Best DUI Lawyers in Baltimore

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Baltimore, Maryland?

  Dial 311 for non-emergencies in Baltimore.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Baltimore, Maryland?

  Using a completed mailed-in form, send the request for police reports by email to CCU@baltimorepolice.org or by mail addressed to Baltimore Police Department Attention: Community Correspondence Unit 242 W. 29th Street Baltimore, Md. 21211.

• What can a person do when questioned at a DUI stop in Baltimore?

  A person must comply with the officer's request during a DUI stop in Baltimore. They will typically be required to show their driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. They have the option of politely declining to answer questions that are not required for identification. This means they are not required by law to respond to questions about their sobriety or where they intend to go.

• When do you have the right to a jury trial for a DUI in Baltimore?

  If you are charged with DUI in Baltimore under Transportation Article § 21-902(a), you can go to jail for up to one year and have the right to a jury hearing. If you are only charged with driving while drunk under Transportation Article § 21-902(b), the most time you can spend in jail is 60 days, and you don't have the right to a jury hearing unless you are in circuit court for a de novo appeal.

• Which courts hear DUI charges in Baltimore?

  In Baltimore, district courts typically handle misdemeanor and non-violent felony cases, including DUIs. These courts can be found throughout the metro, including 5800 Wabash Avenue, 700 E. Patapsco Avenue, and 1400 E. North Avenue. Some DUI cases, particularly complex ones, are heard in the circuit courts in downtown Baltimore, at the 100 block of North Calvert Street, between East Lexington and East Fayette.

• What kinds of mistakes can DUI lawyers make in Baltimore?

  DUI attorneys in Baltimore may make the mistake of accepting a plea bargain on behalf of a client too quickly, without thoroughly investigating the prosecution's case. They may fail to explain to the client the various options for restitution in cases of drunk driving. These attorneys may make mistakes such as calling the client to testify, failing to file motions for suppression in a timely manner, and failing to consult with outside experts such as toxicologists, psychiatrists, and accident reconstruction engineers.

• Is a DUI different from a DWI in Baltimore?

  Yes. In the state, a DUI is distinct from a DWI and may result in different penalties. When arrested in Baltimore, a defendant is usually issued citations for both DUI and DWI. If the breath test result is 0.08 or higher, they will face more serious DUI charges. A DWI is usually the result of a breath test result that is less than 0.08. It also carries less severe penalties, such as up to two months in jail, whereas a DUI can result in a year in prison.