Maryland DUI Lawyers Blog

Carl Snowden, the director of the Office of Civil Rights for the Maryland attorney general's office, was arrested and charged with DUI and other traffic offenses, including driving while impaired by alcohol, negligent driving, failure to obey traffic control devices, and failure to obey designated land directions. This is the third time since 2002 that Snowden finds himself needing the services of a Maryland DUI lawyer.

In 2002, Snowden was charged with DUI and convicted of the lesser charge of driving while impaired and related offenses. He was sentenced to a year's probation and received a $250 fine. He refused a breathalyzer test during that arrest, and his license was temporarily suspended. In 2005, he was again arrested and charged with driving under the influence and negligent driving. In his most recent incident on June 8, 2010, Snowden was arrested and charged with DUI after an officer noticed him driving erratically.

The arresting officer reported that he noticed Snowden's vehicle veering across the center line and straddling the shoulder several times shortly before 1:30 a.m. When the officer pulled Snowden over, he claims he detected the odor of alcohol. Snowden explained that he had only had one drink. The officer had Snowden perform three field sobriety tests and then arrested Snowden on suspicion of DUI. At the police station, a breathalyzer test showed his BAC to be .09, slightly above the legal limit of .08 for DUI and .07 for DWI.

Snowden is not the only public official to recently seek counsel from a Maryland DUI attorney after repeated DUI charges. David A. Jacobs, a lobbyist who has represented the Prince George's County Council and Sheriff's Department, was released in November of 2009 after serving 36 days in jail as required under the terms of his sentence for his seventh DUI conviction. In the accident which led to the conviction, Jacob's BAC was twice the legal limit for DUI, registering at .17.

After Jacobs' most recent DUI conviction, he received a sentence of 28 days in an inpatient alcohol treatment program. Maryland DUI lawyers know that repeated DUI arrests and convictions are may be an indication of alcoholism for which treatment, rather than jail time, is often the more suitable solution.

Maryland DUI lawyers are no strangers to tales of bizarre incidents, and the recent case of a man police alleged to be drunk, high, and having sex while driving is no exception. The Maryland man plead guilty to DUI charges resulting from an accident last year that seriously injured his girlfriend. According to police, William Michael Watson, Jr., 25, was driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana while having sex with his girlfriend when he crashed his truck last September.

Watson pleaded guilty to DUI and aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence in the accident that severed his girlfriend's foot, caused her leg to be amputated below the knee, and left her with serious neck injuries. The guilty plea came as part of a plea agreement, an arrangement between a Maryland DUI attorney and the prosecution to ensure the best possible outcome to the case. Watson's plea agreement allowed for the dismissal of other charges against him, including speeding and driving without a license and insurance.

According to charging documents, Watson lost control of his pickup on a rainy night, striking an embankment and causing the truck to flip. A passerby came upon the scene and called police, noting that the girlfriend was pinned beneath the truck and naked from the waist down. The witness reported that Watson was crawling out of a window of the truck with his pants "around his ankles." Watson's girlfriend told police that prior to the crash, he had been drinking beer "one right after another." Watson admitted to police that he had also smoked marijuana prior to the accident, and that he and his girlfriend had been having sex "for a while" before crashing.

While not every DUI arrest involves so many elements that could lead to an accident, most Maryland DUI lawyers have seen their share of strange cases. In this particular case, any number of things could have caused the wreck: rain, speed, DUI, or sex while driving.

Drunk driving offenses carry deep penalties including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and heavy fines. Every Maryland DUI lawyer knows that the consequences of driving under the influence or driving while impaired can be devastating to those convicted. No matter the consequences, however, there continue to be repeat DUI offenders.

Earlier this year, a Maryland delegate from Prince George County introduced a bill to require those with repeated Maryland DUI convictions to have a special license plate. The bill would have required yellow plates that stated, "DUI," for five years for any person convicted of driving under the influence three or more times. Those obligated to have the special DUI plates would have to pay $500 for these plates.

The idea of specialized license plates for people convicted of certain crimes is not new. For example, people convicted of sex crimes often must obtain "Sex Offender" plates as a requirement for registered sex offenders. DUI plates have been proposed in the past, but have failed to gain the approval of Maryland's legislators.

This most recent attempt at DUI plates for those with multiple DUI convictions also failed to pass. Legislators could find no evidence that such a technique would actually reduce Maryland DUI convictions or prevent repeat offenses. While proponents of the DUI license plates stated that people "need to know who is sharing the road with them," such plates were deemed unnecessary, as all drivers should practice defensive driving. In fact, distracted driving is more prevalent than the 2,029 drivers who would have been required to have DUI plates had the bill passed.

A Maryland DUI defense attorney knows that the legal consequences of a DUI conviction are severe enough without the additional penalty of shaming a driver through a license plate. The social stigma of a criminal record from a DUI conviction alone is often enough for lasting implications. Those facing Maryland DUI charges must seek immediate counsel from a competent defense lawyer to challenge the charges against them and help protect their freedom and driving privileges.

