Throughout the career of an experienced Maryland criminal lawyer, it is likely to represent a number of clients who have been accused of criminal charges, such as sex offenses. Cases handled are similar to a recent incident where a former clinical doctor has been accused of committing sexual crimes to at least three patients. A Wisconsin judge set a $25,000 bond on Tuesday for Dr. Kevin Lang, as he faces three pending sexual assault charges, carrying a $100,000 fine. Additionally, if convicted of these charges he faces up to forty years in prison.

The local district attorney, John Henkelmann, said he was unsure of how many counts Dr. Lang, 47, will be formally charged with. According to Henkelmann, investigations are currently under way to find out if there are any more complaints of sexual assault. According to police, Lang was arrested Monday following reports that he touched at least two female patients while they were sedated.

In separate claim, Dr. Lang is under investigation by the Medical Examining Board under additional charges of sexual assault. One of his patients awoke to Lang having sexual contact with her, according to state documents. From 2003 to 2007, Lang admitted to committing eleven counts of sexual assault while treating patients. The hearing for Lang's case will be presented to an administrative judge on February 9th, 2010. As this is in connection with his license, he is currently not permitted to practice medicine.

During his bond hearing on Tuesday, Lang was ordered to pay a $1,000 cash bond, as well as use the equity on his home to guarantee that he can pay the additional $24,000. As a result of these charges, Lang is currently unemployed, but caring for his children. Additionally, under the bond conditions Lang is not to have any contact with the women involved in the case, not to leave the state, and not have any unsupervised contact with any of his patients.

Facing sexual assault charges is an overwhelming and complex process regardless of profession. Conviction of sex offenses can carry severe and life changing consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best legal representation for your case, it is important to contact an aggressive and hard-working Maryland criminal attorney immediately.

Throughout the career of a metropolitan criminal defense attorney, it is likely that professional athletes will be among the clients represented in cases of driving while intoxicated. Undoubtedly, an experienced Maryland DUI lawyer would handle cases similar to the NFL defensive end Bobby McCray who was arrested for driving while intoxicated, as well as other counts. An officer clocked the football player, 28, as exceeding the speed limit around 4:30 in the morning on December 29th, 2009.

McCray was booked into the county jail on drunk driving charges, careless operation of a motor vehicle, speeding, and not having proper registration on him. While he did not resist arrest, he did refuse to take a breathalyzer test. Although McCray had the right to do so, it does come with negative consequences. Refusing to submit to an alcohol test can result of the loss of driving privileges and driver's license suspension. In many states, driving drunk and refusing a breathalyzer test automatically suspends that person's license for a year.

McCray has responded back to the driving while intoxicated charges on his personal Twitter page, alleging that he was "DWP... driving with pizza." The professional athlete maintains that the charges are "bogus," and that he was simply asking the officer why he had to step out of the car during a routine traffic stop. "...he pulled me over for doing 80 in a 60... not to mention I was sober..." McCray wrote.

Facing DUI charges is a scary and difficult process for anyone, regardless of celebrity status or fame. As seen by the McCray case, conviction of driving while intoxicated can carry negative consequences, including loss of driving privileges and jail time. To prevent this from happening, it is important to contact a hard-working Maryland DUI attorney or Maryland criminal lawyer for representation.

As a Maryland DUI lawyer, it is common around the holiday season that police step up enforcement to keep an eye out for drunk drivers. Research has shown that checkpoints help reduce alcohol related crashes because drivers fear receiving a DUI charge. However, the group most at risk, young drivers, are missing the message.

In order to avoid arrest for driving while intoxicated charges, young adults are using technology to inform others of the checkpoint's location. The information can be passed along by text message, email, or Twitter. Additionally, a iPhone application was developed and released that also informs drivers of where checkpoints are. Many are injured and/or killed in alcohol related crashes this time of year--perhaps in an effort to avoid a DUI checkpoint.

However, there are many who believe that sharing this information is helpful, not harmful. Police departments around the country promote their checkpoints in several media venues to encourage individuals to designate a sober driver. Sharing the information through text message, Twitter, or iPhone application does the same thing, perhaps more effectively. Reaching individuals--especially young adults on their cellular phones, is a quick and cheap way to spread an important message.

