tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21361658248003671342024-02-19T08:35:50.628-08:00Anne Arundel DuiGregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-16067894802929145222022-05-19T07:22:00.002-07:002022-05-19T07:22:21.820-07:00<p> <span style="background-color: #242526; color: #e4e6eb; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our address has changed slightly. Our office is still located at</span></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: #242526; color: #e4e6eb; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">517 Benfield Road</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Suite 101B</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Severna Park, MD 21146</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: #242526; color: #e4e6eb; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Our mailing address has changed to:</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: #242526; color: #e4e6eb; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">574-F Ritchie Highway</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">PMB # 159</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Severna Park, MD 21146</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: #242526; color: #e4e6eb; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">All our other contact information remains the same.</div></div>Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-89337623699855233942022-03-18T07:40:00.000-07:002022-03-18T09:34:08.995-07:00Our Comprehensive Legal Guide to DUI in MarylandFor your convenience, we have combined some of our best advice to the most commonly asked questions in one legal guide. As always, you can call us at 410-541-6DUI for answers and advice.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The Fifth Amendment Still Exists Even When
You Get Pulled Over for DUI<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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One issue I consistently see in my
DUI practice is clients not knowing their rights when they are pulled
over. Most people who are arrested for
drunken driving have never committed a crime or been arrested and are otherwise
law-abiding citizens with little or no contact with the police or the criminal
justice system.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As such, when an officer pulls
them over and asks them "Have you been drinking?" they dutifully
answer the question. Often, they say
they had "a couple of beers" or a "couple of drinks". I have seen similar statements in practically
every police report I have read as part of a DUI arrest. Sometimes the statement is true and sometimes
the driver is trying to downplay his alcohol consumption.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In every case, this statement was
used against the driver to prove they consumed alcohol before they operated a
motor vehicle. It was also used to
justify the officer's decision to arrest the driver and give them a formal
breathalyzer test.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Even though no officer will ever
say it, you do not have to answer their question "Have you been
drinking?" The Fifth Amendment
still exists.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I recommend that a driver politely
say "Respectfully, officer, on the advice of counsel I refuse to answer
that question." Some think that
saying this will increase the chances they will be arrested but I disagree.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Admitting to drinking, even a
"couple of beers" absolutely will increase your chances of being arrested
and make the job of convicting you of DUI much easier.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So please remember that an officer
cannot force you to testify against yourself even if you are driving a car.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, this is different from
whether the take the breathalyzer test, which I will discuss below. The MVA will take administrative action
against you if you refuse to take this test and the officer must advise you of
this before you make any decision. At
this point, you have the right to consult an attorney and you should attempt to
do so.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">To Blow or Not To Blow<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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One of the most common questions I
get as a DUI lawyer is whether someone should take the breathalyzer test when
arrested for drunken driving. In this post, I will discuss the pros and cons of
this decision and provide what general advice I can. Changes in the law, however,
make this decision much more complicated and really require that you contact an
attorney immediately when you are arrested and before you actually choose
whether to blow or not to blow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You have the right to counsel at
this critical juncture and you should take advantage of it. You can call our
office at 410-541-6DUI (384) 24 hours a day and speak directly with me. Keep
this information handy in case you need it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<st1:state w:st="on">Maryland</st1:state> is an "implied consent" state. This means that
by having a driver's license you are consenting to breathalyzer testing
whenever an officer has reasonable grounds to believe you are operating a motor
vehicle under the influence of alcohol. While you have a Fifth Amendment right
to refuse the breathalyzer test, you will receive a more severe administrative
sanction if you refuse the test. In addition, the prosecutor may seek a more
severe criminal sanction (TR 27-101) for refusing the breathalyzer test.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you consent to the breathalyzer
test and have a blood alcohol reading between .08 and .15 your license will be
suspended for 45 days (on a first offense). This suspension may be modified to
allow you to drive for limited purposes such as driving to work, school or
alcohol treatment. If you refuse the test or if you take the test and have a
reading of .15 or more your license will be suspended for 120 days and may only
be modified if you agree to ignition interlock in your car for at least one
year (again for a first offense). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, before the law was changed to
treat those whose blood alcohol level of .15 or higher the same as those who
refused the test, I advised first time offenders to take the test as the
administrative sanction for refusal was likely to be worse than the likely
sentence in a criminal case. Unfortunately, if you take the test and blow .15
or over you lose both on the criminal side and the administrative side.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The advantage of refusing the test
is that the State's Attorney will have one less piece of evidence to convict
you in court. As we discussed a prior post, the purpose of an officer's asking
you if you have been drinking, giving you field side sobriety tests, etc. is to
build the case against you. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to refuse
to incriminate yourself whether it is to refuse to answer the question if you
have been drinking and to refuse any tests that will be used against you in a
court of law. The breathalyzer test result is the most critical piece of
evidence used in court and without it the job of convicting you on the most
serious alcohol related charges is much more difficult. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The bottom line is this. For most
first time offenders, the administrative sanction of refusing to take the
breathalyzer is still worse than the likely criminal sanction unless of course
your BAC is .15 or higher and then it is the worst of both worlds. There is no
way to know what your blood alcohol level is short of taking some test and if
you have been drinking your judgment in figuring how drunk you are is impaired.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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That is why it is so important to
contact an attorney for sober, thoughtful analysis and advice. If the police
refuse to allow you to contact an attorney, that may be used to prevent the MVA
from taking action against you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The Most Important Thing to Do After You
Have Been Arrested for Drunk Driving<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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We have covered some issues
involved during a drunken driving arrest.
