Harford County DUI FAQs
Can I represent myself?
You can represent yourself, however it would be to your detriment. “Drunk driving” is a very complex field with increasingly harsh consequences. There is a minefield of complicated procedural, evidentiary, constitutional, sentencing and administrative license issues.
What can a lawyer do?
A qualified attorney can review the case for defects, suppress evidence, compel discovery of such things as calibration and maintenance records for the breath machine, have blood samples independently analyzed, negotiate for a lesser charge or reduced sentence, obtain expert witnesses for trial, contest the administrative license suspension, all while counseling you so that the impact on your daily life is minimized.
What are the consequences for drunk driving?
DUI
- 1st Offense : maximum 1 year incarceration and/or $1,000 fine, 12 points on your driving record and revocation of your driving privilege
- 2nd Offense : maximum 2 years incarceration and/or $2,000 fine and revocation of your driving privilege
- 3rd Offense: maximum 3 years incarceration and/or $3,000 fine and revocation of your driving privilege
DWI (Driving While Impaired)
- First Offense : maximum 60 days incarceration and/or $500 fine, 8 points on your driving record and suspension of your driving privilege
- Second Offense : maximum 1 year incarceration and/or $500 fine and revocation of your driving privilege