Practicing law in a metropolitan area, it is common for an experienced Maryland DUI lawyer to represent a number of celebrities or famous individuals who have been accused of driving while intoxicated charges. Just because a person is in the public eye, does not mean that they will not be punished if caught drinking and driving, particularly if they have multiple violations against them. In a recent case with similar circumstances, a former reality television star was caught by police drinking and driving for his second alcohol-related infraction in the past month.

"The Hills" reality television star Jason Wahler, 23, was pulled over by law enforcement officials on March 19th. Immediately police officers noticed signs of intoxication--the car and his breath smelled of alcohol, and Wahler was slurring his words. After performing a number of sobriety tests, a breathalyzer test registered his blood alcohol content at 0.19 percent, over double the legal limit of 0.08. Wahler was taken into custody for DUI charges, just a week after another altercation on March 11th, in which Wahler was arrested abroad for getting into a bar fight. If convicted of driving while intoxicated charges, the former reality television star faces up to six months in prison.

Wahler has stated in interviews that he was "very, very ashamed of everything," in reference to his most recent DUI bust and drunken bar fight. However, this is not his first time being accused of drunk driving charges. In one year, the former television personality was arrested four times, in four different states, all on alcohol-related violations. Additionally, Wahler has made stints in rehab and has been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. According to "The Hills" star, he fell out of contact with his AA sponsor while working on movies and relapsed back into his alcoholism. He also maintained that he returned to meetings this week, and will continue to attend and participate actively.

Facing driving while intoxicated charges is a difficult and overwhelming process for anyone to go through, regardless of celebrity status. As seen by the example of Jason Wahler, repeated convictions of drunk driving charges will have life-changing consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. To prevent your personal liberties and freedoms from being taken away, it is essential to seek counsel of a hard-working Maryland DUI attorney immediately. Doing so can not only provide the best legal advice and legal representation, but also help ensure the most successful outcome for your case.

During the legal career of an experienced Maryland DUI lawyer, it is common to represent a number of individuals who have been accused of drunk driving charges, but received multiple sentences. In order to be considered a "repeat offender" by the court, a person would have to be charged in two separate occasions. This definition was recently reinforced by a Maryland court that ruled an individual could not be punished as a repeat offender for two violations of law that occurred at the same time.

Just over two years ago, Eric Washington was pulled over by law enforcement officials for driving erratically--he was weaving between lanes, and made an improper turn. Immediately, the police officer noticed a strong smell of alcohol on his breath, and that Washington's voice was slurring. A number of sobriety tests were administered, including a breathalyzer test. Washington failed all of them, and registered a blood alcohol content level of 0.25, or three times the legal limit. Police arrested him on Maryland DUI charges, as well as driving with a BAC over the limit.

Although both of these charges stemmed from one specific incident, the trial court treated the second charge as a "repeat offense." This would ultimately make Washington's punishment for the crime double, as the sentences would run consecutively, instead of at the same time.

On appeal, Washington's Maryland DUI attorney argued that it was unfair to punish each charge as separate incidents. The Maryland Court of Appeals agreed, using the "rule of lenity" as justification. Under Maryland State Law, "The policy behind the rule is that the Court will not interpret a... criminal statute so as to increase the penalty that it places on an individual, when such an interpretation can be based on no more than a guess as to what (legislature) intended." As there was no available evidence showing that the Maryland General Assembly intended to punish offenders twice in same instance, it was decided that the rule of lenity applied in Washington's case. Therefore, as a result of his Maryland DUI charges, he will serve approximately two years in prison instead of five--cutting his prison sentence in half.

Facing charges of driving while intoxicated is a difficult enough, let alone to be wrongfully considered a "repeat offender." Seeking legal counsel can help provide answers to the questions that an accused individual will undoubtedly have regarding their case. Conviction of a Maryland DUI will have life-changing consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working Maryland DUI lawyer immediately.

Practicing law in a metropolitan area, it is common for an experienced Maryland DUI lawyer to see a number of cases where professional athletes have been accused of driving while intoxicated charges. Cases handled are much like that of Redskins cornerback Byron Westbrook, who was recently arrested while driving drunk in the State of Maryland. Although it is unknown at this time whether he will face any disciplinary action with the National Football Association, the professional athlete is currently facing Maryland DUI charges as a result of the arrest.

While driving on Route 5 at Lakewood Place, a Charles County law enforcement deputy saw a Mercedes-Benz driven by Westbrook, 25, cross the center line many times and drive erratically. After pulling the vehicle over, the police officer immediately noted the smell of alcohol in the car and on Westbrook's breath. Immediately he administered several sobriety tests to the football player, while he ultimately failed. As a result, the Redskins cornerback was charged with driving while intoxicated, negligent driving, and failure to drive right of center.

While no official word has been announced, the General Manager of the Redskins assures the public that they take the matter very seriously--in an email he wrote, "We take these issues very seriously. Moving forward, we play to meet with Bryon and will continue to monitor the situation." Although Westbrook played fifteen games last season for the Redskins, it is unknown at this time what his future affiliation with the team will be.

Facing Maryland DUI charges is an overwhelming and difficult process, regardless of celebrity status. Conviction of a DUI will have life-altering consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working and trustworthy Maryland DUI attorney for a free consultation 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.

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 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.

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.