But now let’s discuss what you need to do after you have been arrested.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So it is the next day. You may need to get your car out of impound
and you have a legal mess facing you. Of
course, the very first thing you should do is contact an attorney and begin the
process of dealing with the charges you face.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You can contact me at anytime by
calling 410-541-6DUI (384) or emailing info@annearundeldui.com <o:p></o:p></div>
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In <st1:state w:st="on">Maryland</st1:state>, drunken driving charges have two
separate tracks, a criminal track, where you can face jail time or probation,
and an administrative track, where your privilege to drive is at risk.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are a <st1:state w:st="on">Maryland</st1:state> driver you should receive, as part
of the many documents given to you by law enforcement, a temporary license and
a request for hearing form. It is critical that you complete this request form
and return it to the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings along with a
check for $125 made payable to the "Maryland State Treasurer".<o:p></o:p></div>
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Under <st1:state w:st="on">Maryland</st1:state> law, your privilege to drive will
be automatically suspended on the 46th day after your arrest unless you request
a hearing within 10 days of your arrest.
So completing this request is the most important thing you need to do
after being arrested on drunken driving charges. With a timely request, you can
continue to drive normally until the date of your hearing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You may request a hearing up to 30
days after your arrest. However, if your request is made more than 10 days
after your arrest your license will still be automatically suspended on the
46th day after your arrest.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You do want to have a
hearing. At a hearing, you can challenge
the evidence against you and possibly convince the hearing judge to take
"no action" against your license.
Even if you fail to do this, you can have the suspension modified in
order to allow you to drive, under certain conditions. If you do nothing, your
license will be suspended automatically.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another point on the request. Send your request, with your check in some
form that can be tracked and that will allow you to confirm it has been
received (such as certified mail, FedEx, UPS).
While your request may be sent by regular mail if it is not received,
the Office of Administrative Hearings will take the position that you never
sent it (I have had clients where this has happened and you do not want to have
it happen to you.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, the first thing you do after
getting arrest and contacting an attorney is to properly request an
administrative hearing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Another Reason Not to Get a DUI<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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I know you really do not need
another reason not to get a DUI.
Potential jail time, loss of driving privileges, mandatory alcohol
treatment all seem good reasons to avoid getting arrested for drinking and
driving.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is another reason why you do
not want to be convicted an alcohol related driving offense. You can never expunge it from your record.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In <st1:state w:st="on">Maryland</st1:state>, the statute that provides for
expungement of criminal records (Md. Ann. Code, Crim. Proc. 10-105) expressly excludes
a drunken driving charge ("a violation of 21-902 of the Transportation
Article") from being expunged. This means that even a probation before
judgment (PBJ) for drunk driving can never be removed from your permanent
criminal record.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The reason for this is that a
defendant may not get two PBJ's within a ten year period and the State needs to
keep records in order to enforce this statute.
However, even if ten or more years has passed you still cannot obtain an
expungement.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bottom line, a drunken driving
related charge is always going to stay with you. Another reason not to get a
DUI.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you have questions about
expungement or other matters, please give us a call at 410-541-6DUI (384)<o:p></o:p></div>
Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-43447237070539743092020-12-01T07:34:00.000-08:002020-12-01T07:34:05.312-08:00Thank you for a great ten years!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPwD7aX0G0JchC9QRjx4IqaT52_A83VMsA4LVnUfvPQTbipa2iuUKz13WzTmxRXcszFNtHJg_1gT172FypCAwwPragSqJCpvn88s4NfzuD520PxEnTJCalc9PWfIqZCIuH12gEnhcd-r5/s650/front+anniversary+card2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPwD7aX0G0JchC9QRjx4IqaT52_A83VMsA4LVnUfvPQTbipa2iuUKz13WzTmxRXcszFNtHJg_1gT172FypCAwwPragSqJCpvn88s4NfzuD520PxEnTJCalc9PWfIqZCIuH12gEnhcd-r5/s320/front+anniversary+card2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="background-color: #242526; color: #e4e6eb; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today, we officially celebrate the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Law Office of Gregory M. Kline, LLC!</span><p></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: #242526; color: #e4e6eb; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you to all of the friends, family, and most importantly clients that have helped us become such a success! We literally could not do it without you.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: #242526; color: #e4e6eb; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">When we get past our current unpleasantness, we can all get together to celebrate properly but for now, let me thank you and promise you that our office will be available to help you with all your legal needs for the next decade just have we have for the last one.</div></div>Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-86969469772599805512019-11-01T07:23:00.000-07:002019-11-01T07:23:02.410-07:00Maryland gets tough on repeat drunk driving offendersAs we <a href="http://annearundeldui.blogspot.com/2019/01/governor-hogan-seeks-to-make-repeat.html">reported earlier in the year</a>, Maryland has sought tougher penalties against those charged with multiple alcohol related driving offenses. <a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2019RS/bills/hb/hb0707T.pdf">Passed during the 2019 General Assembly session, and effective on October 1, 2019, the Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act</a>, increases penalties for those charged not only with drunk driving but drugged driving as well.<div>
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Among other penalties, the act increases the maximum jail time for those convicted of vehicular homicide while under the influence from three to five years. The law now also doubles prison time from five to ten years for drivers with prior convictions.</div>
