About us
Helping people in their darkest hour is why we practice law. Learn more about our mission and meet our team.
Yves Archey
Attorney
Born and raised on the eastern shore, Yves is a Maryland native. Having grown up in a local, blue-collar family, he knows the ins and outs of Maryland law better than anyone.
After being honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps, Yves went to Salisbury College, where he was encouraged to attend law school.
Upon finishing college, he attended the Appalachian School of Law, passing the BAR and becoming a licensed attorney.
He began his career working in Washington D.C. in corporate law. Over the years, he’s worked at the State Attorney’s office (in various counties throughout Maryland), in private practice, at a large corporate law firm, and in the Public Defender’s office.
He now serves the Chesapeake area and the great state of Maryland as a defense attorney.
About Archey Law
Just because you’re charged, doesn’t mean you’re a criminal.
Each of us can find ourselves in a situation with the law. Do we want to be viewed as a criminal? Of course not.
Just because you’ve been charged with a DUI, BUI, traffic violation, assault charge, drug charge, or any other kind of criminal offense does NOT mean YOU are a criminal.
Each day as an attorney I’ve reflected on the reality that any person could find themselves charged with a crime they never thought they would commit.
Helping good people in their darkest hour - this is why I practice law.
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What is a DUI?
In Maryland, there are two different types of alcohol driving offenses.
The first is the 21902A statute, known as a DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol). Within that one statue, there are several variations:
1. A DUI per se, happens when you get pulled over and fail to pass the test(s). When this happens, you go back to the barracks to give a breath alcohol concentration test or submit a breath alcohol concentration sample, yielding a result of over the legal limit: 0.08. This is what’s called per se, because the test stands on its own, showing you were intoxicated to that level. That is the highest level DUI offense we have in Maryland. The penalty is a year in jail and a thousand dollar fine for the first offense.
2. The next is a general DUI, when you’ve been pulled over for driving erratically. In this case, you have failed the field sobriety tests miserably and potentially didn’t give a breath sample at the barracks. The police can take the totality of these circumstances and present them to the court. The court may find that you were intoxicated enough to meet the higher level of a 21902A DUI.
The second is the general 21902B, commonly known as a DWI (driving while impaired). This is often more difficult for the state to prove and typically carries less penalty: 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
With a DWI, you were mostly likely pulled over, did marginally on the roadside field sobriety test, and did not submit a breath sample at the barracks after being taken into custody. When the prosecutor presents their case, they rely strictly on the roadside test to show that you were impaired to some degree. It’s not a high burden to meet, but the state can prove their case beyond reasonable doubt using those words, sight tests, police officer’s statements, experience, testing credentials, and such.
What are the consequences of a DUI?
A DWI carries a standard 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
If you are convicted of these offenses, we always mitigate for probation, or something significantly less than the maximum fine.
What sets you apart from other BUI attorneys?
As a boater and fisherman, I understand BUI 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 BUI cases in the Eastern shore.
Why choose Archey Law for hunting and fishing cases?
What makes us different
Legal Expertise
At Archey Law, we fight for you. With a legal expert on your side, gain confidence as we find the best possible outcome for your case.
Direct Communication
When you contact, you won’t be passed along the chain. Speak directly to your lawyer, every time. Call, text, or email and we’ll respond within 24 hours.
Track Record of Success
Local Attorney
Get unparalleled advantage in the local, legal area. Our founder, Yves Archey, has lived on the eastern shore his whole life. He is intimately familiar with the local geography and legal culture, giving you the best possible defense.