By Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq., Criminal Defense Attorney – St. Mary’s County, Maryland
DUI Arrest Near Gate 2 NAS Patuxent River | Lexington Park DUI Defense Attorney
If you were arrested for DUI near Gate 2 of NAS Patuxent River, you are not alone.
This stretch of road is one of the busiest and most heavily patrolled areas in Lexington Park.
Whether you are an active-duty service member, a DoD civilian, or a resident, the consequences of a DUI in this zone can be life-altering.
I am Jonathan L. Haskell, a criminal defense attorney serving St. Mary’s County.
I have represented many clients who were stopped on Route 235, just before or after entering the base.
Some were coming home from work.
Others were out for dinner or drinks.
Everyone was shocked by how quickly a routine stop escalated into a criminal charge.
The DUI Zone Most Drivers Don’t Expect
Gate 2 sits at the heart of Lexington Park, surrounded by restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and apartment complexes.
With NAS Patuxent River on one side and a growing civilian population on the other, this area sees constant traffic and continuous police presence.
Local law enforcement and military security work closely together.
That means if you are pulled over within a few blocks of the gate, your case could involve:
- Maryland State Police
- St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
- Base security forces
- Federal or military prosecutors, in some cases
If you are active-duty, even a civilian DUI can trigger Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) repercussions.
If you are a civilian with base access, your privileges may be revoked before your court date even arrives.
What Happens After a DUI Arrest Near the Base
Most DUI arrests in this area follow the same pattern.
An officer stops a driver for speeding, swerving, or a minor traffic violation.
Once they suspect alcohol or drug use, the stop escalates quickly.
You may be asked to:
- Perform field sobriety tests
- Take a roadside breathalyzer
- Submit to a formal breath or blood test
If you refuse testing, Maryland law allows automatic license suspension for up to 270 days.
If you take the test and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or higher, you will likely be charged with DUI or DWI.
I often hear from clients the next morning.
Their cars were towed.
Their phones were dead.
Their base access was blocked.
That is when the real stress begins.
For Military Members, It Gets More Complicated
If you are active-duty and were arrested off-base, you may still face disciplinary action through your command. That can include:
- Loss of rank or pay
- Reduction in clearance level
- Administrative separation
- UCMJ charges under Article 111 (drunken or reckless driving)
Your command does not have to wait for the civilian court to act. That is why it is critical to speak with a defense attorney immediately, even before the command makes a decision.
I work with both military and civilian clients to help protect not just your license, but your career.
Civilian Drivers Still Face Harsh Penalties
If you are not in the military, the legal system will still come down hard on a DUI near a federal facility. Civilian drivers charged with DUI in Lexington Park may face:
- Up to one year in jail for a first offense
- Twelve points on your driver’s license
- Fines up to $1,000
- Court-mandated alcohol education
- Ignition interlock requirements
- Possible base access revocation
The court will not treat this lightly, especially if your BAC was high or minors were present in the car.
How I Defend DUI Charges Near NAS Patuxent River
Every case is different, but I look for common issues in base-area DUI stops, such as:
- Illegal traffic stops without probable cause
- Improperly conducted field sobriety tests
- Breathalyzer malfunctions or calibration issues
- Violation of your constitutional rights during the stop or arrest
In many cases, I can fight to reduce the charges or penalties.
For first-time offenders, Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) may be an option. I can also help you challenge the MVA suspension and work to restore your driving privileges.
“Whether you wear the uniform or not, a DUI near NAS Patuxent River is a serious charge. Let me help you protect your license, your record, and your career.”
— Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq.
Do Not Face These Charges Alone
If you were arrested for DUI near Gate 2 in Lexington Park, contact my office today.
Time matters, especially when it comes to requesting your MVA hearing and preparing your court defense.
Call 301-627-5844 now to speak directly with me, Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq.
Proudly defending military and civilian clients in St. Mary’s County
👉 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
