In 2008, law enforcement officials across the State of Maryland arrested nearly 24,000 people for driving while intoxicated. A significant portion of this number are repeat offenders, convicted of drinking and driving more than once. An experienced Maryland DUI lawyer sees this all too often, as many represented clients have been cited for multiple alcohol-related infractions. There is recent example where police charged a Maryland man for crashing into a retired judge, that ironically relieved him of a previous DWI punishment in 1998.

Over ten years ago, Maryland resident Rene Fernandez drove near Gaithersburg in the early morning hours when a police officer noticed him driving erratically--he quickly turned right into a parking lot and spun out before coming to a stop. After law enforcement officials performed several sobriety tests, Fernandez's blood alcohol content registered at 0.14, nearly twice the legal limit.

Just a few weeks later, Fernandez received his second Maryland DUI charge and the case was brought in front of former Montgomery County District judge Edwin Collier. Originally, the judge sentenced Fernandez to 60 days in jail, but Judge Collier eventually suspended the sentence. The repeat offender was given a year of supervised probation and required to submit to drug and alcohol testing.

Fernandez went 11 years without receiving a Maryland DUI. In August 2009, Fernandez was driving northbound on Woodfield Road. After allegedly swerving across lanes on the highway, Fernandez sideswiped a Dodge Dakota on his right. Driving the other vehicle was Edwin Collier, the judge that suspended his jail sentence in 1998. As a result of the most recent DUI charges, Fernandez was in court last Wednesday, facing eight charges including causing life-threatening injuries while intoxicated.

Facing DUI charges in the State of Maryland is a complicated and difficult process, regardless of how many convictions a person has had. As seen by the example of Rene Fernandez,a DUI can have life-changing consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, probation, and/or jail time. Therefore, it is important to seek the highest quality legal advice and legal representation by retaining a hard-working Maryland DUI attorney today. Acting quickly will help ensure that your case has the best possible outcome.

As the legal career of a dedicated Maryland DUI lawyer revolves around representing people who have been charged with Driving While Intoxicated, it is important to make the public aware of any new changes in state legislation that could potentially affect these cases. Recently introduced legislation would mandate that all individuals convicted of a DUI install an interlock ignition system into their vehicle as part of their sentence.

The interlock technology forces a motorist to blow into a breathalyzer system that would prevent the car from starting if the results registered over the legal limit. However, amendments were added allowing an exemption from this requirement for defendants who received probation before judgment in their DUI case.

Before the legislation can become law it must pass through the Maryland House of Representatives. And, as of last Friday, the bill remained in the House Judiciary Committee for deliberation. The group in charge of reviewing the bill is currently debating proposals only requiring those with blood alcohol content results registering between .12 and .15 to have the interlock system. Although these figures are well above the legal driving limit in the State of Maryland, the proposed changes would create a new category of "one sip over the line," making it easier for those convicted of a DUI to regain their personal liberties and freedoms after fulfilling their sentence.

Being accused of driving while intoxicated is a difficult and strenuous process for anyone to go through, regardless of the circumstances. As seen by the new bill being debated by the Maryland legislature, DUI and DWI charges can have life-changing and permanent consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, probation, fines, and/or jail time. For the highest quality legal advice and legal representation, it is vital to contact a hard-working and experienced Maryland DUI attorney immediately. Doing so can also help ensure the most positive outcome for your case.

As the legal career of an experienced Maryland criminal lawyer revolves around representing individuals who have been accused of criminal charges, it is important to update the public on any new information that could be beneficial to suspects. Recently, the Maryland House of Representatives approved legislation designed to eliminate gang activity, in response to violent crimes committed by these organizations around the state.

Last Tuesday, updated anti-gang legislation swept through the Maryland House of Representatives, winning approval by a vote of 111-28. Even though laws concerning gang activity were already on the books, law enforcement officials and state prosecutors contend that they were largely ineffective. The new legislation would make it easier to prosecute these individuals with Maryland criminal charges, as it defines "criminal gangs" and "criminal gang members," while broadening the scope of criminal violations considered "gang activity." Intimidating witnesses, carrying a firearm and second-degree assault are all now crimes that can make gang members eligible for harsher penalties, should the presiding judge deem it necessary.

