Arrested for DUI - DWI / DUI Questions

Baltimore, Annapolis, Glen Burnie, and Ellicott City, Maryland

Anne Arundel County Arrested for DUI

Q: I have just been arrested, what should I do?
A: You should first contact an experienced attorney to guide you through the legal and administrative process. For example, the Motor Vehicle Administration puts a limit on the time you have to request a hearing to keep your license after an arrest. Unless you act quickly to protect your rights, you will lose them.

Q: Why did the police officer write me so many tickets?
A: It is common practice for the police to charge a driver with as many traffic violations as they can. For instance, an officer will usually issue two (2) citations for driving under the influence of alcohol, one (1) citation for driving while impaired by alcohol, and one (1) citation for negligent driving. Further, if there are other minor traffic violations, such as speeding, running a red light, or failure to wear a seatbelt the officer will issue citations for that as well.

Q: What is a probation before judgment?
A: A probation before judgment is a grant of leniency from the Court. This means that the Court has found it appropriate to strike the guilty verdict from your record, which also has the effect of removing the points normally accessed against the Defendant's driving record. The Defendant is placed on a period of probation during which he/she will have to do certain things, and refrain from doing other things. When a probation is successfully completed, the probation ends and the probation before judgment stands. If the Defendant violates the probation and it is proven to the Judge that the probation has been violated, the Judge may revoke the probation before judgment and reimpose any otherwise legal sentence, including sending the Defendant to jail.

Q: Am I eligible for a probation before judgment?
A: We will help you determine if you are eligible for probation before judgment. However, it is discretion of the trial Judge whether the probation before judgment is granted. There are many factors which go into the Judge granting a probation before judgment, including the facts and severity of each individual matter, whether there are any aggravating circumstances such as an accident or a hit and run, and what steps the Defendant has taken prior to the trial date. In addition, Maryland Law provides that a person is not eligible to receive two (2) probation before judgments within a five (5) year period for alcohol related offenses. During your initial consultation, we will give you a series of things to do to dramatically increase the likelihood of a probation before judgment.

Q: Will the Motor Vehicle Administration suspend or revoke my license because of this arrest?
A: There are two (2) separate times when the MVA can take action against a person's driver's license. The MVA can suspend a driver's license if the results of a breath test are over a .08 or also if the driver refuses to submit to a breath test. In addition the MVA will try and suspend or revoke a person's license following a conviction in Court.

Q: What is the Ignition Interlock Device?
A: The Ignition Interlock Device is a device installed in a driver's vehicle which requires a driver to blow into the interlock device. If there is no alcohol registered in the equipment, the car will start. However, if any alcohol is detected, the vehicle will not start. Ignition Interlock can be required by either the MVA or the Court.

Q: What are the maximum penalties for a DWI or DUI?
A: The maximum penalty for a conviction of a DWI is sixty (60) days and jail and/or a $500.00 fine. The maximum penalty for a conviction is one (1) year and/or $1,000.00. Increased penalties can apply for a subsequent offenders.

Q: What can the attorneys at Jimeno & Gray P.A. do for me?
A: Upon retaining Jimeno & Gray P.A., our DUI attorneys will inform you of the important time deadlines applicable to your individual situation and immediately begin working to protect your rights. In addition, we will demand copies of the police reports, require the presence of breath technician at trial and demand you constitutional right to a speedy trial. Having reviewed hundreds of police reports as both prosecutors and defense attorneys, Gregory P. Jimeno and / or Frank C. Gray, Jr., will then work with you to build your defense.

Experience is the key. As former prosecutors, our attorneys are trained to quickly analyze police reports to see what is in them, but to more importantly, what is not. Our attorneys will also accompany you to all court proceedings as well as your initial hearing at the Motor Vehicle Administration. To put our years of experience to work for you in a free initial consultation, call 410-590-9401.