Richard P. Arnold Former Assistant State's Attorney
Firm Overview
Attorney Profile
Criminal Defense Newsletter
Practice Areas Overview
Sexual Offenses
DUI / DWI
Other Traffic Offenses
Juvenile Law
Theft / Shoplifting
Drug Offenses
Criminal Law
Resource Links
Contact Us
Home
Are You Facing DUI Charges ??

You want answers, and you need experienced representation, Please click here to use our case evaluation form.

Criminal Law / Sex Offenses Information Center

For indepth information on Criminal Law and Sex Offenses, click here.

Criminal Law / DUI / Drunk Driving

For indepth information on Criminal Law and DUI Offenses, click here.

The Law Offices of Richard P. Arnold

7525 Greenway Center Dr.
Suite 314
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: 301-474-5550
Fax: 301-345-0975
richardparnold@hotmail.com

With Additional Offices IN: Rockville, Annapolis, Upper Marlboro
Printer-friendly version		 "The Right Man to Keep You Out of the Wrong Place"
Free Consultation - Call 301-474-5550

Call us now

or use the form below.

Name:


Phone Number:


Email Address:


Comments:

 

Click here to provide more information.

Frequently Asked Questions about Drunk Driving

Q: What is "blood-alcohol concentration" or "blood-alcohol level"?

A: Blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is the level of alcohol in the bloodstream from drinking alcoholic beverages. BAC readings are used in court as evidence in drunk-driving cases. The most common method of measure is a breath test, although blood and/or urine testing is sometimes done. A result of .08 or higher may establish a presumption of intoxication. The details of the .08 BAC presumption laws vary among the states, but all 50 states have adopted .08 as their official intoxication level, in large part because of a federal threat of otherwise withholding highway funds.

Q: Can I refuse a Breathalyzer® test?

A: Every state has its own version of an implied consent law providing that a driver impliedly consents to alcohol testing just by the act of driving. In many states, a refusal to take a breath test is itself a criminal violation subject to stiff penalties. For example, refusing a breath test might result in automatic drivers-license suspension or revocation. If you are ultimately found guilty of a drunk-driving offense, there may be additional penalties because of the test refusal, such as a stiffer sentence. Your test refusal may also be used as evidence against you in a drunk-driving case.

Read More

In 2001, more than 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Police and highway patrol officers are cracking down on drunk drivers with increasing frequency as a result of influence from groups like MADD and public outcries in general. If you find yourself at the center of this crackdown, you need an experienced drunk driving attorney to represent your interests and work toward the least restrictive outcome possible.

Maryland DUI Defense Attorney

A drunk driving or DUI/DWI conviction can be make you life very difficult. At the Law Offices of Richard P. Arnold, we understand your license could eventually be suspended, or even revoked. In Maryland, after being stopped and charged with driving under the influence, or driving under the influence per se, you have only 10 days to seek an administrative hearing, or your license will be suspended for 45 days and could eventually be revoked. Criminal charges are a serious matter. You need an experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer to defend your rights. The following information is meant to help you understand the DUI/DWI process, and what you need to do.

Overview of the Crime of Drunk Driving

Each US state has its own set of drunk-driving laws, but there are certain concepts and features common to most states' drunk-driving jurisprudence. Basically, as we all know, it is illegal and a crime for a person to operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs to a degree that impairs his or her safe driving ability and judgment. Both criminal and civil penalties for drunk driving can be harsh and often include:

  • Loss or suspension of license
  • Large fines
  • Substance-abuse treatment
  • Jail or prison time
  • Community service
  • Restitution
  • Criminal record
  • Restrictive probationary license programs, including ignition interlock devices and Cinderella licenses

In addition, the social stigma and effect on your career may have lifelong negative consequences.

Read More

The Role of Probation in Drunk-Driving Sentencing

Probation is by far the most common sentence for people convicted of drunk driving, especially for first-time offenders. Probation is a criminal sentence served in the community, rather than in jail or prison. Most states limit terms of probation to a maximum of five years. If you are facing a drunk-driving charge, an experienced lawyer can assist you with your defense and, if necessary, advocate for a fair sentence.

Read More

The Prosecutor's Role in a Drunk-Driving Case

Prosecution refers to the government's role in the criminal-justice system. When criminal activity is suspected, it is up to the government to investigate, arrest, charge and bring the alleged offender to trial. A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the government and who is responsible for developing and presenting the government's case against a criminal defendant. Prosecutors may be called county attorneys, city attorneys, district attorneys or states' attorneys. Some jurisdictions may even have experienced police officers act as prosecutors in drunk-driving cases. The prosecutor is the opponent or "adversary" of the criminal defendant and his or her attorney; the two sides go head-to-head against each other in court.

Read More

Reliability of Breath-Test Results in a Drunk-Driving Case

In every state in the US, a driver with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher is presumed to be legally intoxicated for drunk-driving purposes. Each state has also enacted an implied-consent law. Implied-consent laws provide that every licensed driver within the state is considered to have given his or her consent to chemical testing to determine his or her BAC whenever a law enforcement officer has reasonable suspicion of intoxication. In most states, refusal to submit to such a test results in license suspension or revocation.

Read More

The Impact of a Drunk-Driving Conviction on Your Auto Insurance

An alcohol-related car accident and subsequent drunk-driving conviction can bring many negative consequences into your life, possibly including jail or prison time, a criminal record, car repair or replacement, restitution, guilt and grief over harm to others, higher insurance premiums, a civil lawsuit, fines, court and administrative fees, community service, alcohol education, substance-abuse treatment, social stigma, restrictions on or revocation of your drivers license, attorneys fees, restrictive probation and others. If you are arrested for or charged with drunk driving, a criminal-defense lawyer can advise you about your legal rights and help you fight the charges.

Read More