A theft charge in Maryland has two main elements. The state must show that you took or possessed property that belonged to someone else and that you intended to permanently deprive its owner of it. From there, Maryland has a variety of theft-related charges you may face, like shoplifting, unauthorized removal of property, unauthorized control […]
In some situations, self-defense is a viable defense in Maryland. You can use this defense as long as you weren’t the aggressor or didn’t bring the fight to the level of deadly force. You must have believed you were in immediate danger, the danger must have been reasonable, and you can’t have used more force […]
There is often confusion surrounding whether a person is legally obligated to provide assistance to others in various situations. Generally speaking, you are not legally required to come to someone’s rescue when they’re in danger. However, there are some notable exceptions. If you are the one who put someone in danger, it is your legal […]
There are several types of DUI hearings. Your initial bail hearing usually occurs within 24 hours of your arrest and establishes pretrial conditions. The next hearing is a bail review hearing to determine whether you will be released pending trial. Later, you’ll have a Motor Vehicle Administration hearing to decide how your case may impact […]
People who are in drunk driving accidents are more likely to have severe injuries than those in other types of accidents. Drunk driving reduces the driver’s reaction time and contributes to injury-causing forces through speeding, colliding with other vehicles, hitting fixed objects, and dealing crushing blows to the body. Among the most common drunk driving […]
An ignition interlock device is like a breathalyzer that controls whether your car is operable or not. After a drunk driving conviction, the state of Maryland may require the installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. You’ll have to blow into it before driving and during driving to allow your car to function.
When you’re found guilty of a Maryland DUI, you face two months to five years of jail time and up to $5,000 in fines. The variation depends on factors like your previous driving history, DUI history, and the circumstances of your current case. The punishment for DUI increases each time you have a subsequent conviction. […]
In Maryland, you’re “under the influence per se” when you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or greater. Another variation is “driving while impaired” which involves a BAC of .07 or higher. Anyone under the age of 21 who drives with any amount of alcohol in their system can be charged with DUI. […]
At Zirkin & Schmerling Law, our clients frequently need fast information about the steps to take immediately after a DUI arrest. That’s why we created the Roadmap for Your Maryland DUI/DWI Case. We encourage you to read the full roadmap for detailed insight into the steps that should happen after your arrest. A summary is […]
Yes, you can get a DUI if you’re underage in Maryland. You will likely face stiff penalties as the courts want to send you a message that prevents you from getting another DUI. Minors with DUI charges face the same legal consequences as adults, plus they receive strict restrictions from the Motor Vehicle Administration that […]