Maryland DUI Lawyer
A DUI charge in Maryland can be overwhelming. The potential loss of your license, hefty fines, and the prospect of jail time can drastically impact your life. Fortunately, you don't have to face these challenges alone. At FrizWoods, we provide top-tier DUI defense across Maryland, securing favorable outcomes for DUI and DWI cases.
Meet Our NHTSA-Trained DUI Lawyers: Top-Rated DUI Defense Team in Maryland
Max Frizalone
Built a solid reputation as a DUI specialist by securing acquittals by jury and judge in numerous counties.
- Experience includes working as a State's Attorney for Prince George's County and as a Maryland State Public Defender.
- Completed NHTSA DWI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and is a committed member of the National College for DUI Defense.
Luke Woods
A veteran trial attorney with over two decades of purely criminal defense experience.
- Served in multiple roles within the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (Army JAGS) and as a District Public Defender for Calvert County.
- Has tried hundreds of criminal traffic offenses, including countless DUI cases.
- NHTSA-trained and a committed member of the National College for DUI Defense.
At FrizWoods, we don't just handle DUI cases-we specialize in them. Both Max Frizalone and Luke Woods have been trained by police officers using the same National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) DWI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety protocols that law enforcement officers receive. This gives them an insider's understanding of how officers are taught to identify impaired drivers-along with the potential pitfalls and errors that can arise during a stop.
They are also active members of the National College for DUI Defense, regularly attending advanced trainings to stay up to date on the latest DUI strategies. This means you benefit from cutting-edge defense tactics and attorneys who truly understand every aspect of DUI law.
Immediate Steps After a DUI Arrest
1. Request an MVA Hearing
You have just 10 days after your DUI arrest to request a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) hearing. If you fail to request this hearing, your license may be automatically suspended after 45 days. Our team can assist you with submitting this request and represent you at the hearing.
2. Consider Installing an Ignition Interlock Device
If you are facing license suspension, installing an ignition interlock device can allow you to continue driving. This device requires you to pass a breath test before starting your car, helping you retain your driving privileges while your case is pending.
Understanding DUI Charges in Maryland
In Maryland, DUI charges are governed by Maryland Code, Transportation Section 21-902. Under this statute, it is illegal to drive:
- With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (DUI per se)
- While under the influence of alcohol
- While impaired by alcohol, even with a BAC below 0.08% (DWI)
- While impaired by drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol
- While under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance
Although DUI is typically classified as a misdemeanor in Maryland (even for repeat offenses), the penalties can still be severe. It's crucial to act quickly after a DUI arrest to protect your driving privileges and begin building a defense strategy.
Consequences of a DUI Conviction
A DUI conviction in Maryland can lead to severe penalties, including:
- License suspension or revocation
- Significant fines and court costs
- Mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs
- Increased insurance premiums
- Potential jail time, especially for repeat offenders or cases involving aggravating factors
For first-time offenders, it's possible to avoid the most severe penalties through options like probation before judgment (PBJ).
For more details, visit our guide on the Top Five Mistakes to Avoid in a DUI Case.
Recidivists and Repeat Offenses
If you have multiple DUI convictions, you may face:
- Longer mandatory jail terms
- Steeper fines
- Extended license suspensions or revocations
- More stringent probation requirements
Judges often have little leniency for repeat DUI/DWI offenses, so it's critical to have a skilled attorney by your side who understands the complexities of Maryland's subsequent-offender DUI laws.
Free and Confidential Consultation
DUI and Security Clearances
Many Maryland residents hold or seek security clearances for government or contractor positions. A DUI arrest-or conviction-can place these clearances at risk. Our team:
- Analyzes your DUI case to identify opportunities for a reduction or dismissal.
- Advises you on how to navigate employer reporting requirements.
- Works to minimize any adverse impact on your career.
By addressing the charges proactively, we can help reduce the possibility that a DUI will undermine your security clearance or professional future.