While law enforcement officials certainly do not want to encourage drunk drivers to hit the road by sharing information, changing the place is an extensive and difficult process. Changing the spot of the checkpoint after announcing it will prove difficult due to legal requirements, as well as the great number of officers and equipment it takes to set-up the site.

On average, drunk driving accidents are reduced approximately twenty percent because of checkpoints. The goal, however, is not to keep drunk drivers off the road, but instead prevent them from getting in the car in the first place. By increasing the perceived risk of arrest, intoxicated individuals will be less likely to get behind the wheel. Sharing this information only increases that perceived risk, as well as the incentive for young adults to appoint a sober driver.

Facing a driving while intoxicated charge is a difficult and confusing process. Conviction of a Maryland DUI charge can have life changing consequences including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best legal advice possible, contact a hard-working and aggressive Maryland DUI attorney or Maryland criminal lawyer immediately.

Throughout the career of an experienced Maryland criminal lawyer, it is common to represent individuals who have been accused of criminal charges. Even celebrities are not exempt from being slapped with life changing charges, as seen by the early Christmas morning arrest of actor Charlie Sheen on felony domestic violence charges. Following arrest from the local police department, Sheen was booked and incarcerated at the county jail.

While police are not releasing the name of the victim, multiple media venues are reporting that the unidentified woman is Sheen's third wife, real estate investor Brooke Mueller. The actor was arrested following an early morning 911 call that he assaulted his wife. As a result, he was booked on two felony charges, and one misdemeanor charge--second degree assault and menacing, as well as a count of criminal mischief. In order to be released on bond, Sheen is to have no contact with the victim or the victim's family, no entry to the family residence until further court order, as well as no consumption of drugs or alcohol of any kind.

However, new evidence shows that these allegations could be exaggerated versions of the truth. When Mueller called in the alleged assault, both her and Sheen were given breathalyzer tests. The results showed that Mueller was in fact legally drunk when she made the phone call. Her blood alcohol content was a .13 while Sheen's registered as only a 0.4. Additionally, just prior to the bail hearing, Mueller informed a female police officer that she was drunk when she made the 911 emergency call. Lastly, according to Sheen's testimony, Mueller was the aggressor and he was simply defending himself. Nonetheless, law enforcement agents are still pursuing the case.

Facing assault charges is a difficult process for anyone to experience, regardless of celebrity status. Conviction of criminal charges of assault and battery will have life altering consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. To prevent your personal freedoms and liberties from being taken away, it is in your best interest to contact a hard-working and trustworthy Maryland criminal attorney immediately for legal representation.

Throughout the career of a Maryland DUI lawyer, it is likely to see examples of city officials accused for driving while intoxicated charges. However, a seven year police officer should know better. In recent weeks, an off-duty law enforcement official caused a fatal crash because he was driving while intoxicated.

According to investigative reports, Edward Stapinski, 40, drove his Mitsubishi Gallant more than eighty miles per hour over the meridian while driving on Interstate Highway 55 Sunday evening. Doing so caused his car to flip into oncoming traffic, and to hit a Toyota Camry head-on. The driver of the Toyota, Man K "Mike" Wong was killed as a result of the impact. When police arrived on the scene, Stapinski's blood alcohol content was 0.223--three times the legal limit in the state of Illinois.

Prior to the crash, Stapinski was off-duty and drinking beer for about three hours. But at the scene of the incident, he refused a breathalyzer test. It was clearly apparent, however, that he had been drinking. According to witnesses on the scene he had "bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and a strong smell of alcohol."

Stapinski has been charged with reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence for his involvement in the fatal car crash. In addition to having a $750,000 bond, he banned from driving and must surrender his passport and firearm identification card. If he is convicted, he could face anywhere from three to fourteen years in prison.

Facing charges of driving while intoxicated is an overwhelming and difficult process regardless of profession. Conviction of drunk driving charges will have life changing consequences including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best legal representation possible, it is important to contact an experienced and hard-working Maryland DUI attorney immediately.

Practicing in a metropolitan area, it is likely that a Maryland DUI lawyer will represent collegiate athletes against criminal charges of drunk driving. Cases handled are much like the two instances last month of NCAA football players have received driving while intoxicated charges. Sophomore fullback John Douglas, and special teams junior Jason King were both arrested and charged with a DUI.

