Maryland DUI & DWI Lawyer

Call us today at (301) 870-1200 and speak with a Trusted Waldorf Criminal Defense Attorney

Few things are as nerve-racking as being pulled over by a police officer. To then be suspected of drunk or intoxicated driving will only start a stressful process where your reputation, your driving privileges, and even your freedom are at stake. At The Law Office of Robert R. Castro, we offer the help you need and deserve. We are here to help you make sure that one mistake or one overzealous officer doesn’t turn into a permanent criminal record.

As both a successful businessman and lawyer, Robert Castro is especially qualified to handle the complexities of your DUI or DWI case, assessing your options, and calculating the likeliest outcomes of each option. You can find the insightful, clear advice you need at our DUI/DWI defense firm. Get the help you need today.

Fighting the Penalties for DUI/DWI in MD

Know What You’re Up Against. Discover Your Defense Options.

In Maryland, you can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) for having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. But even if your BAC is below this level, at 0.04% or higher, you could still face a charge of driving while impaired (DWI). For either charge, you could be looking at jail time, heavy fines, driver’s license suspension, and more.

On top of this, you could face a minimum of six month of driver’s license suspension, and you may have to install an ignition interlock device. This is to say nothing of the social repercussions of a DWI or DUI conviction. The taint on your reputation can affect your relationships, career options, housing opportunities, and more. You simply cannot afford to plead guilty, nor can you afford to go without the strongest defense possible. At The Law Office of Robert R. Castro, you can find the powerhouse defense you need from our Waldorf DUI/DWI defense lawyer.

Important Information About DUI and DWI Charges in Maryland

Understanding DUI and DWI Offenses

In Maryland, DUI and DWI offenses are separate but closely related. A DUI charge applies when a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, while a DWI charge can be charged with a BAC as low as 0.04%, especially if there are signs of impaired driving. Drug impairment, including prescription medication or illegal substances, can also lead to DWI charges, even without alcohol involvement.

A DUI lawyer can carefully evaluate the evidence against you, such as field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and police observations. Every part of the case must be examined to ensure that your rights were respected from the initial traffic stop to your arrest.

How DUI and DWI Arrests Commonly Occur

Most DUI and DWI arrests begin with a traffic stop for a minor violation, such as speeding, swerving, or a broken tail light. Officers use these stops to observe behavior, request sobriety tests, and determine whether to proceed with an arrest. In other cases, law enforcement sets up sobriety checkpoints to monitor drivers in high-traffic areas.

Field sobriety tests are often subjective, and mistakes in administering them can undermine the prosecution’s case. Breathalyzer machines must also be properly maintained and calibrated. Our DUI lawyer in Maryland knows how to challenge the reliability of these tests and bring errors to the court’s attention.

Immediate and Long-Term Consequences of a Conviction

A DUI or DWI conviction carries more than just court-ordered penalties. Aside from fines, jail time, and license suspension, you may face increases in insurance premiums, job loss, and difficulty securing future employment. Professional licenses, such as those held by healthcare workers, teachers, or commercial drivers, can also be put at risk.

Social consequences, including damage to your personal reputation and strained relationships, often follow a conviction. Our Maryland DWI defense attorney works to minimize not just the legal penalties but the lasting impact on every part of your life.

Common Defenses Against DUI and DWI Charges

Several defenses are available against DUI and DWI charges. Illegal stops, improper field tests, breathalyzer errors, and constitutional violations can all be challenged. Medical conditions, like acid reflux, can also cause false positives.

Our experienced DUI lawyer will analyze police procedures, chemical testing, and every interaction to identify defenses that may reduce or dismiss the charges.

Mistakes to Avoid After a DUI or DWI Arrest

One of the most damaging mistakes is pleading guilty without consulting an attorney. Even a first offense carries penalties that can affect you for years. Another common error is failing to request an administrative hearing to fight the automatic suspension of your driver’s license, which must be done quickly after an arrest.

Communicating with police, prosecutors, or the court without a DUI lawyer in Maryland by your side can also result in missed defenses or admissions that weaken your case. Acting early and following your attorney’s advice can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

How Long Does the DUI/DWI Process Take?

The timeline for DUI and DWI cases depends on the severity and complexity of the charge. Misdemeanors often resolve faster, but felonies or cases with multiple offenses can extend for months.

Throughout the process, a Maryland DWI defense attorney works to challenge evidence, handle hearings, and negotiate resolutions that serve your best interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I contact a DUI lawyer after an arrest?
Immediately. Early legal intervention can protect your rights and help preserve key evidence.

Is it possible to avoid jail time for a first DUI in Maryland?
Yes. Many first-time offenders are eligible for probation before judgment (PBJ), which can avoid jail and prevent a conviction from appearing on a criminal record.

Do I have to submit to a breathalyzer test?
Maryland’s implied consent law requires drivers to submit to breath tests, but refusal results in automatic license suspension.

Can prescription drugs lead to a DWI charge?
Yes. Even legally prescribed medications that impair your ability to drive safely can result in DWI charges.

How long will my driver’s license be suspended after a DUI or DWI?
It depends on factors such as prior offenses and whether you refused testing. Suspension periods range from six months to several years.

Can I get a DUI or DWI expunged from my record?
In most cases, DUI and DWI convictions cannot be expunged. However, expungement may be possible if your case is dismissed or you are found not guilty.