal.

What should I do if I have been pulled over for a DUI?

If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, it’s essential to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement. Do not resist or argue with the officer, as this can potentially escalate the situation. You have the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation, so be sure to exercise these rights. Do not admit guilt or agree to take any field sobriety tests without consulting with your lawyer first.

Can I refuse to take a breathalyzer or blood test if I have been pulled over for a suspected DUI?

The answer to this question varies by state. Some states have “implied consent” laws, which means that by driving a vehicle, you are consenting to take a breathalyzer or blood test if requested by law enforcement. If you refuse to take the test, you may face additional penalties, such as license suspension or revocation. However, it is important to remember that you have the right to legal representation and should consult with your DUI lawyer before making any decisions.

In conclusion, being charged with a DUI can be a scary and overwhelming experience. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s essential to consult with an experienced DUI lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and build a strong defense on your behalf. Remember to exercise your rights and remain calm during any interactions with law enforcement.

9 Powerful Defenses to Fight a DUI Charge

As a Baltimore, MD DUI lawyer knows, a DUI charge often starts with a traffic stop. There are key strategies that you can utilize to combat your charge and uphold a strong defense. For instance, if the officer lacked reasonable suspicion to believe you were driving under the influence, the entire case may be dismissed. Contact Attorney Eric T. Kirk for more information.

Contesting Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are subjective and unreliable. Sometimes your charge can be based on flaws committed by the officer when they were conducting the sobriety tests. Factors such as poor weather conditions, uneven terrain, or physical limitations can affect your performance, making the results inadmissible in court.

Disputing Breathalyzer Results

Breathalyzer tests can be flawed due to calibration issues, improper usage, or medical conditions that can produce false positives. You may be able to call on an expert witness such as a lab technician so that they can provide testimony explaining that the breathalyzer results were not accurate.

Proving Rising Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) 

A BAC level can rise shortly after you consume even a small amount of alcohol, which can negatively affect your breathalyzer results. You can argue that your BAC was not above the legal limit while driving, and therefore, you should not be convicted of a DUI.

Medical Conditions or Prescription Medication

Certain medical conditions or prescription medications can cause symptoms that mimic the signs of intoxication. If you are able to provide evidence that you medical prescription drugs influenced your DUI test results, you may be able to have the charge dismissed, as a Baltimore DUI lawyer can tell you.

Violation of Miranda Rights 

If the arresting officer failed to inform you of your Miranda rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, any statements you made after the arrest may be inadmissible in court. You can challenge the admissibility of these statements and weaken the prosecution’s case.

Inadequate Documentation

Important legal documents such as the police officer report, first responders’ reports, and other records are crucial to adequately providing a DUI argument. If the prosecution fails to produce complete and accurate documentation, you can challenge the validity of the evidence presented against you, potentially leading to a dismissal of the charges.

Unlawful Blood Draw or Breath Test

If the officer did not follow the proper procedures for obtaining a blood sample or conducting a breath test, the results may be inadmissible in court. With a capable and experienced lawyer, you can have the evidence questioned and omitted if the sample was not obtained in a lawful manner.

Police Misconduct or Racial Profiling

If you believe that you were targeted for a DUI arrest due to police misconduct or racial profiling, you can raise this issue in court. Having evidence that you were a victim who was subjected to racial discrimination can result in your charge being dropped.

Because a DUI charge should never be taken lightly, it is always best to speak with a lawyer to discuss your specific case in detail. With the help of an experienced DUI defense attorney and the right strategies, you may be able to challenge the charge and potentially obtain a favorable outcome. Every case is unique, so do not wait to consult with a qualified Baltimore DUI lawyer like one from Attorney Eric T. Kirk to determine the best defenses to use based on your specific situation.