Douglas, 20, was arrested shortly before 1 a.m. on December 5th and taken to the county jail. King, 21, received his DUI on December 19th. He spent approximately fifteen hours in the county detention center before being released that evening on bail. Neither young man had any previous convictions, nor did they resist arrest. The trial date for King will be on February 18th, 2010, while Douglas will have his day in court on March 11th.

Both boys had significant playing time, making appearances in at least ten games this season. Douglas and King were both candidates to fill the role of academically ineligible player Eric Smith at half back. However, according to head coach Gene Chizik, the boys have been suspended from the team due to their DUIs. Additionally, neither will be playing with their team in the Outback Bowl this year. Douglas, King, and Smith are not the only players who will not take part--freshman quarterback Tyrik Rollison will also miss due to suspension.

In many states across the country, all first time DUI offenders receive a ninety day drivers license suspension. Additional punishments can include serving time in the county jail for up to a year, and paying a maximum of $2,100 fine.

Handling a DUI charge can be a stressful and difficult process. Conviction of DUI charges will have life changing consequences including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best legal defense, it is important to contact an aggressive and hard-working Maryland DUI attorney as soon as possible for representation.

Throughout the career of an experienced Maryland DUI lawyer, it is common to represent clients who have been charged with manslaughter after driving while intoxicated and causing a fatal car crash. Cases handled are much like the example of Melissa Rebe who was indicted on manslaughter and DUI charges following a fatal accident with a young cyclist. On October 20th, 2008, Rebe was driving south during the early morning hours when she ran a red light at 40th avenue and plowed into the teen on the bicycle. Nineteen year-old Jonathan Johnson was on his way to work when Rebe hit him after driving under the influence. According to witnesses on the scene, Johnson had the green light and the right away. Two days later, the teen died at the local hospital.

After the accident, Rebe had her blood alcohol content drawn and urine tests were conducted. Analysts determined that her THC levels were twice the level of criminal suspects that officers considered "impaired." Prosecutors maintain that Rebe was driving under the influence of marijuana when she ran the red light and hit Johnson. Perhaps she was also distracted by the McDonald's she had picked up just five minutes before the crash.

Regardless, Rebe maintains that she never saw him. "I ran a red light. I didn't see him," she explained at the scene. According to witnesses, Johnson was riding fast and wearing dark clothing, even though the sun hadn't risen yet. A lifelong Alaskan, Rebe had no prior convictions what-so-ever. Additionally, as this case happened over a year ago, Rebe has been since driving with a valid license with no further problems.

Even though Rebe was not driving drunk, she was still charged for driving under the influence. It is possible to be charged and convicted for driving while intoxicated, even if that person is not drunk. Driving under the influence of marijuana is still considered driving under the influence, and will result in a DUI charge. Conviction of driving while intoxicated charges will have life changing consequences including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best legal advice possible, it is important to immediately contact a hard-working and aggressive Maryland DUI attorney.

Practicing in a metropolitan area, it is common for a Maryland criminal lawyer to represent professional athletes who have been accused of a variety of criminal charges. Clients' cases are similar to that of former wide receiver Plaxico Burress. Only a mere two months into his two-year sentence for criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, he is asking some leniency from the court. The NFL star is looking to receive permission to take part in a work-furlough program that would allow him to spend between one and seven nights a sweet at home. Burress wants to take part in the work-furlough to spend time out of jail with his wife and children. Additionally, his criminal justice attorney is attempting to negotiate new sentencing terms.

Last year, Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg at a metropolitan nightclub. Originally, the former football player was looking at two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one count of reckless endangerment, for which he might have served between 3.5 to 15 years behind bars. However, he struck a deal with the defense attorney, agreeing to the lesser charge of attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. For this, he was sentenced to serve two years in prison. By doing this, Burress may be allowed to take advantage of the legal loophole that lets those convicted of gun possession to apply for work-furloughs, as long as they had no intent of using the gun.

However, the Department of Corrections might not let Burress into the work-furlough program so easily. According to jail records, he appears to be "isolated" and "depressed." Therefore, it is no surprise that he would request participation in the program. However, the agency only allows a select few applicants to utilize the work-furlough program. Of the 31,598 inmates that applied, only 1,413 received approval. Burress' criminal justice attorney believes that his client deserves to get a furlough, regardless of his celebrity status. "My hope is that his celebrity status does not prevent him from getting a break that every other inmate with the same facts would be entitled to," it was commented.

