Multiple DUI Defense Lawyer in Annapolis
If you have already gone through a DUI or DWI, then you are very aware of what is coming next when you see the flashing lights and hear the police siren as you are pulled over on suspicion of DUI. If you are facing a second or subsequent Maryland DUI, it is extremely important that you have experienced legal representation from start to finish. The penalties you are facing for a subsequent DUI can be extremely harsh, altering your life in ways you may not even imagine. Should you find yourself in this position, contact Scott MacMullan Law, LLC, immediately. Scott will zealously represent you, presenting your defense and working tirelessly for you.
Scott MacMullan is a Maryland criminal defense attorney who is committed to fighting for the rights of the individual in a system that is often stacked against those rights. Scott MacMullan truly believes he can make a difference in the lives of those who most need legal help. Scott also prides himself on the level of accessibility he offers his clients—in most cases, Scott will get back to you within one business day. Second, third, or fourth DUI charges should be taken extremely seriously—Attorney Scott MacMullan will give your case the serious attention it deserves.
What Are the Penalties for a Second, Third, or Subsequent Maryland DUI Charge?
As you may already be aware, a first DUI conviction in Maryland brings fines as large as $1,000, jail time up to one year, twelve points added to your driving record, and a driver’s license suspension of up to six months. A first DWI conviction can result in eight points added to your driving record, a driver’s license suspension of up to 60 days, up to two months in jail, and fines as large as $500.
Should you receive a second DUI conviction (prior conviction of DUI or DWI within the past five years, you will face fines as large as $2,000, a mandatory minimum jail time of five days, and a jail sentence of up to two years, twelve points added to your driving record, a revocation of your driver’s license for one year with a twelve-month waiting period after the revocation period for reinstatement, a mandatory one-year participation in the Ignition Interlock Program, and mandatory participation in an alcohol or drug abuse assessment and counseling program.
A third DUI conviction will bring a significantly increased level of criminal penalties. You could face fines as large as $3,000, mandatory participation in the Ignition Interlock Program for one year or more, A driver’s license revocation for 18 months, with an 18 month waiting period following the revocation period for reinstatement, a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail, with a jail sentence of up to three years, twelve points added to your driving record, and mandatory participation in an alcohol or drug abuse assessment and counseling program.
A fourth DUI conviction within five years brings the same penalties as a third DUI, however, the judge is much more likely to impose the maximum sentences, and there will also be an additional waiting period for license reinstatement (a total of 24 months waiting period prior to being eligible to apply for reinstatement). If you are being charged with a fifth DUI within five years, it is highly likely you are also facing charges of driving with a revoked license. This means you will face the penalties for a fifth DUI (approximately the same as for a fourth DUI, with maximum sentences likely) and will also face the penalties for driving with a revoked license which include another 12 points added to your driving record, up to a year in jail, and up to $1,000 in fines. Like subsequent DUI convictions, each conviction for driving with a revoked license will result in additional fines, additional jail time, additional license revocation time, and maximum sentences imposed.
What Are the Additional Consequences of a Second, Third, or Subsequent Maryland DUI?
When you are facing a second, third, or subsequent Maryland DUI, not only do your criminal penalties increase significantly, you will also face many collateral consequences. If your insurance company did not drop you after your first DUI or DWI, your rates probably increased dramatically. Your insurance company is much more likely to drop you for a subsequent DUI, or your insurance rates may be so high as to be unaffordable. You will not have a driver’s license for a significant length of time, making it very difficult for you to get to and from work—assuming you do not lose your job because of the DUI charges. When looking for a job in the future, two or more DUI convictions on your record could make it difficult to find employment. An employer might overlook one DUI, chalking it up to a one-time mistake, but may not be so forgiving for a second or subsequent DUI conviction.
Defenses to Charges for a Second or Subsequent Maryland DUI
The defense your Maryland criminal defense attorney will present on your behalf is largely dependent on the circumstances surrounding your arrest. If the officer pulled you over because of an unusual driving pattern, your attorney may be able to prove you were simply momentarily distracted, your vehicle had a mechanical defect, or there were unusual road conditions. If your arrest was due to the officer smelling alcohol on your breath, your attorney may be able to show that while the odor of alcohol was consistent with recent consumption, it might not necessarily be indicative of impairment. If the officer claims your eyes were bloodshot, you could have been overly fatigued, recently been in a smoky room, or could have an eye infection.
Lack of balance could be tied to your footwear, a medical condition, or the surface on which you were walking. If the officer claims you had difficulty producing your insurance or registration, your attorney can show that most people get nervous when stopped by a police officer. In addition to challenging the stop itself, there may have been problems with the breathalyzer machine, or the officer may not have been properly certified or trained to operate the machine. The police officer may also have failed to read your Miranda rights once you were under arrest. Your Maryland criminal defense attorney will work hard to find the right defense to your DUI charges. In any case, the quicker you contact a highly skilled Maryland DUI attorney, the better for you and your future.
How DUI Attorney Scott MacMullan Can Help
Following your DUI charges, you may not know where to turn for help. Talking to DUI attorney Scott MacMullan can make your course of action much clearer. Scott will guide you through the process, step-by-step, ensuring all your questions are fully answered. Scott has experience working for two of the preeminent judges in Maryland, which translates into more efficient resolutions at the Courthouse for you. Scott believes that technology can lead to much better case management; he offers 24/7 access to your case file via a secured client portal—something few other law firms offer. Scott also believes in communication and responsiveness to his clients, returning clients’ phone calls as quickly as possible, usually within one business day. If you are facing a second or subsequent Maryland DUI, Scott MacMullan can help—call Scott MacMullan Law, LLC, today at (443) 494-9775 or email [email protected] for a free case assessment.