Mt. Airy Underage DUI Attorneys
We all make irresponsible decisions sometimes. Although they are dangerous acts, underage drinking and driving while under the influence are prevalent throughout the country. You’re driving home from a party one Saturday night at the age of 20 and you see the dreaded lights flashing in your rear-view mirror. You know the legal drinking age in Maryland is 21. You also know that you had a bit to drink at the party, and you’re sure the smell is still on your breath. So what do you do now?
Whether you’ve just been convicted and need an underage DUI lawyer in Mt. Airy, or if you just want to be sure you’re versed in what to do if you ever find yourself in this difficult situation, we’re here to help you through the process.
Determining Impairment
When you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, there are a few ways you can be tested for impairment. First, the law officer will ask for personal identification, and will note whether or not you are of the legal drinking age. Your age, the observations made by the officer of your behavior, whether or not they smell alcohol, and their initial reasoning for suspicion before pulling you over will help them to determine what next steps to take. You may be asked to take a breathalyzer test or a field sobriety test. Unfortunately, being underage while committing this crime often means that the courts will dish out stricter punishments than for an offender who is of the legal drinking age.
Penalties for Underage DUI
Maryland has established a zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving while underage. The severity of your punishment will be determined by the specifics of your offense and the efforts of your legal counsel. If you are charged with an underage DUI, you may be subject to any of the following penalties:
- Fines exceeding $1,000
- An alcohol restriction on your Maryland driver’s license
- Suspension of your Maryland driver’s license
- Ignition Interlock Device
- Arrest and detainment
- Jail time
Finding Legal Counsel
As soon as you are able, you will need to find and hire a reliable underage DUI lawyer. Ideally, they will have abundant experience with managing this specific type of case, and will be able to provide you with the guidance and legal assistance you need to ensure fair punishment. They will gather all of the information from your case and view it from many angles in order to implement the most efficient strategies for your hearings.
Your Reliable Underage DUI Lawyer in Mt. Airy
At Albers & Associates, we have managed a multitude of underage DUI cases and know how to make the process easier and penalties less harsh on our clients. We understand that people make mistakes, and we are here to help ensure you both learn from the mistake and are treated fairly by the courts. If you’ve been convicted of an underage DUI, contact us today to get the legal help you deserve.