By Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq., Criminal Defense Attorney – St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Lexington Park DUI with Minors in Vehicle | St. Mary’s Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with driving under the influence in Lexington Park and there were children in the vehicle, you are facing more than a standard DUI.
You are now dealing with a case that can carry felony-level consequences.
I am Jonathan L. Haskell, a criminal defense attorney serving clients throughout St. Mary’s County, and I want you to understand exactly what you are up against and how I may be able to help.
DUI with Minors in the Vehicle Is Treated More Harshly
In Maryland, a standard DUI already comes with serious penalties.
However, if there were passengers in the car under the age of 18 at the time of your arrest, prosecutors will likely pursue enhanced charges.
This is because Maryland law treats the presence of minors as an aggravating factor.
The consequences can include:
- Up to two years in jail for a first offense
- An additional one year and $1,000 fine for each minor passenger
- Enhanced charges if injuries occurred
- Permanent criminal record
- Mandatory alcohol education and treatment
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
These are not just possibilities.
They are the real-world outcomes I have helped clients try to avoid.
The Prosecutors in Lexington Park Will Take This Seriously
Lexington Park has seen some tragic DUI cases involving children in recent years.
Local law enforcement and prosecutors are under pressure to crack down.
If you were arrested in or around Lexington Park with minors in the vehicle, you can expect the State to pursue the most severe version of the charges.
That means you need to respond with a legal defense that is just as serious.
Do Not Try to Handle This Alone
This is not the kind of case where you should try to explain yourself to the court.
I have worked with many clients who thought they could “clear things up” by cooperating without legal counsel.
Instead, they gave statements that were later used against them.
Once you are charged, you need to say nothing and contact an attorney immediately.
The sooner you reach out, the better I can begin reviewing the evidence, the traffic stop, and the arrest procedures.
I Build a Defense That Fits the Case and the Client
When I represent someone facing a DUI with minors involved, I take a strategic and thorough approach.
My goal is to reduce or eliminate the most damaging consequences. Here are a few of the ways I build a defense:
- I review the traffic stop to determine whether it was lawful
- I examine the officer’s field sobriety tests and procedures
- I analyze breath or blood test results for accuracy and admissibility
- I investigate whether the State can prove impairment beyond a reasonable doubt
- I assess whether this is your first offense or part of a larger pattern
Even when the facts seem bad, there are often legal options.
In some cases, I have successfully argued for reduced charges, diversionary programs, or Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) to avoid jail time and a conviction.
A DUI with Minors Can Affect More Than Just Your License
This kind of charge can have consequences far beyond the courtroom. If you are a parent or caregiver, you could face scrutiny from child protective services. If you have a security clearance or professional license, your job could be at risk. If you are in a custody dispute, this charge could be used against you.
That is why it is critical to take this seriously and act quickly.
“A DUI with minors in the car is one of the most damaging traffic-related charges in Maryland. But with a focused defense strategy, we can fight for your freedom and your future.”
— Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq.
Do Not Wait to Protect Your Future
If you were charged with DUI while transporting minors in Lexington Park, call my office now.
I offer straightforward advice, aggressive legal defense, and a commitment to helping you through this.
👉 Book your consultation online now or call us directly at 301-627-5844.
By Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq., Criminal Defense Attorney
DUI & Traffic Violations – St Mary’s County