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The new law also includes heavier punishments for impaired drivers convicted of traveling with minors in the car with one year in jail for the first offense and two years for a second offense.</div>
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With criminal penalties getting tougher, it is vital that you contact an experienced defense attorney immediately if you are arrested for an alcohol related driving offense.</div>
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We have over twenty years of experience representing those charged with drunk driving. Call us today at 410-541-6DUI.</div>
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Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-31740048134670845922019-10-29T07:11:00.001-07:002019-10-29T07:11:23.979-07:00New Law Requires Ignition Interlock Machines to Have Cameras<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8SWw-4imNPbh9tARVFr6NdeYKr3iHq2q3TPjugyZrp6Jh8pX97EDgNKpKuT7scKkDPZ9UKSXZXXgv12-wzAf37EpzxK1a7g7RsDkPsZpVCZ2YamxejyGAiAR_CKdhteJiIursqaXYYsG/s1600/Virginia-new-IID-camera-222x300.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8SWw-4imNPbh9tARVFr6NdeYKr3iHq2q3TPjugyZrp6Jh8pX97EDgNKpKuT7scKkDPZ9UKSXZXXgv12-wzAf37EpzxK1a7g7RsDkPsZpVCZ2YamxejyGAiAR_CKdhteJiIursqaXYYsG/s1600/Virginia-new-IID-camera-222x300.png" /></a></div>
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Effective October 1, Maryland law now requires that drivers required to obtain an ignition interlock have a device equipped with a camera that takes still pictures.<br />
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From the <a href="http://www.mva.maryland.gov/_resources/docs/drivers/Ignition%20Interlock%20Cameras%20FAQ%20FINAL.pdf">Maryland Vehicle Administration:</a><br />
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<i>The camera will capture a still image of the person taking a
breath test (it will not record sound or video) at these times:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>• When a breath sample is collected when the vehicle is started; </i><br />
<i>• When a breath sample is collected during a rolling retest; and </i><br />
<i>• If tampering is detected. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Participants will receive instructions from their Service Provider on how to use the device when it is
installed. Images captured by ignition interlock devices will be used by MDOT MVA to ensure
program participants comply with program requirements. It is a violation of Maryland law for any
person to provide a breath sample for a program participant in order to circumvent an ignition-interlock
device</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
With Maryland expanding the requirements for ignition interlock in DUI/DWI cases, it is imperative that those facing such charges obtain the right equipment. <br />
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If you have any questions, give us a call today at 410-541-6DUI.Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-78556626094817178822019-02-21T12:05:00.000-08:002019-02-21T12:05:50.386-08:00How a Breathalyzer WorksHere is a useful video that explains how a breathalyzer works.<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rvVzlg26bCM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rvVzlg26bCM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-88432677586412516162019-01-14T09:19:00.000-08:002019-01-14T09:19:18.664-08:00Governor Hogan seeks to make repeat drunk driving a felony in Maryland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFCNEdBH1FE7sghF2iMhynaif_5mQMneq5oySNjehvJwBdGvyWpSVJUNl3AbU-XUTJVxFT9KSIdYAPhk8jMvMBUGDFr-RYFrrX4OyggAtwJRtEtTv5OdxLWHnrQ4c1RTJZc_rQyqwOfAt/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFCNEdBH1FE7sghF2iMhynaif_5mQMneq5oySNjehvJwBdGvyWpSVJUNl3AbU-XUTJVxFT9KSIdYAPhk8jMvMBUGDFr-RYFrrX4OyggAtwJRtEtTv5OdxLWHnrQ4c1RTJZc_rQyqwOfAt/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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For the second year in a row, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has proposed making it a felony to receive a third conviction (or a second offense if a fatal or serious accident occurs) for DUI with up to a ten year prison sentence. The Governor's Office stated:<br />
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><a href="https://governor.maryland.gov/2018/11/19/governor-larry-hogan-memorializes-victims-of-drunk-driving-crashes/"><span style="color: white;">In the coming legislative session, the Hogan administration will again introduce the Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act, which creates a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years for anyone convicted of a drunk or drugged driving offense on three or more prior occasions, as well as anyone convicted of causing a death or a life-threatening injury on their second and/or subsequent offenses.</span></a></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: white;">“Our administration is committed to doing everything we can to prevent future impaired driving crashes and fatalities,” said Governor Hogan. “We must do everything in our power to save lives and to prevent future tragedies, and by working together, we can make a difference and we can save lives.”</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">With changes in the legislative committees of the Maryland General Assembly who hear these kinds of bills, the likelihood of passage of tougher penalties for alcohol related driving offenses has increased. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With increasing penalties for subsequent convictions, it is more important than ever that you have experienced counsel representing you even on your first offense.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can read more about this legislation <a href="http://www.wfmd.com/2019/01/12/changes-to-impaired-driving-laws-could-be-considered-by-legislators/">here</a>.</span>Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-45435935488357533972016-10-19T10:58:00.001-07:002016-10-19T10:59:36.189-07:00Noah's Law Has Changed the Game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XrgXVcust_XTRRWHwLVBXAEzNV8XoxcDYaAF51g2I6ye5c20eLpjI9vnOn34tHd8vBb0CMhfTG1mUIXc3zlv1ZaQPvIPb19D59DUwNHsWvKCea5UEoXKm99F4DPG7hqOVzB2mMeRo_9X/s1600/after+arrest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XrgXVcust_XTRRWHwLVBXAEzNV8XoxcDYaAF51g2I6ye5c20eLpjI9vnOn34tHd8vBb0CMhfTG1mUIXc3zlv1ZaQPvIPb19D59DUwNHsWvKCea5UEoXKm99F4DPG7hqOVzB2mMeRo_9X/s1600/after+arrest.jpg" /></a></div>
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On October 1, 2016, Maryland's laws regarding drunk driving changed as "Noah's Law" went into effect.<br />
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This is how the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration describes the changes:<br />
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<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Noah’s Law mandates an ignition interlock device for convicted drivers. You are required to participate in the program for the following convictions</span></span></div>