Being accused of criminal charges of gun possession is an overwhelming process for anyone to go through regardless of celebrity status. Conviction of these criminal charges will have life altering consequences including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. To prevent this from happening to you, it is in your best interest to contact a hard-working and experienced Maryland criminal attorney as soon as possible.

Every day, Maryland DUI lawyers represent individuals who have been stopped because police officers suspected that they were driving while intoxicated. Police officers will ask the suspected drunk driver to submit to a number of sobriety tests. If the individual refuses to take the breathalyzer test, the police have a difficult decision--do they charge that person with only refusing a breathalyzer test, or do they give them a driving while intoxicated charge as well? Law enforcement officers around the country have debated this for many years. It is current policy that in the situation, the person would receive both charges.

Some avoided this protocol for while before agreeing to it. Automatically giving a double charge when suspecting a motorist of driving while intoxicated, would hinder the officer from handling the situation objectively. Police officers need to seriously analyze the situation and weigh in all evidence before making a charge. While the decision to also administer a DUI charge is ultimately up to the officer, state police departments encourage the double charge.

Over Thanksgiving weekend, police officers nationwide arrested many people for refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test--and had prime opportunity to employ the newly enforced double charge. Included in the group of those arrested is veteran federal prosecutor Gerard B. Sullivan. However, there was just one crucial difference--he was the only one who avoided a DUI charge as well. Two motorists told officers that he appeared "out of it" at a green light and proceeded to swerve continuously and hit curbs. When police caught up with Sullivan, he admitted to driving drunk and was taken to the station. Even though he was the only one that escaped a DUI charge, his job is in serious jeopardy as a result.

Facing criminal charges of driving while intoxicated is an overwhelming and scary process. Conviction of drunk driving will have life altering consequences including the loss of job and driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best protection of your personal freedoms and liberties, it is important to contact a hard-working and experienced Maryland DUI attorney or Maryland criminal lawyer immediately.

Practicing law in a populated and metropolitan area, a Maryland criminal lawyer will likely help famous clients who have been charged with a number of criminal charges. Examples of cases handled are much like that of former child star Brian Bonsall, who was taken into police custody for assault after getting into a bar brawl. He is being held in county on two separate bonds amounting to $7,500.

The Family Ties and 'Star Trek' The Next Generation star is currently facing third-degree assault charges for hitting his friend in the face with a bar stool. Bonsall and his "friend" Michael Trujillo were arguing at the bar when Bonsall was asked to leave. However, Bonsall reacted angrily and proceeded to beat Trujillo with a bar stool. According to police reports, alcohol is to have played a factor in this case, as Bonsall did not remember the incident the next day. However, the actor admitted that both he and his friend are bipolar and consume/possess drugs. Bonsall blames the possession of drugs as well as his psychological disorder for his failure to remember the assault.

Bonsall is no stranger to problems with the law. In 2004, he was arrested for driving while intoxicated. And in 2007, Bonsall was arrested for assaulting his then-girlfriend. For both charges, Bonsall failed to show to his court hearings. Therefore, when he was arrested for assault last week, police already had charges against him. All of the legal discretion have ultimately hurt Bonsall's case in this instance. It is likely that his sentencing will be greatly affected by his history.

Facing accusations of assault charges is an overwhelming process regardless of celebrity status. Conviction of criminal charges will have life changing consequences including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best defense of your personal liberties and freedoms, it is important to contact a hard-working and experienced Maryland criminal attorney immediately.

Practicing law in a metropolitan area, it is common for a Maryland DUI lawyer to represent famous individuals on charges of drunk driving. Examples of cases handled are much like the incident involving reality t.v. star Shayne Lamas, who was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol. The Bachelor and Leave it to Lamas star was out on the town with friends, when she willingly drove through a mandatory check-point on her way home. According to her testimony, she believed that she would pass the breathalyzer test. However, when the breathalyzer test indicated that Lamas was over the state legal limit, she was immediately arrested for driving while intoxicated. After a quick night in the drunk tank, Lamas was released the next morning.

