Criminal Defense
Aggressive representation for Maryland criminal charges
With three decades of experience in criminal law — including three years as a prosecutor — I have the knowledge you need when facing charges. I help Maryland residents as well as people arrested while temporarily in the state. Many of the criminal cases I handle involve incidents on Maryland's roads.
DWI and DUI arrests
Maryland is one of the few states that distinguishes between driving while impaired and driving under the influence. Arrests for both charges are common in the heavily-traveled corridor through Prince George's County.
Driving while impaired or intoxicated
When you are pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving and you agree to a breath test, a reading of .04 to .07 percent blood alcohol content (BAC) results in a charge of driving while impaired or intoxicated (DWI). If you refuse a chemical test, the police officer may still charge you with DWI based on observation of your driving and your behavior. The penalties for a DWI conviction are up to:
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If you refuse to take a breath test, your license is automatically suspended for 120 days.
Driving under the influence
A BAC reading of .08 percent or higher leads to a more serious charge of driving under the influence (DUI). A conviction for DUI can lead to:
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With either drunk driving charge, the arresting officer will take your license and you will have only ten days to request an administrative hearing to get it back. This is a separate matter from the criminal charges you face. I represent you at the administrative hearing and I defend your criminal DWI or DUI charges. If you are not a Maryland resident, I take care of the entire process for you and minimize the need for you to return to the state.
Seizure of untaxed contraband
Thousands of people pass through Maryland each day, often carrying taxable items purchased in other states at lower tax rates. You can be arrested for transporting goods that have not been taxed in Maryland, especially:
- Cigarettes. There is a one-carton limit on untaxed cigarettes when traveling through Maryland.
- Alcohol. One quart of untaxed alcohol is the legal limit when passing through Maryland.
If you are pulled over and untaxed contraband is found in your car, the goods may be seized along with your vehicle. I help people from any state who have been charged with transporting untaxed goods in Maryland.
Trust me to handle your Maryland criminal case
I handle all felonies and misdemeanors. If you face criminal charges in Maryland, I can help you quickly. Contact me, Laurel attorney Kevin M. McNeil, at (301) 741-4372. Your consultation is free.
