After a DUI arrest, the first few days are a blur. It can be hard to know what matters most – getting a lawyer, retrieving your car, checking on the status of your license, or planning a defense strategy. Too many drivers decide to sit back and wait before getting a jump on things. However, the first 48 hours after a DUI arrest are the most critical. This is when you can recall what happened, make a plan, and get representation.
Learn what to do after a DUI arrest in Maryland and why contacting a lawyer ASAP is the right course of action. A DUI lawyer can challenge a DUI arrest and build your defense, possibly preventing a lot of legal back-and-forth that could take months. With the right steps after a DUI arrest in Maryland, you can protect your future.
Need a consult? Saller, Ernstberger, & McElroy offer DUI defense attorneys in Baltimore, MD. Work with a team that knows the law, will learn your case, and fights for your rights.
Disclaimer: articles on sallerlaw.com are not intended as legal advice and should not be taken as such, please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Baltimore, Maryland
Immediately After the Arrest: 0 - 12 Hours
Immediately after your arrest, you will be taken into custody and processed at the police station. If you submitted to a breathalyzer test on-site, it is unlikely any other tests will be performed. However, if there was a major injury, death, or suspicious behavior, police may request an additional chemical test. (Learn more about the accuracy of a breathalyzer test for DUI charges in Maryland)
You will receive paperwork explaining the charges, court requirements, and what, if any, driver’s license restrictions will be applied. The vehicle will have been towed or impounded from the arrest site, and it will be your responsibility to regain the vehicle by paying the tow or impound fee during operational hours.
Most first-time DUI offenses are released after booking, with no requirement to pay cash bail. For subsequent DUI arrests or if there was any injury, death, or other suspicious behavior, you may be held pending an appearance before a judge to set bail.
The Following Day: 12 - 24 Hours
Review all paperwork for your court date and MVA hearing. Both of these are critical to your case and should not be missed. Check to see what license restrictions have been applied to your driving privileges. Gather all relevant documentation together and make a record of what you remember – before the arrest, during, and after. Details and evidence opportunities will be critical for your lawyer. Do not erase any photos, videos, or other supporting files.
Avoid discussing the case publicly or posting anything online; social media posts can be referenced and used in a court case. Contact a DUI defense lawyer in Baltimore, MD, and arrange a consultation meeting to discuss your arrest and pending charges. The sooner you can discuss the details and make a start on your defensive strategy, the more likely you will receive a positive outcome.
Meeting Your Lawyer: 24 - 36 Hours
Most DUI defense lawyers will want to arrange a consult ASAP. There is often a short window (7 – 10 days) following a DUI arrest to send in documentation, ask for an MVA hearing, or start rehabilitation classes. Your lawyer can advise you on what actions to take and what needs to be completed.
During your DUI consult, you may review the circumstances surrounding the arrest, any breathalyzer or chemical test results, photo or video evidence, and the current charges. Your lawyer will also review your MVA hearing timeline and the likely outcome of your license, independent of the final legal or criminal charges.
Creating a Defensive Strategy: 36 - 48 Hours
Your lawyer will act quickly to request evidence, documentation, arrest reports, and more while explaining how to protect your license after a DUI arrest. You will discuss your best defense strategy and build your case from there. Working together, you will closely review the potential legal consequences, including loss of driving privileges, an ignition interlock installation, higher insurance premiums, fines, jail time, etc. While the intent is always for a positive outcome, knowing all possible consequences is important for thorough planning.
While the lawyer handles the case and legal documentation, it is important to remain on good behavior and follow all requirements of the release. For any questions, your DUI lawyer and their team can advise. While the first 48 hours after a DUI arrest can be stressful, the right planning can ensure a positive outcome, reduced charges, and protected driving privileges.
Local DUI Defense Attorneys in Baltimore, MD – Call Now
Saller Law offers DUI defense support in Baltimore, MD. We have handled cases for first DUI charges, second DUI charges, and third-offense DUI charges. Our attorneys carefully review all arrest records, circumstances, evidence, statements, and more. It is our job to protect your rights and ensure you receive a fair hearing with the best chance for a positive outcome.
Don’t let a DUI derail your life; call today for a consult, and we can assist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a DUI arrest?
In the first 48 hours after a DUI arrest, you want to gather all documentation, make note of your court date, MVA hearing, and any other deadlines, and contact a DUI lawyer. Staying on top of all information will ensure the best chance of a positive outcome.
When should I contact a lawyer after a DUI arrest?
You want to contact a lawyer ASAP – either at the station during booking or immediately upon release. An experienced DUI attorney will act fast in the first 48 hours after a DUI arrest to gather evidence, make note of deadlines, and build your defense strategy.
What happens to your license after a DUI arrest?
If your BAC was above the legal limit, or you refused a test, your license will be immediately confiscated, and a temporary license will be issued. There is a 10-day period to request an MVA hearing to prevent a license suspension; otherwise, your license is immediately suspended after 45 days. You may also choose to enroll in the ignition interlock program within 30 days of your arrest to avoid a hearing.
What should I bring to my consult with a DUI attorney?
In the first 48 hours of your DUI arrest, be sure to gather all paperwork, documentation, and evidence to bring with you during your lawyer consult. Any recordings or photos should also be presented. Your lawyer will review the court-provided paperwork and anything else you have on hand. For a DUI defense consult in Baltimore, contact Saller Law.
