Maryland Drunk Driving Lawyer

Aggressive Representation You can call at any time to ask about the progress of your case.

Credentials

FAQ

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When you retain Jack I. Hyatt, you will get the very best oportunity to get your case dismissed prior to trial. Jack I. Hyatt is a aggressive lawyer for drunk driving, speeding, radar and driving on a suspended license. He is a past assistant state's attorney, has gained experience is over 20,000 cases, thoroughly knows the state's play book and is able to use it to provide you with the best possible defense, get your case dismissed prior to trial and keep your license.

(Authorized Testimonials) "I selected Jack Hyatt because of his experience, knowledge and reputation. He thoroughly investigated my case, detected technical mistakes made during my arrest and had my DUI and all other charges completely dismissed at trial. If you are charged with DUI or any traffic charge, he is the lawyer you need to call." Robert E. Schade

"Thanks for a job extremely well done in getting my DUI, negligent driving, and all 11 related charges dismissed prior to trial so I did not have to appear in court and also having my MVA hearing dismissed."~N.M.

"I was nervous about my DUI charges from the day I was charged until the day you called several days prior to trial indicating all charges would be dismissed and I would not have to appear in court. Thanks again for suggesting I not accept the state's offer to plead guilty."~~R.F.

"I selected Jack Hyatt because of his experience, knowledge and reputation. He thoroughly investigated my case, detected technical mistakes made during my arrest and had my DUI and all other charges completely dismissed at trial. If you are charged with DUI or any traffic charge, he is the lawyer you need to call."~~R.S.

"I was extremely worried about my pending DUI charges due to two prior DUI convictions. Your aggressive representation was excellent in getting all DUI charges dismissed prior to trial. You seemed much more knowledgeable than my two prior attorneys and were always available to answer my questions."~~T.D.

"Thanks again for your aggressive representation in getting my MVA hearing dismissed and saving my license. I am so glad I switched lawyers."~~F.F.

Credentials

JACK I. HYATT

Drunk Driving Attorney
Attorney Credentials:
   Former Assistant State's Attorney
Admitted To Practice Before:
   The U.S. Supreme Court
   All Maryland Courts
   Federal District Court
Member:
   Maryland State Bar Association
   Baltimore City Bar Association
   Baltimore County Bar Association
   University of Baltimore
   A.A. B.S. J.D.
   Honorable Discharge U.S. Army

In Maryland, there is a right, upon request, to consult with an attorney to decide whether to take or refuse the breath test for alcohol, so long as it does not interfere with or unreasonably delay the testing process. The test must be taken within two hours of apprehension.

This right does not necessarily exist on federal property in Maryland which is under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service and patrolled by the United States Park Police. Those areas are under the jurisdiction of the federal courts, and under the National Park Service Regulations a refusal is a crime punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $5000 fine.

In Maryland, the driver has no choice as to the type of test to be taken. Generally a breath test is administered, unless the driver is injured and taken to a hospital, is unconscious or incapable of refusing the test, or a breath test machine is not available. Under those circumstances, the officer may direct medical personnel to withdraw a blood sample.

In Maryland, if a person has not been convicted of drunk driving within the previous five years, the person is eligible for probation before judgment, informally called PBJ. A PBJ is exactly what it says. After the court finds that the evidence is sufficient for a finding of guilt, the person is placed on probation before getting a judgment (or conviction) against them. If the probationary period is completed without any violations, the person does not receive a conviction, no points are assessed, and the guilty finding does not show on the person's complete driving record. The PBJ will appear on a separate PBJ driving record, which is only available to the person, his or her lawyer, the courts, the prosecutors, and the police. If the person receiving PBJ gets arrested for drunk driving a second time, the authorities will know that he/she is not a first offender. If a person elects to accept PBJ he or she gives up the right to an appeal and the arrest cannot be expunged. However, a PBJ can be expunged from a driving record, after 10 years without a ticket.

It is within the judge’s discretion whether or not to issue a PBJ. The answer to this question will largely depend on what is done before trial to demonstrate a desire to learn about drunk driving, what county the case is and who the judge is. Generally, judges who give PBJ’s want to see first offenders get an alcohol evaluation to determine whether they are a social drinker or a problem drinker, and also to complete the recommended educational or treatment program. Some judges, generally in more rural counties where court dockets are not so congested, will impose a short jail sentence, one night to ten days, even on a first offender.

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