If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Ocean City, Maryland—whether you live here full-time or were just enjoying a night out on vacation—you’re probably feeling worried and confused. A DUI charge is serious and can impact your summer plans, your job, and your future.
Even though Ocean City is a beach town, the police take drinking and driving very seriously. Getting a DUI can lead to fines, jail time, points on your license, and the loss of your right to drive. But don’t panic. There are steps you can take right now to protect yourself.
This guide will help you understand what to do after a DUI arrest, what the legal process looks like in Maryland, and the defenses you might be able to use. I’m Cullen Burke, a criminal defense attorney with over 30 years of experience, and I’ve helped many people just like you through this process.
If you need help right away, you can call me at (410) 723-6500 or visit www.cullenburke.com to set up a consultation.
I. Immediate Steps to Take After a DUI Arrest
Here’s what you should do from the moment those flashing lights appear behind you.
1. Remain Calm and Cooperative
Being rude or arguing with the officer will not help you. Stay polite and calm. Hand over your license, registration, and proof of insurance when asked. But remember—just because you’re cooperating doesn’t mean you have to say anything that could hurt you later.
2. Use Your Right to Stay Silent
You have the right to remain silent, and it’s wise to use it. You might feel like explaining what happened, but what you say could be used against you. You can politely say you won’t answer more questions until you have a lawyer.
3. Ask for a Lawyer
Asking for a lawyer doesn’t mean you’re guilty. It means you’re being smart. A good lawyer can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
4. Know the Implied Consent Law
In Maryland, if you are arrested for DUI, you automatically agree to take a breath or blood test. If you refuse the test, you might lose your license for 270 days or longer—even if you’re not found guilty in court.
5. Write Down Everything You Remember
As soon as you can, write down what happened. Include things like:
- Where you were before the stop
- What the officer said and did
- If you took a field sobriety test
- What the weather and lighting were like
These details can be important later, and memory fades fast.
6. Getting Released
Sometimes you may be held at the station until you sober up or have to post bail. If this is your first offense, you may be released on your own with rules like going to court or using an ignition interlock device on your car.
II. Understanding the Legal Process in Ocean City DUI Cases
Getting through a DUI case isn’t quick or easy. It’s more like running through sand—slow and tricky. Here’s what usually happens.
1. Booking and Charges
After your arrest, police will take you to the station. You’ll be searched, fingerprinted, and officially charged. Most DUI cases in Maryland involve laws like:
- § 21–902(a): Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI)
- § 21–902(b): Driving while impaired by alcohol (DWI)
2. Arraignment
This is your first court hearing, where a judge tells you the charges. Don’t go alone. A defense lawyer can help you understand everything and avoid early mistakes.
3. MVA Hearing
Want to fight your driver’s license suspension? You only have 10 days from the date of arrest to request a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) hearing. Yes, 10 days! This is separate from your court case but still very important.
4. Pre-Trial Phase
During this time, your lawyer may:
- Ask the court to throw out certain evidence
- Look at camera footage and police reports
- Try to get the charges reduced
- Check if police followed proper procedures
5. Trial
If you go to trial, the judge will look at things like:
- What the officer says you did
- Results from field sobriety or breath tests
- Videos from bodycams or dashcams
In Maryland, most DUI trials are held before a judge, but you can request a jury in some cases.
6. Sentencing (If Found Guilty)
If you are convicted, penalties can include:
- Up to 1 year in jail for a first DUI
- Fines as high as $2,000
- Points on your license and a license suspension
Things get worse if your BAC (blood alcohol content) was very high, you caused an accident, or you had a child in the car.
III. Top 10 Legal Options and Defenses to Consider
Every case is different, but here are some common defenses a lawyer might use:
- Was the traffic stop legal? (Did the officer have a good reason to pull you over?)
- Were the field sobriety tests fair and done correctly?
- Were the results from the breath or blood test accurate?
- Did the police follow all proper steps during your arrest?
- Could a health issue or food you ate have affected your test results?
- Does the video from the arrest match the police report?
- Was the breathalyzer machine working and recently inspected?
- Do any witnesses have a different version of events?
- Can your lawyer work out a deal for a lower charge?
- Have you taken steps like joining a DUI class or counseling?
IV. Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Ocean City
A DUI conviction can change your life in many ways—even outside the courtroom.
1. Criminal Penalties
- Jail time, even for a first offense
- Fines between $500 and $2,000 or more
- Probation or required alcohol treatment
2. Driving Problems
- License suspension for 6 months or longer
- 12 points added to your license
- May need to install an ignition interlock device
- Higher car insurance rates
3. Effects on Your Life
- Harder to get some jobs, especially if driving is part of your work
- Strained relationships with friends or family
- Travel restrictions—some countries like Canada may deny entry
Final Thoughts: Don’t Face a DUI Alone
A DUI charge can feel scary, but you don’t have to face it by yourself. With over 30 years of experience helping people across Maryland, I, Cullen Burke, am here to guide you through each step and fight for your rights.
Whether this is your first legal issue or not, your decisions now will shape what happens next. You deserve honest advice—and a strong defense.
Call me today at (410) 723-6500 or visit www.cullenburke.com to get real help from someone who knows how to fight for you.
Written by Cullen Burke, Criminal Defense Attorney
Serving Ocean City, Worcester County, and all of Maryland
Experienced. Trusted. Ready to stand up for you.
