Chestertown OUI Attorney, Near You

Maryland is home to lots of water, and with so many boaters and vacationers, OUIs are very common. Since it’s often easier to get an OUI than a DUI, you may have no clue how to handle the charge.

At Archey Law, we like to evaluate each OUI case in a linear fashion. We begin by making sure that the officer abided by the law throughout their interaction:

First, we speak with you about why you were stopped and why the police officer came into contact with you. This is a 4th Amendment evaluation to determine whether the police officer had a reasonable purpose for being in contact with you. If there was legitimate purpose, we move onto the next stage.

Second, we find out what the police officer did. What did you say to the officer? What questions did they ask you? What did they ask you to step out of the car? Did they tell you they smelled the odor of alcohol? Did you tell them that you had consumed any?

Third, we will ask about the tests. Often, people analyze how they performed on the test to determine how it went. What they don’t realize is that police officers are trained to pick up on the most minute details. The police often have very strict interpretations of what they want you to do and what they’re asking you to do. We’ll then review whether they were properly instructed to take the breath alcohol concentration tests, as well as if and when they made statements in custody.

Lastly, we ask if you’ve attended any treatment programs, if that is something that needs to be addressed.

As a boater and fisherman, I understand OUI cases better than most attorneys. I speak the language and have had extensive experience working with the Department of Natural Resources police. As a result, I’ve prosecuted countless OUI cases in the Eastern shore.

An OUI (operating under the influence) is essentially a DUI on the water. Most often, a person is intoxicated and operating a boat or jet ski on navigable waters. An OUI holds the same standard as an alcohol-related driving offense.

People will often ask if an OUI will affect their driver’s license. The answer is a bit more complicated since there are ramifications under certain circumstances, which may be unique to each individual.

Many people also get concerned that they may not be able to go out and enjoy themselves on the water again. Especially if it was your first OUI, you were most likely just having fun & not trying to hurt anybody. A serious citation from a police officer can potentially take away your freedoms, but there are ways you can return to the water and enjoy it responsibly. Don’t drink too much alcohol, and don’t be a menace to others.