How to Reduce DUI Charge to Reckless Driving in Maryland

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Sometimes, it’s tough to get out of DUI charges for reckless driving in Maryland, but there may be an option to reduce these charges. Maryland has strict laws against DUI and it’s difficult to make a strong case for yourself without an experienced DUI attorney by your side.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at all the technicalities you must be aware of concerning DUI charges in Maryland. Along with suggestions on how you can reduce a DUI charge to reckless driving in Maryland.

What Is Reckless Driving In Maryland?

Reckless driving and negligent driving both fall under misdemeanor offenses in the state of Maryland, defined under section 21.901.1 of the Maryland Transportation Code. Reckless driving involves driving a vehicle in a manner that shows a willful disregard for the safety of individuals or property. Individuals can be charged with a DUI to reckless driving if they run red lights or drive on a suspended license while drunk.

Negligent driving, on the other hand, is a lesser included offense that involves careless driving endangering life or property. This can include speeding beyond the limit, failing to yield the right way or driving too close to other vehicles. The level of danger involved in both these actions separates one from the other.

Understand The Law: DUIs and DWIs

If you’re charged with DUI for reckless driving in Maryland or any other state for that matter, the state will try to discourage you from committing a DUI offense ever again & therefore, prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. This means that even if you were wrongfully charged by law enforcement, the state will try to convict you.

In Maryland, if you’re arrested for DWI and refuse to take the field sobriety tests or blow above a 0.08, your driving privileges will be suspended automatically on the forty-sixth day after your arrest. However, you do have the right to request a hearing at the MVA within ten days of your arrest to challenge the suspension and seek reinstatement of your driving privileges.

The prosecution is in a position to burden you with the harshest penalties allowed by the law. It’s not always warranted to be punished the harshest, which is why having a DUI lawyer by your side is essential. Not having one can result in you getting the highest punishment and penalties by the state.

Being charged with a DUI can result in several punishments, including the suspension of your driver’s license to begin with, and the possible imposition of 8 points on your driving record. In addition to this, you will also have to pay a fine of up to $500 and possibly be jailed for up to 2 months.

If a minor was involved during the DUI charge, the fine will be doubled to $1000 and the jail time will increase to 6 months. Thankfully, hiring a DUI defense lawyer can help you mitigate most of these charges, given your case is strong.

It’s important to act quickly and contact a Maryland DUI lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected, your driving privileges are restored, and you have a strong defense against your DWI charge. A qualified attorney can guide you through the hearing process, represent you in court, and work to minimize the impact of the charges on your life.

Build Your Defense with an Experienced DUI Attorney

A DUI charge has a bunch of legal implications, such as suspension of license and penalties, but it can also have a severe impact on your personal life, and taking DUI charges lightly can make you face multiple unfortunate consequences.

For starters, being charged with DUI can place a permanent strain on your driving record. It can also make it difficult for you to find employment or a house, and negatively impact your social status and possibly personal relationships. Lastly, a person convicted of a DUI felony can lose their voting rights and place obstacles to gaining new voting rights.

Hiring a DUI attorney is the only way to reduce your charges and protect your personal life. A DUI attorney can present various arguments in your defense and their arguments will depend on the following factors:

  • Whether it was a first offense, or a repeated offense
  • How reliable was the process followed by the law enforcement officer
  • Did the law enforcement officer suppress any evidence during the arrest?
  • The driver’s Blood Alcohol Level (BAC)
  • Whether the driver caused an injury
  • If the driver causes an accident

 

A defense attorney will also gather credible evidence that supports your case and this can include video footage of the arrest from the police or other witnesses. Eyewitnesses, if present, can also be asked to share their testimony and independent lab results can be used to attest to the BAC levels.

Negotiate With The Prosecution & Attend Court Hearings

A DUI attorney will evaluate all the factors mentioned above to make a credible case to help reduce your charges for reckless driving. Your attorney will have the knowledge and skills to help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Your attorney will negotiate with the prosecution to reduce your charges. This can involve negotiating a plea deal or presenting evidence that challenges the prosecution’s case against you. An experienced DUI defense lawyer will know the most effective negotiation strategies and will make sure to get you out of the charges in the best way possible.

Your attorney will also guide you through the court hearing process. As mentioned previously, if you refuse a breathalyzer test or blow above a .08, your driving privileges will be suspended on the forty-sixth day after your arrest, and you’ll have ten days to request a hearing at the MVA. Your attorney will represent you at the hearing and present evidence and arguments in your favor to help you get your driving privileges reinstated.

In addition to representing you at the MVA hearing, your attorney will also attend court hearings with you. They will help you prepare for your court appearance and advise you on how to present yourself in a positive light. Your attorney will also work to minimize the impact of the charges on your life and help you understand the potential consequences of a conviction.

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