<ul style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> Driving Under the Influence (DUI)</span></span></li>
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> Driving While Impaired (DWI) while transporting a minor under the age of 16</span></span></li>
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> Homicide or life-threatening injury by motor vehicle while DUI or DWI</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The length of time you are required to participate in the program:</span></span></div>
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<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> For the first incident is 6 months.</span></span></li>
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> For the second incident, it is 1 year.</span></span></li>
<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> And for the third or a subsequent incident, it is 3 years.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">If you receive a DWI after refusing to take a chemical test (the court shall require mandatory interlock) and you will be required to participate in the program for 1 year.</span></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">If eligible, the drunk driver may immediately opt-in to Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Program instead of serving the suspension period. An individual participating in the program can only operate motor vehicles that are equipped with an ignition interlock device.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Governor Larry Hogan led the effort to allow individuals to opt-in to the ignition interlock program through regulations finalized in March 2016. Under Noah’s Law, individuals who are detained on suspicion of committing an alcohol-related driving offense -- and either refuse a chemical test or have a test result of 0.08 BAC (blood alcohol concentration) or higher -- can elect to participate in the ignition interlock program immediately instead of requesting an administrative hearing to dispute the charge.</span></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Noah’s Law mandates successful completion of the ignition interlock program, which includes the final three consecutive months with no violations before release from the program.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Noah’s Law also significantly increases driver license suspension periods for immediate Administrative chemical test failure and refusals.</span></span></div>
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<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; max-width: 100%; width: 580px;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="9" rowspan="1" style="height: 26px; width: 580px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Comparison of Changes to Certain Suspensions under Noah's law</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 28px; width: 90px;"><div align="center">
<br /></div>
</td><td colspan="2" rowspan="1" style="height: 28px; width: 146px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">BAC 0.08-0.14</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 28px; width: 18px;"><div align="center">
<br /></div>
</td><td colspan="2" rowspan="1" style="height: 28px; width: 159px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">BAC 0.15 or Above</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 28px; width: 23px;"><div align="center">
<br /></div>
</td><td colspan="2" rowspan="1" style="height: 28px; width: 142px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Test Refusal</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 37px; width: 90px;"></td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 37px; width: 74px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Prior</span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Law</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 37px; width: 73px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Noah's Law</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 37px; width: 18px;"><div align="center">
<br /></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 37px; width: 75px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Prior</span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> Law</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 37px; width: 85px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Noah's Law</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 37px; width: 23px;"><div align="center">
<br /></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 37px; width: 71px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Prior</span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> Law</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 37px; width: 72px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Noah's Law</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 38px; width: 90px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">First Offense</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 38px; width: 74px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">45 Days</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 38px; width: 73px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">180 Days</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 38px; width: 18px;"><div align="center">
<br /></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 38px; width: 75px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">90 Days</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 38px; width: 85px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">180 Days</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 38px; width: 23px;"><div align="center">
<br /></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 38px; width: 71px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">120 Days</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 38px; width: 72px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">270 Days</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 35px; width: 90px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">Second or Subsequent</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 35px; width: 74px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">90 Days</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 35px; width: 73px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">180 Days</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 35px; width: 18px;"><div align="center">
<br /></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 35px; width: 75px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">180 Days</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 35px; width: 85px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">270 Days</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 35px; width: 23px;"><div align="center">
<br /></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 35px; width: 71px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">1 Year</span></span></div>