Although Lamas was due in court for her misdemeanor driving while intoxicated charges on December 9th, the reality t.v.star decided to take matters into her own hands. Two days before her court appearance, Lamas pled guilty to a lesser charge of "wet reckless" driving instead of a more serious driving while intoxicated charge. "Wet reckless" driving can replace driving under the influence charges when there is a non-injury incident.

However, this is the only break she is likely to receive. Insurance companies treat "wet reckless" driving the same as driving under the influence, and it still counts on a person's record as a DUI if he/she is convicted of another DUI within ten years of the incident. The judge sentenced Lamas to three years of probation and to undergo alcohol education and complete a county run and organized program. This a similar sentence to what many other celebrities have received for their driving while intoxicated charges, including Khloe Kardashian and Lindsay Lohan. Lastly, Lamas was fined $300 for her DUI charges.

Being accused of driving while intoxicated charges is a difficult and scary process for anyone to go through, regardless of celebrity status. Conviction of a DUI will have numerous severe consequences including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. Therefore, it is vital to contact a hard-working Maryland DUI attorney, who will give you the best legal advice and legal representation possible for your case.

As a Maryland criminal lawyer, it is important to keep updated with the potential consequences that clients could face for a variety of criminal charges. In some states, providing aid to a murder can result in as harsh of consequences. Although he did not pull the trigger, thirty-eight year old Darcus Allen may potentially receive severe consequences because of his involvement in the murder of four police officers in. However, Allen provided aid to the responsible person, Maurice Clemons as he dodged police after the shooting. In the eyes of the law, Allen would also be held accountable for the deaths of the police officers, and receive murder charges because he assisted Clemons.

Last Sunday, Clemons walked into a coffee-house and fatally shot four police officers who were inside. When fleeing the scene, he was shot by one of the dying police officers in the abdomen. Although he should have died, with the help of family and friends like Allen, Clemons survived over two days on the run, before being killed by a solo patrolling officer.

According to investigators, Allen did time in a southern prison with Clemons. Over time, the two developed a close relationship to one another. This explains why Allen was in the first group of family and friends who assisted Clemons escape police officers. Allen acknowledged that during Thanksgiving break, Clemons spoke of murdering police, school children, and random people at intersections. On the day of the murder, Allen drove Clemons to the murder scene, and noticed that three police cars were parked in the lot. He went to buy a cigar while Clemons committed the murder. However, when his friend returned with a bullet in his abdomen, Allen sped off.

As a result of his help in the murder of law enforcement officers, prosecutors warned Allen that he could be charged of being an accomplice to an aggravated murder. Should he be convicted, he could be held to the same standards as the real shooter and therefore receive similar consequences. The possibilities for being an accomplice to an aggravated murder in some states can be as extreme as life in jail without release, or execution.

Allen was not the only accomplice to the murder, however. A total of six people are now under investigation for the murder of the Washington police officers. This group included two women, Quiana Maylea Williams and Letrica Nelson, who were also brought to court after being held for over seventy-two hours, with a $500,000 bail. Both women have been accused of giving aid to Clemons, providing him with clothes, money, and a means of transportation. After helping Clemons, both women discussed the potential legal repercussions of their actions, but decided that family was "too important."

Generally in state law, the punishment for being an accomplice to a murder typically depends on the helpers state of mind. The accomplice must know prior to the event that a murder was about to take place--participation may not be guessed. Currently, investigations against Allen have not been fully completed. However, as evidence mounts, his chance of avoiding jail-time grows less and less.

Being charged with murder, or aiding an aggravated murder can be shocking, stressful, and life-changing. Conviction of murder charges will have irreversible consequences and will result in jail time. For the best legal defense possible for your case, it is important to contact an experienced and aggressive Maryland criminal attorney immediately.

Practicing law in a metropolitan area, it is common for a Maryland DUI lawyer to represent a number of celebrity clients who have been accused of driving while intoxicated charges. Cases handled are much like that of reality T.V. star Stephanie Pratt from 'The Hills', who was arrested after police suspected that she was driving under the influence of alcohol.