Building a Strong DUI Defense
At FrizWoods, we tailor our defense strategies to the unique facts of each case. Our approach often includes:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop: Did the officer have probable cause to stop your vehicle?
- Disputing breathalyzer or field sobriety test results: These tests can be unreliable, and we explore ways to challenge their accuracy.
- Investigating procedural errors: Was your arrest conducted properly, and were your rights upheld?
We may also introduce expert testimony to question the reliability of the prosecution's evidence or negotiate for reduced penalties if a trial is not in your best interest.
Find out more about our approach to Building a Strong DUI Defense.
Real Client Experiences
Read what our clients have to say about their experiences with FrizWoods LLC. Their stories highlight our dedication to achieving favorable outcomes in DUI cases:
Diana Akinsoyinu
★★★★★When it comes knowledgeable, professional, hardworking and down to earth criminal lawyers, look no further than FrizWoods! Max and Luke are the best lawyers me and my husband have ever worked with. To tell you we are just happy, will be understatement ! we are beyond thrilled 😊 with the outcome of the DUI case today 😀! the case was dismissed, ALL charges dropped!
Brittany Johnson
★★★★★I first would like to start off by saying that Max is one of the most amazingly professional and knowledgeable lawyers I have ever had the please of working with! I had a jury trial for a 3rd offense DUI/DWI and was concerned because I had never done a trial before let alone a jury trial. Both criminal DUI charges were dropped and Instead was given a reckless driving ticket.
Justin W.
★★★★★I met Max Frizalone after receiving DUI charges. He answered my call late one evening and immediately began working on my case(s). At the time I had a long road of court dates in different counties with a high probability of jail time. Max worked tirelessly on each one and as they came and passed I received no jail time. Max sincerely cares about his clients as a person not as a case number. He is truly one of a kind.
Gabriel Enrique Ceballos
★★★★★The best attorney in Maryland. He will fight your case with anything he can to win. I was charged with a DWI. He went to trial and they found me not guilty because of FrizWoods. I didn't have to pay anything at the end and all my charges were dropped. I really can't thank him enough. Thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a DUI charge in Maryland?
While Maryland law does not require you to hire a lawyer for a DUI charge, doing so can significantly improve your chances of avoiding severe penalties. An experienced attorney can navigate the complex legal system, challenge evidence, and negotiate on your behalf.
Learn more in our blog post on whether you should hire a lawyer for your first DUI.
Will I lose my license after a DUI in Maryland?
For a first offense, license suspension is not automatic unless you refuse a breathalyzer test. However, if your BAC is over 0.08%, you may face a suspension of 180 to 270 days. Installing an ignition interlock device may allow you to retain your driving privileges.
What are the penalties for a DUI conviction?
Penalties for a DUI conviction vary based on whether it's a first or subsequent offense and the specifics of the case. Common penalties include:
- Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000
- Points added to your license ranging from 8 to 12 points
- License suspension
- Probation
- Jail time, particularly for repeat offenses
Learn more about DUI penalties in our blog on Consequences of DUI Conviction.
Can a DUI charge be dismissed in Maryland?
Yes, a DUI charge can be dismissed if there are flaws in the prosecution's case, such as improper procedures during the arrest or unreliable evidence. Our lawyers review every detail of your case to identify opportunities for dismissal or case suppression.
Discover how a DUI case can be beaten in our blog on How to Beat a DUI Case.
Why Choose FrizWoods for Your DUI Defense?
At FrizWoods, our Maryland DUI lawyers bring decades of experience to every case. Here's what sets us apart:
- Proven Track Record: We have secured not guilty verdicts and dismissals in both jury and bench trials.
- Personalized Defense Strategies: We develop tailored defense strategies based on the unique facts of your case.
- 24/7 Availability: We offer free consultations 24/7 and are available to assist you throughout the legal process.
Locations We Serve
At FrizWoods, we serve clients across Maryland, including:
If you've been charged with DUI in Maryland, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.
Contact Us Today
Don't wait-contact FrizWoods today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Maryland DUI lawyers. We can help you understand your options and build a strong defense to protect your future.