DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyer Joshua Ortega with Ortega Law in Pasadena MD

Maryland criminal defense attorney Joshua Ortega joins Steve Sleeper to discuss what happens after a DUI or DWI arrest and the decisions drivers may need to make quickly. Ortega, who is in his 14th year of practice, handles criminal defense cases throughout Maryland. In the interview, Ortega explains that a DUI case can involve two separate problems: the criminal charge and the driver's license consequences. He discusses Maryland's MVA hearing process, temporary licenses, license suspensions, and the ignition interlock program. Topics Discussed What to do immediately after a Maryland DUI arrest DUI vs. DWI in Maryland Maryland's .08 BAC threshold Driver's license suspension and MVA hearings The ignition interlock program Whether you can refuse roadside field sobriety tests Consequences of refusing an Intoxilyzer breath test Drug-related DUI cases and Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) How police observations can be challenged Why body-camera footage can be important evidence Whether DUI charges can be reduced or dismissed Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) Why having an attorney can matter even on a first DUI Plea agreements versus taking a DUI case to trial Second, third and subsequent DUI offenses How long a Maryland DUI case may take What happens after a DUI arrest Initial appearances, bail and pretrial release One particularly interesting part of the conversation is Ortega's discussion of body-worn camera footage. He explains how video can sometimes contradict an officer's written observations about slurred speech, balance, coordination or other alleged signs of impairment. Ortega also discusses why some cases go to trial, including situations where there may be weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence or necessary witnesses fail to appear. About Joshua Ortega Joshua Ortega is a Maryland criminal defense attorney with Ortega Law in Pasadena, Maryland. He practices throughout the state, with a particular focus on Anne Arundel County. Phone: 410-760-6008 Website: ortegalaw.net