Maryland DUI Lawyer
Criminal Defense of Drunk Driving Charges

Free Consultation: 301-850-4663

An arrest for driving under the influence is a serious charge that requires experienced representation and swift action to protect your rights. Based in Greenbelt, Maryland, the Law Offices of Richard P. Arnold has defended hundreds of DUI / DWI cases. We aggressively challenge the arrest or the evidence, and pursue the most favorable outcome for your circumstances.

Richard P. Arnold has practiced law for 35 years, including over 14 years as an assistant state’s attorney. As a former prosecutor, he can anticipate the state’s arguments and challenge the basis for the charges. The Law Offices of Richard P. Arnold represents clients statewide in all criminal charges, with offices in Greenbelt, Rockville, Annapolis, and Upper Marlboro.

Protect Your Rights

• DUI, or driving under the influence, may be charged when the person’s blood alcohol content is .08 or more. Conviction for DUI, could result in up to a year in jail, up to $1,000 fine and 12 points on your license. Potential punishment may be enhanced for a subsequent DUI offense.
   
• DWI, or driving while impaired, is charged at a lower threshold usually .07 BAC. Conviction for DWI could result in, up to 60 days in jail, up to $500 fine and 8 points on your license.
   
• Refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test or other field sobriety tests can result in an automatic 120-day suspension of your license, and can be admitted in court as evidence of guilt.
   

The skilled Maryland DUI lawyers of Law Offices of Richard P. Arnold will be able to present your case to the judge, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and seek to either have the charge dismissed or have the sentence mitigated or reduced. This evidence may include breathalyzer readings, field sobriety tests and urinalysis or blood test results. Repeat offenders face much steeper penalties, so proper handling of a DUI / DWI charge by an experienced and aggressive attorney is even more imperative.

Protect Your Driving Privileges

In Maryland, if you are stopped and charged with driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, you should immediately file a request for a hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) within the required time frame. If you fail to request an MVA hearing, the MVA will automatically suspend your driver’s license for 45 days. It is critical to contact a Maryland DUI / DWI defense attorney immediately if you are issued such a citation.

A conviction for DUI counts 12 points against your Maryland driver’s license. A conviction for DWI counts 8 points. Your insurance company will either cancel your policy or raise your rates substantially for a drunk driving conviction. Assuming you are convicted of one of the above, your attorney should argue for probation before judgment. If granted, the points would not be assessed for the alcohol offense, thereby protecting your license.

Contact an Experienced DUI / DWI Lawyer

Our staff has made it a priority to stay up-to-date on the latest cases and regulations, such as the new ignition interlock program for some repeat offenders. Contact our Maryland DUI lawyers to protect your rights. We offer a free initial consultation, and can meet you at any of our branch offices.

Law Offices of Richard P. Arnold – Call 301-850-4663The Law Offices of Richard P. Arnold provide criminal defense to citizens throughout Maryland. We have offices in Prince George’s County (Greenbelt and Upper Marlboro), Montgomery County (Rockville), and Ann Arundel County (Annapolis). We welcome residents of Charles, Frederick, Queen Anne, Worchester, Howard, and Baltimore counties, and all Maryland, including Bethesda, Hyattsville, Silver Spring, Glen Burnie, Ellicott City, La Plata, and Baltimore.