Maryland DUI Lawyer
If you received a DUI or DWI charge recently, you may be scared of facing your case alone. The prospect of losing your license, your job, and your liberty are terrifying. The stress of an upcoming Court date and the confusion of the mountain of paperwork you've been handed are eating away at you.
Top DUI Lawyers in Maryland - We are here to help!
Max Frizalone has built a solid reputation as a DUI specialist by securing acquittals by jury and Judge in numerous counties. He has successfully handled cases involving alcohol, drugs, and vehicular manslaughter resulting from driving under the influence. Max's prior experience includes working as a State's Attorney for Prince George's County and as a Maryland State Public Defender. His years of public sector experience help leverage the best outcome in your case.
Luke Woods is a veteran trial attorney with over two decades of purely criminal defense experience. Luke held numerous roles in the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (Army JAGS) and served as a District Public Defender for Calvert County for over a decade. He has tried hundreds of criminal traffic offenses, including countless DUI cases, and is a locally recognized authority on DUI defense. Luke has secured not guilty verdicts, acquittals, and dismissals in a wide array of cases, including DUI cases in jury and bench trials.
Client Testimonials
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.
Confidential Case Consultation
Understanding DUI Charges in Maryland
Types of DUI Charges
In Maryland, DUI charges can vary based on the circumstances of the offense:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol per se
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Driving while impaired by alcohol
- Driving while impaired by a combination of drugs and/or alcohol
- Driving while under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance
Building a Strong DUI Defense
Our approach to building a DUI defense includes:
- Thorough Investigation: We scrutinize the details of the traffic stop, arrest, and any tests conducted.
- Challenging Evidence: We question the reliability of breathalyzer and field sobriety tests.
- Expert Testimony: We collaborate with experts to provide testimony that supports your defense.
- Negotiation and Litigation: Whether negotiating a plea deal or fighting in court, we aim for the best possible outcome.
Consequences of a DUI Conviction
A DUI conviction can have severe and lasting consequences, including:
- License suspension or revocation
- Hefty fines and court costs
- Mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs
- Increased insurance premiums
- Possible jail time, especially for repeat offenders or cases involving aggravating factors
Frequently Asked Questions
I've been charged with my first DUI, what do I do?
Read our first time DUI frequently asked questions article, or five steps you should take after getting a DUI in Maryland
What if I think I can't afford a lawyer?
Our firm prides itself on offering representation for clients with all different financial situations. We can work on flexible payment plans, which many of our clients prefer. It's no secret that DUI cases can be costly. Between paying fines, court costs, attorney's fees, treatment classes, and motor vehicle fees - we know that costs can rack up quickly. Speak with one of our attorneys about how we can make our services work within your budget.
I cant lose my license! Can you help me keep it?
Both Luke and Max have extensive experience working with our clients and the motor vehicle administration to help keep our clients on the road. Every DUI case is different, but we can assure you that we will be able to advise you on the best way to proceed with the motor vehicle administration. A large majority of our clients never have their driving privileges interrupted; however, time is of the essence when it comes to licensing. Some actions must be taken as soon as within 10 days of your DUI charge to preserve your ability to drive.
Do I need an lawyer for a DUI in Maryland?
It is not required by law to hire an attorney to represent you in your DUI or DWI case. However, attempting to handle your criminal case alone is a big mistake. In fact, defendants who represent themselves fare far worse than those who are represented by experienced counsel.
The law is extremely complicated, and it requires years of experience to develop the ability to successfully navigate the criminal justice system. When you hire an attorney to handle your case, your odds of a successful outcome improve drastically.
How can a Maryland DUI lawyer help me?
If convicted of DUI or DWI in Maryland, you face steep penalties, including hefty fines and jail time. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can increase your odds of success in your case by:
- Negotiating with prosecutors
- Meeting all deadlines for legal filings
- Using knowledge of the local courts to your advantage
- Protecting your rights
Do you lose your license for a first DUI in MD?
Typically a first time DUI does not involve total loss of a person's license - so long as the driver seeks an attorney's help. There are always options to retain a driver's license like participation in the interlock program, or a modification of license suspension.
If a driver does nothing after receiving a DUI they will face a suspension between 180 days and 270 days depending on the facts of the case.
How Can a Maryland DUI Lawyer Help Me?
If you are facing a DUI or DWI charge in Maryland, consult with a seasoned DUI attorney at FrizWoods LLC. Max Frizalone and Luke Woods specialize in taking driving under the influence cases to trial, and have secured not guilty verdicts in jury trials, bench trials, and through suppression of evidence for their clients.
An experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyer will help you prepare for the charges by anticipating applicable MVA administrative penalties, directing you towards an appropriate treatment provider, and giving you an idea of what type of potential penalty to expect. With an experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyer on your side, your odds of success increase drastically.