Pratt, along with the other stars of 'The Hills', was celebrating cast member Holly Montag's twenty-sixth birthday at a downtown hot spot, Empire. After celebrating for several hours, the group decided to relocate. At the end of the night, everyone took their own cars home, including Pratt.Shortly after she drove away, police pulled Pratt over for erratic driving, with suspicions that she had been driving while intoxicated. Pratt took two separate breathalyzer tests--one reading 0.8 and the other 0.9. Although the legal limit is 0.8, the police still arrested Pratt and took her to county jail. She was released the next day on $5,000 bail. By October 28th, Pratt officially received misdemeanor drunk driving charges. If convicted, she faces up to six months in jail and $1,000 fine.

Pratt's drunk driving arrest shows how seriously law enforcement officials treat driving under the influence. Even though the reality star was right on the legal limit to drive, she was still booked on driving while intoxicated charges.

Facing driving while intoxicated charges is an overwhelming process for anyone to go through, regardless of celebrity status. Conviction of a DUI can be life changing and result in the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. To prevent your personal liberties and freedoms from being compromised, it is essential to contact an experienced and hard-working Maryland DUI attorney immediately.

As a Maryland criminal lawyer practicing in a metropolitan area, it is common to represent individuals who have been charged with a variety of criminal charges. However, in today's high-tech internet age, it is important to remember that although it is possible to convey messages to millions of people, it can also have serious consequences. Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are now being looked at by law enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal and inappropriate activities. Such is the case of Pulp Fiction screenwriter, Roger Avary, who is currently serving a year-long sentence for causing a fatal drunk driving accident.

Avary, 44, pled guilty in August 2009 of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, as well as a slew of other driving while intoxicated charges. In 2008, an intoxicated Avary lost control of his Mercedes-Benz, and slammed into a telephone pole. One of the passengers in the car, Andreas Zini, 34, was killed immediately upon impact. Zini and his new bride were vacationing for their honeymoon, and a mutual friend set up the meeting. Avary's wife, Gretchen, was also severely injured as a result of the drunk driving accident.

Prosecuting attorney Michael Lief demanded that Judge Edward Bodie give Avary a punishment for the crime--six years and eight months in jail. However, Judge Bodie sentenced Avary to a year-long sentence in a county jail, citing his lack of criminal background and community standing. Additionally, Avary was given permission to attend a work-furlough program, allowing him to leave the jail for occupational purposes.

Regardless of the sentencing, both prosecuting and defense attorneys were shocked at this decision. Normally, people convicted of driving while intoxicated- DWI, driving under the influence- DUI, or operating while intoxicated- OWI do not receive such lenient sentences. Participation in the work-furlough program is reserved for inmates who have jobs, were not convicted of a fatal crime, and are sentenced to jail time exceeding thirty days. By definition, this should not apply to Avary.

Inmates involved in the work-furlough program live in military-style barracks, and are allowed to leave only for work, reporting back at night and on the weekends. They also do not have access to internet of any kind while in the program. Avary's time in the work-furlough program began October 26th, and ended last week when he sent out inappropriate Twitter messages from his place of work, strictly against his probation guidelines. In those messages, Avary discussed strip searches within the jail, lockdowns, and talks with gangbusters. Once the news sources published Avary's tweets, he was moved to a county jail, as opposed to the lower-security work program.

All parties are in shock at the lack of care taken by Avary--he could have spent nine months in a low security work program for a fatal drunk driving accident, for which he was at fault. However, due to his actions, he will now stay in county jail for the duration of his sentence.

This case reminds everyone how important it is to watch what you say on the internet, as it can be traced and read by millions of viewers worldwide. Facing criminal charges is a difficult and scary process for anyone to go through regardless of celebrity status. If convicted of criminal charges, your life could immediately change--driving privileges could be lost or you could be subjected to jail time. To prevent this from happening from you, it is important to contact a hard-working and experienced Maryland criminal attorney for representation.

Drunk driving accidents can have life-altering consequences for all parties involved. Throughout the career of a hard-working Maryland DUI lawyer, many clients will be represented who have been accused of driving while intoxicated charges. They are not the only ones affected however--In the United States each year, over 13,000 Americans die in drunk driving related accidents. In order to combat this problem, several innovations have been suggested to protect drunk drivers from getting on the roads. One of the most popular, is the installed breathalyzer systems in cars that would prevent an individual from driving should they be intoxicated.

