Practice Area
DUI & Traffic Defense in Garrett County
A DUI charge in Western Maryland can result in license suspension, heavy fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. Whether you were stopped on Route 219, near Deep Creek Lake, or anywhere in Garrett County, Phillips & Allen P.A. provides aggressive DUI defense to protect your driving privileges and your freedom.
Understanding DUI vs. DWI in Maryland
Maryland distinguishes between DUI (Driving Under the Influence, BAC 0.08% or higher) and DWI (Driving While Impaired, BAC 0.07-0.08%). DUI carries heavier penalties including up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines for a first offense, while DWI carries up to 60 days in jail and $500 in fines. Both offenses result in points on your driving record and potential license suspension. Our attorneys understand these distinctions and build defense strategies tailored to your specific charge.
Defense Strategies That Work
A DUI charge does not automatically mean a conviction. Our attorneys examine every aspect of your case: Was there reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop? Was the breathalyzer properly calibrated and maintained? Were field sobriety tests administered according to NHTSA standards? Was there a proper chain of custody for blood or urine samples? Could medical conditions have affected your BAC reading? We identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and exploit them to your advantage.
The MVA Hearing: Protecting Your License
After a DUI arrest in Maryland, you face both criminal charges and an administrative license suspension through the MVA. You have only 10 days from your arrest to request an MVA hearing, or you will automatically lose your right to challenge the suspension. Our attorneys handle both the criminal case in Garrett County District Court and the MVA administrative hearing to give you the best chance of keeping your license.
Our DUI / Traffic Services
Why Choose Phillips & Allen for DUI / Traffic?
Serving Western Maryland
Garrett County's tourism-heavy economy around Deep Creek Lake means increased DUI enforcement, particularly during holiday weekends and summer months. Our attorneys are intimately familiar with the enforcement patterns, local courts, and judges handling DUI cases in Oakland, McHenry, Accident, Grantsville, and throughout Western Maryland.