Maryland DUI Lawyer Offers Strong Defense to Accused Motorists
Carroll County DWI attorney challenges questionable stops and evidence
If you’re arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Maryland, your life may change forever. Strict state laws can trigger fines, the loss of your driving privileges and even incarceration if you’re convicted of a DUI. No matter what led to the arrest, you need experienced legal support to protect your rights. At the Law Office of Joseph E. Ashley in Hampstead, I have spent more than 15 years defending people throughout Carroll County against allegations of driving under the influence. Even if you’ve tested over the legal blood alcohol limit of .08 percent, a conviction is not automatic. My firm can often identify prejudicial flaws that occurred during the law enforcement and testing processes so that you can avoid unfair punishment.
Firm pursues fair results for people charged with drunk driving
With the passage of the Drunk Driving Reduction Act of 2016, also called Noah’s Law, Maryland has what many people consider the toughest laws in the country for motorists convicted of drunk driving. So if you’ve been charged with DUI or DWI, you need a diligent criminal defense attorney who will provide detailed advice on issues such as:
- Ignition interlock devices — Anyone who is guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol now must have an ignition interlock device installed on their car. These fixtures require motorists to provide a breathalyzer sample well below the legal intoxication limit in order to operate their vehicle.
- Possible sentence reduction — When circumstances warrant, I advocate for a reduction in charges or sentencing for individuals accused of DUI or DWI. In some cases, pleading to a charge of reckless driving can help you avoid jail and other sanctions that restrict your driving privileges.
- MVA hearings — Failing or refusing to take a breathalyzer test triggers a license suspension that lasts for at least 180 days. My firm assists motorists who wish to request an administrative hearing and represents them during the proceeding.
- Driving while impaired (DWI) — Drivers whose blood alcohol level is slightly below .08 percent can still face criminal punishment for driving while impaired. I take the same aggressive approach to these DWI cases as I do to cases involving DUI accusations.
Failing to obtain the proper legal counsel can lead to serious penalties, even if you are not convicted. In a free initial consultation, I will give you the facts you need to make smart decisions about your DUI or DWI case.
Carroll County advocate advises clients on potential testing problems
From the moment a police officer decides to make a DUI stop, serious legal flaws can occur. I know how to determine if a defense is available because proper grounds did not exist for a stop or an arrest. Moreover, numerous factors can alter the result of a breath or blood intoxication test. My firm reviews what happened during those procedures to see if a test was improperly administered or if the sample was tainted.
Contact a skillful Maryland DUI defense attorney for a free initial consultation
The Law Office of Joseph E. Ashley represents Maryland clients who have been accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please call 443-639-8399 or contact me online to schedule a free initial consultation at my Hampstead office.