Can a DUI be dismissed in MD?
DUI charges can be dismissed in Maryland by the prosecutor's office for the County that your case is in. If you're wondering - it's possible to beat a DUI case in Maryland
The State of Maryland can decline to prosecute your case by entering it nolle pros. Your lawyer may be able to convince the State to do so based on a flaw in the prosecution, or by forcing a trial when the State is not prepared.
Do you lose your license immediately after a DUI in Maryland?
The suspension of a person's license for a DUI will not begin immediately. License suspension will begin fourty five (45) days after a license confiscation from a DUI charge.
This date will be explained on the DR-15A form.
Top Five Mistakes to Avoid in a MD Drunk Driving Case
1. Failing to Request an Administrative Hearing
Drivers charged with DUI must adhere to time restrictions related to their license suspension. Requesting an administrative hearing within 10 days of receiving a DUI charge is crucial to continue driving while awaiting the hearing date. Ignoring this can lead to automatic suspension after 45 days.
2. Failing to Install an Ignition Interlock Device
Installing an ignition interlock device on your vehicle can be an alternative to challenging your suspension. Failure to do so within 30 days can result in mandatory suspension after 45 days.
3. Ignoring Treatment Needs
Judges expect defendants to address the root cause of their DUI charge. Ignoring treatment needs can negatively impact your case.
4. Going to Court Without a Lawyer
While you have the right to represent yourself, it is not advisable. A DUI lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and avoid potential pitfalls.
5. Entering a Guilty Plea Without Considering Trial
Many people plead guilty without considering the possibility of a trial. This is often due to choosing a lawyer who is not a DUI specialist. At FrizWoods LLC
How Will a DWI Charge Affect My Driving Privileges?
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration oversees the potential administrative penalties you may face from a DUI or DWI charge. Factors influencing these penalties include whether you submitted to a breath or blood test, the results of those tests, any refusal to take the tests, and allegations of controlled substance use. Other considerations are points on your license from convictions and any prior DUI charges or convictions.
Confidential Case Consultation
Will I Go to Jail for a DUI in Maryland?
Jail time is a possibility for a DUI or DWI in Maryland. Penalties can include significant fines and imprisonment. Consulting with a qualified DUI lawyer is essential to avoid harsh punishment. First-time offenders often avoid incarceration by taking appropriate steps and following their DUI defense lawyer's advice.
Your potential for jail could be based on the following aggravating factors:
What Will Happen to My License?
Licensing is managed by Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration ("MVA"). If you were charged with a DWI offense and had a valid Maryland State License at the time of your arrest, you were likely issued a temporary paper copy of your license valid for the next 45 days. Within 10 days of your DUI arrest, it is crucial to contact a qualified DUI lawyer to analyze potential licensing issues.
We can review your driving record confidentially. You are entitled to request an MVA hearing within 10 days of your license being confiscated. If you provided a breath sample, the following framework generally applies for a first DUI:
- Under .08 - No suspension, you passed the test; however, you can still be charged with a drunk driving case even if you are under the legal limit
- Between .08 - .14 - May be eligible for a work-restricted license after an MVA hearing; however new ignition interlock requirements effective October of 2024 might make the work restriction temporary.
- Over .15 - Mandatory ignition interlock
If you refused a breath sample, mandatory ignition interlock will apply, or you will receive a 270-day suspension for a first offense or 2 years for a second.
Building a DUI Defense with FrizWoods Attorneys
The first step in defending a DUI case is to build a defense that addresses potential issues with an experienced Maryland DUI lawyer. Common defense strategies include:
- Illegal Vehicle Stop: Was the stop of your vehicle illegal?
- Field Sobriety Testing: Was field sobriety testing properly applied?
- Intoximeter Reliability: Was the intoximeter properly used?
- Officer's Opinion: Was the officer's opinion about your sobriety reliable?
- Physical Control: Were you in actual physical control of your vehicle?
How Should I Prepare for My Case?
Consulting an attorney and creating an individualized defense strategy is crucial ahead of your trial. An attorney can help you by:
- Anticipating applicable MVA administrative penalties
- Directing you to an appropriate treatment provider
- Providing an idea of potential penalties
Probation before judgment, or PBJ can be an option for avoiding a DUI conviction.
Locations we serve and Practice Areas
Our criminal defense attorneys provide free consultations to clients 24/7 and work across Maryland to defend DUI cases. We cover Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County DUI cases, Prince George's County, and Howard County. If you're in Columbia, or Ellicott City, and looking for a DUI attorney, you've come to the right place.
We can help you with a wide range of criminal offenses, including DUI, assault, and felony cases. Visit our practice areas page for more information.
Contact our DUI lawyers today to schedule a consultation at one of our law offices.