Trusted DWI/DUI Lawyer in Harford County
Have you been charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI)? This is a serious offense in Maryland and can have serious consequences such as jail time, fines, and restrictions on your future ability to drive. If you’re facing a DWI/DUI charge, contact DUI lawyer Timothy A. Cook today.
What Is a DUI?
Under Maryland drunk driving laws, a DUI charge is more serious than a Driving While Impaired (DWI) charge. A DUI charge means your blood alcohol content (BAC) was measured at .08 or greater. It is assumed that this amount of alcohol made you unsafe to drive. Maryland law calls a BAC of .08 or above “under the influence per se.”
Maryland DUI Penalties
A DUI in Maryland is a misdemeanor charge but does carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine of $1,000 for a first-time offense. For second or subsequent offenses the penalties are increased.
Second Offense
Your second offense of DUI could mean much stiffer penalties, including:
- Up to 2 years in jail
- $2,000 fine
- 12 points added to your MVA record
- Revocation of your license and a requirement for an ignition interlock device
- Mandatory participation in an alcohol abuse program
What to Do If You’re Charged with DUI
Follow these steps as soon as you are allowed to make a phone call.
Contact Timothy A. Cook, DUI Attorney Immediately
There are time limits on when you may need to request an MVA Hearing or have the ignition interlock put on your vehicle so you can continue driving. Loss of driving privileges is often the first and, sometimes, the most devastating consequence of a DUI.
Meet with a DUI Lawyer to Discuss the Facts of Your Case
There may be a defense to the charges and any good lawyer needs time to properly prepare a defense. Motions for Discovery must be filed and all State’s evidence reviewed to determine if a successful defense can be mounted.
Determine Whether to Move the Case
If the case is one in which a plea bargain must be reached, it may be best to move the case to Circuit Court depending on the State’s recommendation and the Judge in District Court. All good DUI lawyers know their local judges and whether to avoid a certain judge or stay in that courtroom.
Put Yourself in The Best Position
Timothy A. Cook has been representing clients and defending DUI/DWI cases in Harford County, Cecil County, and Baltimore County since 1988. I am familiar with all the Judges and State Attorneys. I can advise you on whether to defend the charges or work out a plea bargain. I know what judges to avoid and how to put you in the best position to avoid jail time and license suspensions.
Get a Free Consultation
Contact Timothy A. Cook, Attorney at Law, today if you’re facing a DUI/DWI charge in Harford County, Cecil County, or Baltimore County. I understand good people sometimes make bad choices. I have extensive experience in representing clients in District and Circuit Courts in Bel Air, Elkton, and Towson for DUI and DWI. I can help you get through the court system and the MVA system and get this behind you. Payment plans are available in most cases. We also accept credit and debit cards.