</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="height: 35px; width: 72px;"><div align="center">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;">2 Years</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"> BAC = blood alcohol concentration</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Enhanced penalties still apply for drivers under the age of 21; drivers who have a previously imposed alcohol restriction; drivers with a commercial license or driving a commercial vehicle; and for those with previous drunk driving convictions."</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The biggest change is that all drivers will be required to participate in the ignition interlock program. Prosecutors are also publicly stating that they will ask judges to impose ignition interlock on drivers.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">With more severe penalties, it is more critical than ever to have an experienced attorney guide you through this process and assert every available defense in both criminal court and administrative proceedings.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Call our office today for more information at 410-541-6(DUI) today.</span></span></div>
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Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-79016469161144846662016-06-01T12:30:00.002-07:002016-06-01T12:35:55.696-07:00If You Have a Commercial Drivers' License and Get a DUI You Need to Know ThisIf you make your living driving under a state issued Commercial Drivers' License (CDL), you know how important it is to protect your CDL and your ability to earn a living. While it is certainly never a good idea to get an alcohol related driving charge, CDL holders need to know what is at stake when they are pulled over, arrested and asked to submit to a breathalyzer.<br />
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This is true even if the arrest occurs while driving your private car outside of work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagoM3u6VUvE4unStAW4bDMuVu_pPNU5AQ7ygoaAzA4CoFYkXQFevNNUSSkcCzrDViRDbhoCW2x8JJUcxb7zS-HX2PhevR1dtSdf6JjwSXDRk_E21uMzdZGlI-j3THlMfBsfs_HFbg0ozZ/s1600/dui+arrest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagoM3u6VUvE4unStAW4bDMuVu_pPNU5AQ7ygoaAzA4CoFYkXQFevNNUSSkcCzrDViRDbhoCW2x8JJUcxb7zS-HX2PhevR1dtSdf6JjwSXDRk_E21uMzdZGlI-j3THlMfBsfs_HFbg0ozZ/s1600/dui+arrest.jpg" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, a recent court decision from Maryland's highest court will make it even more difficult for CDL holders to know the right thing to do. The case <a href="http://www.mdcourts.gov/opinions/coa/2016/82a15.pdf">MVA v. Seenath</a>, dealt with a CDL holder who was arrested for a DUI while driving his personal vehicle outside of work.<br />
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The Court noted that<br />
<br />
"<i>In this case, Sundar Seenath (“Seenath”), Respondent, a holder of a commercial</i><br />
<i>driver’s license, contends that the Advice of Rights form violates due process under the</i><br />
<i>United States Constitution and the Maryland Declaration of Rights because the form does</i><br />
<i>not advise that a holder of a commercial driver’s license who drives a non-commercial</i><br />
<i>motor vehicle and fails an alcohol concentration test—by taking an alcohol concentration</i><br />
<i>test that indicates an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher4—is ineligible for a 'restrictive license,' which allows a driver to drive only for certain purposes, for example,</i><br />
<i>in the course of employment. ”</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Maryland regulations require that before someone's licence can be suspended for a DUI the consequences of taking or refusing a breathalyzer must be fully explained. This was not done for Mr. Seenath particularly with regard to the impact his arrest would have on his CDL.<br />
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The Court, however, upheld his suspension despite the inadequacy of the officer's explanation stating,<br />
<br />
"<i>The Advice of Rights form does not violate due process as applied to this
case, as the record contains no indication that Seenath was misled by the Advice of Rights
form, and Seenath was not at all prejudiced as a result of his decision to consent to take an
alcohol concentration test. The Advice of Rights form is not misleading concerning a
commercial driver’s license holder’s eligibility for a restrictive license where the
commercial driver’s license holder drives a non-commercial motor vehicle and fails an
alcohol concentration test; stated otherwise, the Advice of Rights form comports with due
process</i>."<br />
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This CDL driver had no idea that agreeing to a breathalyzer test would result in the suspension of his CDL without any chance at a modification. The Court's decison states that a police office was not obligated to tell the CDL driver about that impact because he was driving a non-commercial motor vehicle when he was arrested.<br />
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Simply put, if you have a CDL and get pulled over for an alcohol related driving offense, you need legal advice immediately. The police won't explain to you that you will lose your CDL whether or not you submit to a breathalyzer and the courts say they don't have to. <br />
<br />
Keep our number 410-541-6DUI (384) handy. We are available anytime to speak on these matters.Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-36621186206670317792015-11-08T17:36:00.001-08:002015-11-08T17:36:55.891-08:00New Maryland Regulations May Affect Your DUIGovernor Hogan has proposed changes to the adminstrative regulations dealing with drunk driving. Please contact our office to learn more about how these changes could affect you.<br />
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Governor Larry Hogan Announces New Regulations to Address Impaired Driving<br />
November 6, 2015<br />
<br />
Ignition Interlock Program Expanded<br />
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ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced an expansion of Maryland’s Ignition Interlock program, which will help save lives by reducing the number of drunk drivers on Maryland roads. Beginning in 1989, Maryland’s Ignition Interlock program instituted a device that prevents a car from starting when it detects a certain level of alcohol on the driver’s breath. Under current regulations, drivers who register a 0.15 blood alcohol level or higher are allowed to opt-in to the program and keep their license without having an administrative hearing, while those who register 0.08 to 0.15 are not allowed to opt-in to the program.<br />
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Governor Hogan’s proposed regulations will allow all of these drivers the option of participating in the ignition interlock program and therefore, the ability to keep their license without an administrative hearing.<br />
In addition to expanding the number of people that can opt-in, the new regulations also will bring Maryland in compliance with ignition interlock device standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.<br />
