Salisbury Alcohol Offenses Attorneys

Reliable Attorneys for Clients Accused of Alcohol-Related Offenses in Salisbury, MD

Maryland law can be harsh when it comes to prosecuting alcohol offenses. Depending on the circumstances, you might even face felony charges, which come with a permanent criminal record and the possibility of years in prison. A Salisbury alcohol offenses attorney can work with you to determine the best possible defense in your case, strategizing around the prosecution's arguments.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we have extensive experience handling alcohol-related cases on behalf of our clients. With our comprehensive knowledge of Maryland law, you can rest assured that your case will be handled by qualified attorneys. No matter how grave the charges against you may seem, we will exhaust every possible avenue in your defense.

Public Intoxication

In Maryland, public intoxication is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $100 fine. While this may seem like a slap on the wrist compared to other criminal penalties, a misdemeanor will remain on your permanent criminal record. This is something that will inevitably come up on background checks, which can hurt you in applications for jobs or housing.

Public intoxication refers to two different crimes in Maryland, although both carry the same penalty. The first definition of public intoxication refers to putting people or property in danger while intoxicated. The second definition refers to creating a "public disturbance" while drinking or intoxicated.

Public intoxication may be charged along with other similar crimes, such as disorderly conduct, which can result in higher penalties. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we will pore over the details of your case to see if your conduct met the standards of public intoxication.

DUI/DWI

In Maryland, driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are actually two separate and distinct crimes. DUI may be charged when a driver is at or above the legal limit for alcohol in their system, while DWI is a lesser charge that may apply when a driver's level of intoxication is below the legal limit.

The key evidence in DUI and DWI cases often comes down to chemical tests that measure a driver's blood alcohol concentration, or BAC. At a BAC of .08 percent, you can be formally charged with driving under the influence.

BAC measurements are obtained through chemical tests administered after you have been detained by the police. Additionally, officers may administer field sobriety tests during a traffic stop to judge how intoxicated you are, such as asking you to stand on one leg or track a moving object with your eyes. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we can challenge the results of chemical tests and field sobriety tests in court, especially if said tests were administered in poor conditions.

Underage DUI

If you are under the age of 21, you can be charged with DUI for having any amount of alcohol in your system. This is strictly enforced, and on a first conviction for underage DUI, you face a hefty $500 fine. On a second conviction, this fine is doubled.

Possession of a fake ID to purchase alcohol under 21 also comes with harsh punishments. A conviction for this offense is punishable by a $500 fine and up to 60 days in prison, along with 12 points on your driver's license, which may result in higher insurance payments and/or the loss of your driving privileges.

Meet With a Salisbury, Maryland Alcohol Offenses Attorney

If you have been charged with an alcohol offense in Maryland, the best thing you can do is to seek out a qualified attorney. At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, our Salisbury lawyers have represented clients in serious DUI cases and other criminal offenses, leveraging our knowledge of the law to secure optimal outcomes. To schedule a free consultation, call our offices at 410-280-2500 today or contact us online.