Estimates from the Maryland State Police state that approximately 600 gangs, with a total of 9,000 members conduct themselves within the state. However, critics contend that the new legislation will only serve to single out juveniles who are guilty, only by association. According the chairman of the Maryland Juvenile Justice Coalition, Kinji Scott, "You cannot take every child and throw them away because of crimes committed by some." Additionally, former gang members have also spoken out. Baltimore public high school student and ex-gang member Christian Bailey explained that because many jail inmates ally themselves by gang association, sending juveniles to the same location would do more harm than good. "I have a hard time understanding what's the good thing about sending a juvenile gang member to somewhere where a majority of gangs are going," he stated.

Facing criminal charges is a difficult and overwhelming process, regardless if the accused is in a gang or not. As seen by the updated and recently passed legislation, conviction on gang-related charges will have permanent and life-changing consequences, ultimately resulting in jail time. For the best protection of your personal freedoms and liberties, it is important to contact a hard-working and trustworthy Maryland criminal defense lawyer for assistance. Doing so immediately can help ensure the most successful outcome for your case.

Practicing law in a metropolitan area, it is common for an experienced Maryland criminal lawyer to represent city employees who have been accused of criminal charges. These individuals can include clerks, elected officials and even police officers. The circumstances are similar in a recent case where a former Maryland chief of police was arrested for stealing a gun and selling it illegally.

Last Friday, David Eichelberger, former police chief of Morningside, was sentenced to serve sixty days in jail after being convicted of Maryland gun charges and theft charges. He was accused of stealing a .40-caliber handgun that was registered property of the Morningside Police Department. Eichelberger then proceeded to sell the firearm out of the trunk of his police car for an unknown amount.

Immediately following the launch of the investigation against him, Eichelberger was fired from his position by Morningside officials. Circuit Court Judge for Prince George's County, Nicholas Rattal, originally sentenced him to serve five years in prison for the Maryland gun charges, and eighteen months for the theft. In the end however, both sentences were suspended to sixty days, which can be served concurrently. In addition, he is also required to serve eighty hours of community service and pay $300 in fines.

Being accused of criminal charges is a difficult and overwhelming experience for anyone to go through, regardless of occupation. As seen by the example of David Eichelberger, conviction of Maryland gun charges or theft charges can have life-changing consequences, including losing your job, paying fines, and/or serving jail time. For the best protection of your personal liberties and freedoms, it is essential to contact a hard-working and aggressive Maryland gun lawyer. Doing so immediately can not only provide the highest quality legal advice and legal representation, but also help ensure the most positive outcome for your case.

Throughout the legal career of a dedicated Maryland criminal lawyer, it is common to represent individuals who have been accused of a variety of criminal charges. Often, these people are not accused alone, and others are also suspected of partaking in the criminal activity. The circumstances are similar in a recent case where six Maryland men are being charged for an alleged home invasion, where the victims were held at gun point and tied up.

Six Maryland men are facing Maryland armed robbery charges after Rockville police officers conducted a traffic stop and discovered drugs and evidence of other crimes in the vehicle. On March 12 and March 22, the men allegedly barged into private residences where high-stakes poker games were taking place. Dressed in police officer's uniforms, they forced their way into the home, tied up the poker players, and stole various items from the homes such as jewelry, cash, and credit cards.

As a result of the investigation conducted by law enforcement officials, Kevin Guzman, 19, Dalio Guzman, 20, Samie Neil, 20, Francis Voysest, 19, and Kadeem Haynes, 19 have all been accused of Maryland armed robbery charges, including the use of a firearm, wearing a mask, and abduction. The sixth man, Hung Nguyen, 31, was charged with robbery. The investigation is currently ongoing. According to police spokeswoman Lucy Caldwell, "We have very strong suspicions that more people may have been victims but are reluctant to come forward to report it."

Facing accusations of criminal charges is a scary and difficult process for anyone to go through, whether the person is alleged to have acted alone or in a group. As seen by the above example, conviction of armed robbery charges can have life-changing consequences, including significant jail time. To protect your personal liberties and freedoms, it is vital to contact an experienced and hard-working Maryland armed robbery lawyer for assistance. Doing so immediately can not only provide the best legal advice and legal representation, but also help ensure the most positive outcome for your case.