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“Our administration is committed to protecting all Marylanders by taking the common sense steps that will help to prevent drunk driving,” Governor Hogan said. “These proposed regulations will make our roads and communities safer by ensuring that past drunk driving offenders cannot start their car after they have been drinking.”<br />
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On average, there are 7,884 impaired driving crashes across Maryland in any given year. In those crashes, 170 people die every year due to impaired driving. All of these fatalities are preventable. In Maryland, drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher are charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and those with a BAC of .04 are charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).<br />
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“Every life lost is one too many,” said Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn. “Expanding Ignition Interlock is a giant step forward in eliminating impaired driving fatalities on Maryland’s highways!”<br />
Maryland’s ignition interlock program has approximately 11,000 participants and is monitored by the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The MVA has implemented an automated comprehensive ignition interlock program, which efficiently monitors participants and allows the MVA to take action against program violations.<br />
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http://governor.maryland.gov/…/governor-larry-hogan-announ…/Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-40665384843118305872014-07-03T09:54:00.000-07:002014-07-03T09:54:10.440-07:00Your Right to An Attorney When Arrested For A DUI is LimitedRecently, Maryland's highest court ruled that the denial of your right to consult with an attorney before deciding whether "<a href="http://annearundeldui.blogspot.com/2011/05/to-blow-or-not-to-blow_3033.html">To Blow Or Not To Blow</a>" will not prevent the Motor Vehicle Administration from suspending your license.<br />
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In the case <a href="http://www.mdcourts.gov/opinions/coa/2014/52a13.pdf">MVA v. Deering</a>, the Maryland Court of Appeals stated "Even if a suspected drunk driver is denied the opportunity to consult counsel before deciding whether to take the breath test and might have a test refusal or a test result excluded from evidence in a criminal case, the driver may not avoid the automatic administrative license suspension."<br />
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<a href="http://www.mdcourts.gov/opinions/coa/2014/52a13.pdf">Ms. Deering</a> was arrested for suspected drunk driving and was taken to the local police station. This station lacked the equipment to give the breathalyzer test required by statute and took any drunk driving suspect to the closest Maryland State Police barracks. Given the limited time that officers have to give the breathalyzer test, the local police refused <a href="http://www.mdcourts.gov/opinions/coa/2014/52a13.pdf">Ms. Deering's </a>request to speak with an attorney. The court noted that other similar requests were also denied.<br />
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With recent changes in the law, the decision whether to take or refuse the breathalyzer test (<a href="http://annearundeldui.blogspot.com/2011/05/to-blow-or-not-to-blow_3033.html">which I discuss in detail here)</a> is more critical than ever. Having a consultation with counsel before making this decision can save you from making the wrong choice. However, as the Court notes, time is extremely limited and the police simply can refuse to allow you to contact an attorney.<br />
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The key is to be prepared. Keep our firm's number 410-541-6DUI [410-541-6384] handy or program it into your phone. We are available to answer your calls anytime and often take calls late at night and on the weekends when arrests often occur. Call as soon as you can and insist that you be given an opportunity to contact an attorney. Even if a denial to consult counsel does not affect the suspension of your license, it can help you in a criminal prosecution.<br />
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<br />Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-59944670353300554392011-05-31T10:10:00.000-07:002011-05-31T10:10:15.320-07:00Another Reason Not to Get a DUI<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxkTTykrZWFJhf0yVTvhuzG8xUgzDCHbVVNPET0bkWcWHyOF_e49-pj6WKL01wH3hzOZt7mmBJk_1HYiYLncf4B0_nrQxRIj63UZ6trbUvPiwrYEuhLeeM_liTZLIMe5WKz5CXeV89_G_/s1600/criminal_records_250x251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxkTTykrZWFJhf0yVTvhuzG8xUgzDCHbVVNPET0bkWcWHyOF_e49-pj6WKL01wH3hzOZt7mmBJk_1HYiYLncf4B0_nrQxRIj63UZ6trbUvPiwrYEuhLeeM_liTZLIMe5WKz5CXeV89_G_/s200/criminal_records_250x251.jpg" width="198" /></a>I know, you really do not need another reason not to get a DUI. Potential jail time, loss of driving privileges, mandatory alcohol treatment all seem good reasons to avoid getting arrested for drinking and driving.<br />
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There is another reason why you do not want to be convicted an alcohol related driving offense. <b>You can never expunge it from your record.</b><br />
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In Maryland, the statute that provides for expungement of criminal records (Md. Ann. Code, Crim. Proc. 10-105) expressly excludes a drunk driving charge ("a violation of 21-902 of the Transportation Article") from being expunged. This means that even a probation before judgment (PBJ) for drunk driving can never be removed from your permanent criminal record.<br />
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The reason for this is that a defendant may not get two PBJ's within a ten year period and the State needs to keep records in order to enforce this statute. However, even if ten or more years has passed you still cannot obtain an expungement.<br />
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Bottom line, a drunk driving related charge is always going to stay with you. Another reason not to get a DUI.<br />
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If you have questions about expungement or other matters, please give us a call at 410-541-6DUI (384)Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-86868281383724855782011-05-21T09:39:00.000-07:002011-05-21T09:41:31.100-07:00To Blow or Not To Blow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bmf3bvW_dC-3bFfdd7B_xMWIAFL3mYCNZKWjQZK2AkBGIoJXubJGnD1JdmBRdgzfHeQKGpHvEd0uqjy2zNmN-l7CqYD0C8calTicZqnzicCZgcUElOyHZ_Sib4yb2dQ8Lr9DQrR1ZDoB/s1600/breathalyzer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bmf3bvW_dC-3bFfdd7B_xMWIAFL3mYCNZKWjQZK2AkBGIoJXubJGnD1JdmBRdgzfHeQKGpHvEd0uqjy2zNmN-l7CqYD0C8calTicZqnzicCZgcUElOyHZ_Sib4yb2dQ8Lr9DQrR1ZDoB/s320/breathalyzer.jpg" width="320" /></a>One of the most common questions I get as a DUI lawyer is whether someone should take the breathalyzer test when arrested for drunk driving. In this post I will discuss the pros and cons of this decision and provide what general advice I can. Changes in the law, however, make this decision much more complicated and really require that you contact an attorney immediately when you are arrested and before you actually choose whether to blow or not to blow.<br />
