Maryland prosecutors have filed criminal charges against a male driver for allegedly causing the death of a passenger who rode his vehicle in a recent accident. The criminal complaint described the defendant’s vehicle as a 2015 Volkswagen Passat.
Police claimed that sobriety tests taken after the incident allegedly indicated that the defendant was driving under the influence or operating a vehicle while intoxicated (DUI/OWI). They also allege that the accused stated that he had come from a club before the incident happened.
When it comes to defending a charge of DUI however, there are many factors that need to be considered, including the circumstances of the accused’s interaction with the authorities at the time of the incident.
DUI/OWI Penalties
If convicted of DUI/OWI you may suffer the penalty of imprisonment and/or payment of steep fines. The severity of the punishment will depend on your blood alcohol content and any history of DUI convictions. If you are charged with DUI/OWI, you are entitled to representation to ensure that your rights are upheld.
Criminal Defenses
Every case is unique and the circumstances surrounding a DUI charge will determine the criminal defenses available for the accused. Your criminal defense attorney may raise issues concerning:
- The administration or accuracy of the field sobriety test
- Rising blood alcohol concentration
- Improper police actions such as the arresting officer’s violation of the defendant’s rights, faking a DUI report or other improper behavior
Importance of a Criminal Defense Attorney
Admissions or statements made to police or investigators when you are pulled over for suspected DUI/OWI may be used against you. It is important to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately, and to refrain from answering questions without your attorney being present. Your defense attorney will assess the circumstances of your arrest, weigh the evidence against you, and raise all criminal defenses appropriate in your situation.
In Maryland and the District of Columbia, the law firm of Lotze Mosley, LLP has more than two decades of combined experience in DUI/OWI defense cases, helping clients obtain reduced sentences and the best possible outcome for their situation.
We also handle criminal defenses for other cases such as drug crimes, gun crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence crimes, and theft.
We invite you to contact our offices today at (202) 393-0535 to speak to an attorney about your situation.
