Ocean City, MD Alcohol-Related Crimes Lawyer

Skilled Criminal Defense Attorneys for Clients Accused of Alcohol Offenses in Ocean City, MD

Having a couple of drinks might seem harmless on its own, but when things get out of hand, law enforcement may get involved. If you have been accused of an alcohol-related offense in Maryland, you should seek out legal representation at the earliest opportunity. An Ocean City criminal defense lawyer can advise you on how to respond to these charges and represent your best interests in court.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we are prepared to defend you against various alcohol-related offenses, whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. We will provide you with strong legal advice throughout your case based on over 50 years of shared experience between our lawyers.

Disorderly Intoxication

Disorderly intoxication is a misdemeanor offense in Maryland, and it is defined as either:

• Putting people or property at risk through your conduct while intoxicated
• Making a public disturbance while you are drinking or intoxicated in public

If you are convicted on a disorderly intoxication charge, you may face up to 90 days in prison and/or a $100 fine. Compared to many other misdemeanors, this is a light sentence. However, a criminal record will show up on background checks run by employers, so it is best to fight a conviction whenever possible. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we may be able to argue that nobody was endangered by your conduct or that your conduct did not qualify as a public disturbance.

Underage Consumption

In Maryland, it is illegal to provide alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age of 21. Exceptions may be made for religious ceremonies, such as drinking wine at a Catholic communion, or situations where drinks are served by immediate family members at a private residence. This crime is charged as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 for a first offense, and up to $5,000 for every subsequent conviction.

You may face additional penalties if you knew or should have assumed that the underage person would go on to drive a car after drinking, or if the minor caused serious injury or death while drunk driving. Under these circumstances, you can be sentenced to up to a year in prison and a maximum $5,000 fine.

DUI/DWI

Drunk driving is criminalized in Maryland, with varying penalties depending on your level of impairment, whether or not anyone was injured, and the presence or absence of certain aggravating factors.

DWI, or driving while impaired, is the lowest-level drunk driving offense in Maryland. This crime may be charged when you are pulled over and detained, but your blood alcohol concentration is measured below the legal limit of .08 percent. As a misdemeanor offense, it carries up to 60 days of jail time and a $500 fine, and even then, jail time is unlikely for a first conviction. However, it will result in points being added to your driving record, which can come with higher insurance payments and the possible suspension of your license.

DUI, or driving under the influence, is a misdemeanor crime. These charges apply when you are found to be at or above the BAC limit of .08 percent. Aggravated DUI penalties may apply if you have multiple convictions on your record or if you caused a crash resulting in injury or a fatality.

We may be able to contest a DUI charge by questioning the police procedures or the validity of BAC tests. For instance, if a police officer pulled you over without reasonable suspicion, we could have the evidence suppressed.

Contact an Ocean City Alcohol Charges Defense Attorney Today

If you have been charged with an alcohol-related offense, the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP is here to provide you with devoted counsel and representation. Our Ocean City, MD alcohol crime lawyers will work with you to determine the best strategy for your case. Call us at 410-280-2500 or contact us online for a free consultation.