This new bill is currently pending before Congress. If passed, it would need all people convicted of driving while intoxicated- DUI, driving under the influence- DUI, or operating under the influence- OWI to install the breathalyzer system in their cars. In order to start the vehicle, the person must blow into a breathalyzer test installed into the car. If passed, the car will start. If the breathalyzer test reads higher than the legal limit, the car will not turn on.

Currently, there are 150,000 interlock systems installed throughout the United States. However, this generally applies to people who have multiple convictions for driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence, or operating under the influence. However, anti-drunk driving organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) intend on taking the law a step further with the current pending legislation.

If this bill passes in Congress, then states would not be required to comply with the measures intended to prevent drunk driving. Should they decline to adopt the new policies, their highway funding from the federal government will be cut significantly. However, only eleven states have enacted legislation that requires individuals convicted of drunk driving to have an interlock system in their car. Generally, this is a provision so the convicted person does not have to give up all driving privileges, but at the same time, does not drive while intoxicated a second time.

Critics of the new bill say that the pending legislation goes too far. According to Sarah Longwell, the managing director of the American Beverage Institute, if this bill passes it could open the door to implementing interlock systems on all cars, not just those of convicted drunk drivers. This could make participating in American past times difficult. For example, Longwell reminds the public: "If you go to the ball game, and enjoy one beer, you would not be able to drive home," regardless of whether the person was intoxicated or not.

Supporters of MADD and other anti-drunk driving organizations are realistic about the situation. It is very likely that technology advanced enough to be installed in every car is over a decade off. However, current breathalyzer technology can make significant improvements immediately. New Mexico has implemented the interlock system on cars of convicted drunk drivers. Since that time, DUI related fatalities in the state of New Mexico have dropped over thirty-five percent. This provides evidence that installing interlock systems can cut the number of injuries and/or deaths sustained as a result of driving under the influence.

Facing driving while intoxicated charges is a difficult process for anyone to go through. Conviction of DUI charges can have life changing consequences including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For guidance navigating through the complex legal system, contact an experienced Maryland DUI attorney or Maryland criminal lawyer for the best legal representation.

Practicing criminal defense law in a metropolitan city, it is likely that a Maryland criminal lawyer will represent individuals who have been accused of drug possession charges and/or drug distribution charges. In big cities, local authorities have plenty reason to worry. This week, local police officers found vast amounts of ecstasy pills with President Barack Obama's face on them.

Drug offenses tend to be high in very populated regions of the country, particularly close to the nation's border. Federal and local law enforcement agencies seize narcotics such as marijuana and cocaine often. However, the drug possession charges of over two hundred ecstasy pills comes as a shock for local officials. It is very uncommon that officers discover MDMA pills, as they are now commonly known.

Early morning November 30th, 2009, police officers received a call reporting a reckless driver. According to officials, ecstasy was one of many illicit drugs found in the vehicle. The driver, Mario Guadalupe Saenz, authorized police to search his automobile. During that time it was confirmed that Saenz was in possession of drugs including over two hundred ecstasy tablets, along with numerous Xanax pills. (A prescription anti-anxiety medication).

The ecstasy tablets came in all shapes, sizes, and colors. In order to attract customers, the pills were shaped like popular figures, such as Barack Obama. It is believed that this was to look like vitamins, in order to attract children into taking the pills.

According to investigators, drug manufacture and drug distribution of these ecstasy tablets does occur within the United States. However, the main source of these illicit narcotics is from abroad. Although the origin of the drugs seized from Saenz's vehicle is currently unknown, upon further investigation officers found several grams of cocaine and several ounces of marijuana. Additionally, also found in the vehicle was a six gram mass of tar-heroin.

When dealing with the law enforcement officials, Saenz was allusive concerning whether the drugs in possession were for personal use or intended for drug distribution. Furthermore, he offered contradicting stories about where he acquired the various narcotics. Police officers arrested Saenz for drug possession and intention of drug distribution. In addition to bond being posted at $113,000, he was arraigned on four counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of marijuana possession. The largest penalty for these drug possession charges is twenty years in prison, and an addition fine of up to $10,000 if convicted.

Facing drug distribution charges and/or drug possession charges is a scary and difficult process for anyone to go through. Conviction of drug charges will have significant consequences that could be life changing--including, the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. To prevent this from happening to you, it is important to contact a hard-working and experienced Maryland criminal attorney for representation immediately.