When you’re charged with a DUI, it can feel as though you don’t have many options except to get through it as quickly as possible, even if that means pleading guilty. Many people facing a DUI charge don’t realize the extent of their options. When you consult with a DUI defense lawyer, you get a focused approach to your case. If you’re wondering if you really need a lawyer for your DUI charge, this blog explains how you can potentially get your DUI dismissed.

What does a DUI/DWI include?

A DUI covers impaired driving when an individual’s blood alcohol level (BAC) is over .08. The punishment for a DUI depends both on your blood alcohol level (with stricter punishment for a BAC over .15) and how many prior offenses you may have on your record. That doesn’t mean the punishment is more moderate for a first offense. Anytime you’re charged with a DUI, it disrupts your life with stressful, expensive consequences.

In Florida and Maryland, there are serious consequences ranging from first DUI conviction results in a fine between $500 and $2000, automatic DUI school, and installing an interlock device on your vehicle for up to six months for BAC over .15 and potentially including jail time .

The consequences get more expensive and disruptive for subsequent DUI convictions, with fines up to $5000, license revocation for up to 10 years, and an interlock device for up to two years. Not only is it essential to avoid future DUIs, but getting a charge dismissed, whether it’s your first, second, or third DUI, can have a huge impact on your life.

What do DUI defense lawyers do?

Regardless of the severity of the DUI, a defense lawyer can provide guidance and insight to fight the charges, minimize the sentence or have them dismissed entirely. A DUI defense lawyer will start by gathering evidence in your case.

The defense lawyers of Kurtz, Peters, and Associates bring granular attention to detail to the evidence. We look for opportunities for pre-trial motions to exclude or suppress evidence or even dismissal.

Hiring a defense lawyer doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have to go to trial over your case. If you were wrongfully charged, or there isn’t evidence to support the charges, a pre-trial motion for dismissal can end the ordeal

When should I contact a defense lawyer?

As soon as you’re charged with a DUI, you should contact a defense lawyer. The earlier you have legal representation to deal with a DUI, the more a lawyer can do to help you fight the charges and build a case if it goes to trial.

It’s crucial to never plead guilty to a DUI before talking with a lawyer, even if you just want the ordeal to end. Taking a plea in your case may seem like the simplest way to put a DUI charge behind you. However, because of escalating minimum sentencing, pleading guilty to a DUI can mean more significant disruption to your life in the future.

Kurtz, Peters, and Associates is a team of unrivaled DUI defense lawyers working in Maryland and Florida.

Our tenacious DUI defense lawyers fight for clients in the courtroom to secure judgments in their favor. We provide unparalleled expertise in navigating the court system and the legal nuances following a DUI. When you’re overwhelmed and uncertain about your options, we bring a detailed approach to every case. Plus, we back our expertise with a commitment to clear, transparent communication and integrity. We work across Maryland and Florida, providing clients with legal expertise for personal injury, criminal law and defense, and police brutality or violation of rights.

Were you charged with a DUI? Make an appointment with top DUI defense lawyers with Kurtz, Peters, and Associates.