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You have the right to counsel at this critical juncture and you should take advantage of it. <b>You can call our office at 410-541-6DUI (384) 24 hours a day</b> and speak directly with me. Keep this information handy in case you need it.<br />
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<st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Maryland</st1:place></st1:state> is an "implied consent" state. This means that by having a driver's license you are consenting to breathalyzer testing whenever an officer has reasonable grounds to believe you are operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. While you have a Fifth Amendment right to refuse the breathalyzer test, you will receive a more severe administrative sanction if you refuse the test. In addition, the prosecutor may seek a more severe criminal sanction (TR 27-101) for refusing the breathalyzer test.<br />
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If you consent to the breathalyzer test and have a blood alcohol reading between .08 and .15 your licensed will be suspended for 45 days (on a first offense). This suspension may be modified to allow you to drive for limited purposes such as driving to work, school or alcohol treatment. If you refuse the test or if you take the test and have a reading of .15 or more your license will be suspended for 120 days and may only be modified if you agree to ignition interlock in your car for at least one year (again for a first offense). <a href="http://annearundeldui.blogspot.com/2011/03/most-important-thing-to-do-after-you.html">(Please read our post about administrative hearings.</a>) <br />
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Now, before the law was changed to treat those whose blood alcohol level of .15 or higher the same as those who refused the test, I advised first time offenders to take the test as the administrative sanction for refusal was likely to be worse than the likely sentence in a criminal case. Unfortunately, now if you take the test and blow .15 or over you lose both on the criminal side and the administrative side.<br />
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The advantage of refusing the test is that the State's Attorney will have one less piece of evidence to convict you in court. <a href="http://annearundeldui.blogspot.com/2011/02/fifth-amendment-still-exists-even-when.html">As we discussed a prior post</a>, the purpose of an officer's asking you if you have been drinking, giving you field side sobriety test, etc. is to build the case against you. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to refuse to incriminate yourself whether it is to refuse to answer the question if you have been drinking and to refuse any tests that will be used against you in a court of law. The breathalyzer test result is the most critical piece of evidence used in court and without it the job of convicting you on the most serious alcohol related charges is much more difficult. <br />
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The bottom line is this. For most first time offenders, the administrative sanction of refusing to take the breathalyzer is still worse than the likely criminal sanction unless of course your BAC is .15 or higher and then it is the worst of both worlds. There is no way to know what your blood alcohol level is short of taking some test and if you have been drinking your judgment in figuring how drunk you are is impaired. <br />
That is why it is so important to contact an attorney for sober, thoughtful analysis and advice. If the police refuse to allow you to contact an attorney that may be used to prevent the MVA from taking action against you.<br />
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<b>Program our number into your phone 410-541-6384 and call if you ever find yourself asking whether To Blow or Not To Blow.</b><br />
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</div>Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-2371255648012630952011-03-12T12:28:00.000-08:002011-03-12T12:28:52.621-08:00Anne Arundel Police Out In Force This Week to Catch Drunk DriversWith the approach of the St. Patrick's Day holiday, the Anne Arunel County Police will be out in force looking to catch drivers they suspect of drunk driving.<br />
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A sobriety checkpoint will be conducted along Fort Smallwood Road in Pasadena and will support the “Checkpoint Strikeforce” effort in which local police are cooperating with the federal government. Additional police resources will be engaged in stepped up enforcement throughout the county especially in areas with a concentration of bars and restaurants.<br />
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It is vital that as you enjoy the St. Patrick's Day holiday you are aware that the police are looking to arrest people for drunk driving. It takes much less than most people realize to have an elevated blood alcohol level and the authorities can and have prosecuted drivers with blood alcohol levels below even .08 if they believe them to be impaired.<br />
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<strong>Be careful and be safe. If you find yourself caught up in this dragnet call me immediately 410-541-6DUI (384). You can also get more information by emailing </strong><a href="mailto:info@annearundeldui.com"><strong>info@annearundeldui.com</strong></a><strong> </strong>Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-76981764692415142392011-03-04T12:27:00.000-08:002011-03-07T13:02:52.619-08:00The Most Important Thing to Do After You Have Been Arrested for Drunk Driving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPHnrkYmSGh89tNiMcpVu1DMAUj9ptinpFrrupgia_-dZKNc1tQFPbJ_Ayhd0svpx_f7SAdTdtxbAJLt2EnsgGO3-5_Vd0vTedGDS2KLJJYEzaLYkfp0u7Fj48W5hq4v4Y2Lw3Lz_1a0L/s1600/after+arrest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPHnrkYmSGh89tNiMcpVu1DMAUj9ptinpFrrupgia_-dZKNc1tQFPbJ_Ayhd0svpx_f7SAdTdtxbAJLt2EnsgGO3-5_Vd0vTedGDS2KLJJYEzaLYkfp0u7Fj48W5hq4v4Y2Lw3Lz_1a0L/s1600/after+arrest.jpg" /></a></div>Earlier in this blog I discussed some issues involved during a drunk driving arrest. But now let me talk about what you need to do after you have been arrested.<br />
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So it is the next day. You may need to get your car out of impound and you have a legal mess facing you. <strong>Of course, the very first thing you should do is contact an attorney and begin the process of dealing with the charges you face.</strong><br />
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<strong>You can contact me at anytime by calling 410-541-6DUI (384) or emailing </strong><a href="mailto:info@annearundeldui.com"><strong>info@annearundeldui.com</strong></a><strong> </strong><br />
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In Maryland, drunk driving charges have two separate tracks, a criminal track, where you can face jail time or probation, and an administrative track, where your privilege to drive is at risk.<br />
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If you are a Maryland driver you should receive, as part of the many documents given to you by law enforcement, a temporary license and a request for hearing form. <em>It is critical that you complete this request form and return it to the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings along with a check for $125 made payable to the "Maryland State Treasurer"</em><strong>.</strong><br />
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<strong>Under Maryland law, your privilege to drive will be automatically suspended on the 46th day after your arrest unless you request a hearing within 10 days of your arrest.</strong> <strong>So completing this request is the most important thing you need to do after being arrested on drunk driving charges. With a timely request, you can continue to drive normally until the date of your hearing.</strong><br />
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You may request a hearing up to 30 days after your arrest. However, <em>if your request is made more than 10 days after your arrest your license will still be automatically suspended on the 46th day after your arrest</em>.<br />
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You do want to have a hearing. At a hearing, you can challenge the evidence against you and possibly convince the hearing judge to take "no action" against your license. Even if you fail to do this, you can have the suspension modified in order to allow you to drive, under certain conditions. More on that in another post. <em>If you do nothing, your license will be suspended automatically.</em><br />
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Another point on the request. <em>Send your request, with your check in some form that can be tracked and that you confirm it has been received (such as certified mail, FedEx, UPS)</em>. While your request may be sent by regular mail if it is not received the Office of Administrative Hearings will take the position that you never sent it (I have had clients where this has happened and you do not want to have it happen to you.)<br />
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So, the first thing you do after getting arrest and contacting an attorney is to properly request a hearing.Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-8672691740147745492011-02-07T07:12:00.000-08:002011-02-07T07:12:56.995-08:00The Fifth Amendment Still Exists Even When You Get Pulled Over for DUI<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5AQI3hV25LtXFo8kCqdyBv9m2FMloRHlGp2coate6A0_eXekcKfCpIA5XzCQ5mVyqN_wXN5MygHS1hOboYy4YyeFTn9G73-C_wdDL3k6c8b9OUn6Rtke4sdpBuoMa7_ame_jH2yg8Nkr/s1600/dui+arrest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5AQI3hV25LtXFo8kCqdyBv9m2FMloRHlGp2coate6A0_eXekcKfCpIA5XzCQ5mVyqN_wXN5MygHS1hOboYy4YyeFTn9G73-C_wdDL3k6c8b9OUn6Rtke4sdpBuoMa7_ame_jH2yg8Nkr/s1600/dui+arrest.jpg" /></a>One issue I consistently see in my DUI practice is clients who just do not know their rights when they are pulled over. Most people who are arrested for drunk driving have never committed a crime or been arrested and are otherwise law-abiding citizens with little or no contact with the police or the criminal justice system.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As such, when an officer pulls them over and asks them "Have you been drinking?" they dutifully answer the question. Often, they say they had "a couple of beers" or a "couple of drinks". I have seen similar statements in practically every police report I have read as part of DUI arrest. Sometimes the statement is true and sometimes the driver is trying to downplay his alcohol consumption. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>In every case, this statement was used against the driver to prove they consumed alcohol before they operated a motor vehicle.</strong> It was also used to justify the officer's decision to arrest the driver and give them a formal breathalyzer test.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Even though no officer will ever say it, and will argue they are not required to, you do not have to answer their question "Have you been drinking?" The Fifth Amendment still exists.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I recommend that a driver politely say <strong>"Respectfully, officer, on the advice of counsel I refuse to answer that question."</strong> Some think that saying this will increase the chances they will be arrested but I disagree.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><strong>Admitting to drinking, even a "couple of beers" absolutely will increase your chances of being arrested, however, and make the job of convicting you of DUI much easier.</strong><br />
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So please remember that an officer cannot force you to testify against yourself even if you are driving a car.<br />
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Now, this is different from whether the take the breathalyzer test, which I will discuss in more detail in another post. The MVA will take administrative action against you if you refuse to take this test and the officer must advise you of this before you make any decision. At this point, you have the right to consult an attorney and you should attempt to do so. <strong>You can call our office anytime 410-541-6DUI (6384).</strong>Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2136165824800367134.post-89129723304556777022010-12-06T06:49:00.000-08:002010-12-06T06:57:17.908-08:00I Have Been Arrested for Drunk Driving Now What<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNA7cVyvv54dUzasN0quaZbJ32Z2BJX9GTXOS6ql6SOJczCFF8juUn8S3JnKUQ1clgmpb-ouvys4xXPdtDSCt8BarZV9ZTdkUrXRU4olqmwhAbCYrGQzdyJBu_6TOvTc-FODo_p0uhKTV/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNA7cVyvv54dUzasN0quaZbJ32Z2BJX9GTXOS6ql6SOJczCFF8juUn8S3JnKUQ1clgmpb-ouvys4xXPdtDSCt8BarZV9ZTdkUrXRU4olqmwhAbCYrGQzdyJBu_6TOvTc-FODo_p0uhKTV/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>If you or someone you know has been arrested for drunk driving or driving under the influence you need to contact experienced counsel immediately. Drunk Driving is a serious offense and can lead to not only the loss of your ability to drive but jail time and a permanent criminal record. <br />
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With experienced counsel and immediate action you can avoid these outcomes in many instances but you must act immediately!<br />
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I have been representing individuals charged with drunk driving and related offenses for almost fifteen years and I am standing by to help you.<br />
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You can contact me by sending an email at <a href="mailto:info@annearundeldui.com">info@annearundeldui.com</a> or call me at 410-541-6DUI (384).Gregory M. Klinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217441766124911436noreply@blogger.com0