Meet The Lawyer
AVID Injury & Criminal Defense Law FIrm was founded in 2014 with a focus on providing aggressive defense for drug crimes. Since then,
we have expanded our legal services to include representation for those accused of committing a wide range of crimes including DUI and DWI, white collar crimes, violent crimes, and more, with a team of superior criminal defense and DUI attorneys.
DUI And Criminal Defense
Having been a member of the bar since 2012, Mr. Prince Williams, Esq. is licensed to practice in all state courts in Maryland. When establishing AVID Injury & Criminal Defense Law Firm, Attorney Williams made it his goal to provide every client with individualized attention, something he feels is missing at larger firms. He believes in keeping the lines of communication open so you’ll always know where things stand at every stage of your case.
Our firm motto is “Be Efficient, Practical, and Prompt” and we live by that motto every day
If you have been accused of committing a crime in Bethesda or anywhere else in Montgomery County, you can count on criminal defense attorney Prince Williams to fight for your rights and mount a vigorous defense on your behalf.A criminal conviction can have a devastating impact on every aspect of your life. In the immediate aftermath of an arrest, you could be facing jail time, fines, probation, suspension of your driver’s license and more. The stigma of having a criminal record can also follow you for years to come, requiring you to always reveal your past mistakes on any background check.
Call us today (240) 561-7433 to schedule an initial consultation. From the minute you walk through our doors, we are committed to delivering the best possible outcome. We are conveniently located in the White Flint area of Montgomery County MD.
What To Expect From
The Criminal Process
Being in trouble with the law is an overwhelming and intimidating experience. You may be feeling scared, anxious, frustrated, and deeply concerned about the consequences you may be facing. Having a criminal defense attorney to guide you through the criminal justice system can ease some of your stress and give you confidence that you’re in good hands.
To give you an idea of what to expect during the criminal process, we’ve provided a brief overview of the average case from a procedural standpoint.
- The Arrest
- Citation or Booking
- Arraignment
- Bail Hearing
- Plea Bargaining
- Preliminary Hearing
- Trial and Sentencing
At your arraignment, a judge will make a determination of whether to set bail, release you on your own recognizance, or keep you in police custody. Bail acts as an “insurance policy” that you will appear at future court dates. In setting a bail amount, a judge takes several factors into consideration including the seriousness of the offense, whether you are considered a flight risk or danger to the community, and whether you have a history of skipping court dates.
If bail is set and you cannot afford to post it, then you are entitled to a bail review hearing. Criminal defense attorney Prince Williams can represent you at this hearing and advocate for a reduction in your bail. If a reduction isn’t granted he can help you find a bail bonding company.
Stopped On Suspicion Of A DUI?
Follow These Steps…
If you’ve been pulled over by the police and have been drinking, it’s important to remain calm. Here are the first vital steps you should take to protect your rights.
Penalties For Drunk Driving In Maryland
The repercussions of a Drunk Driving conviction varies from case to case
but some of the most common penalties imposed include:
- Possible Imprisonment
- Imposed Fines
- Loss of driving privileges
- Installation of ignition interlock device
- Substance abuse education/treatment
- Imposed Probation
Given the seriousness of penalties that can result from a DUI conviction,
it’s important to consult a qualified criminal defense and DUI attorney.
What is the Difference Between a DUI and DWI?
Under Maryland law, drunk driving can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI).
Driving Under the Influence of alcohol (DUI) is the more serious crime and requires either a breath test result of 0.08% or higher (“DUI Per Se”) OR a finding that the alcohol you consumed substantially impaired your normal coordination.
Driving While Impaired (DWI) is the less serious crime and can be charged if your BAC was between 0.07 and 0.08% OR a finding that the alcohol you consumed impaired your normal coordination to some extent.
DUI AND DWI Penalties
DUI Penalties
- First offense
- Fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in jail
- driver’s license suspension up to six months
- 12 points on driving record
- Second offense:
- Fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to two years in jail
- driver’s license suspension up to one year
- 12 points on driving record
- Third or subsequent offense:
- Fine of up to $3,000 and/or up to three years in jail
- 18-month driver’s license suspension
- 12 points on driving record
DWI Penalties
- First offense
- Fine of up to $500 and/or up to two months in jail
- 60 days license suspension
- 8 points on driving record
- Second offense:
- Fine of up to $500 and/or up to one year in jail
- up to 120 days license suspension
- 8 points on driving record
- Third or subsequent offense:
- Fine of up to $3,000 and/or up to three years in jail
- up to 12 months driver’s license suspension
- 8 points on record
How Refusing A Breath Test Impacts Your Driving Privileges
If you refused to submit to a breath test when you were arrested, and this is your first offense, your license might be suspended for
120 days or you might have an interlock fitted on your vehicle for one year. If this was your second offense and you refused the test,
your license, your license might be suspended for one year. Ge a hold of our office for thorough criminal defense and DUI representation.
Alternative Sentencing For DUI and DWI
In order to prevent losing your license on the 46th day, you must request a hearing with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)
within 10 days following the date of your arrest. Failure to request a hearing results in an automatic suspension of 120 days
- Alternative Sentencing for First Time DUI/DWI Offenders
- Criminal Court & the MVA
- How To Avoid a License Suspension
before judgment (PBJ). This means that instead of being convicted, you would get a “slap on your wrist.” A judge will put you on
probation and ask you to participate in either alcohol rehabilitation classes, MADD Impact panel, community service, and/or driving
school. Once you successfully complete probation, the offense can be expunged three years after the date of your arrest.
Strategies For Beating A DWI Case
No matter how hopeless your case may seem, there are a number of defenses available that can lead to a positive outcome in your case.
- Attack Constitutionality of Traffic Stop and Arrest
- Question the Validity of the Breath Test
- Challenge the Blood Test Results
Law enforcement must adhere to strict rules, procedures, and regulations from the time they pull you over through your arrest. As experienced criminal defense and DUI attorneys, believe it or not, there are many instances in which police officers make mistakes that can ultimately result in getting a DUI case thrown out.
The first line of criminal defense and DUI strategy is to challenge the legality of the traffic stop. The police officer must have had reasonable suspicion to believe that you committed a crime when he/she pulled you over. If the stop that resulted in your DUI arrest was not legal, the evidence
collected during the course of the investigation is not admissible in court.
Contrary to what you may have heard, breathalyzers are not foolproof indicators of intoxication. A criminal defense and DUI lawyer knows that just because you blew over the legal limit, doesn’t necessarily mean you are guilty. There are many factors that can trigger a false positive, such as:
- the machine was not properly calibrated
- there was radio frequency interference from a police radio in the vicinity
- mouth alcohol contamination occurred meaning you vomited or belched within the 20 minutes prior to blowing
into the machine - you may have a health condition such as gastroesophageal disease or chronic heartburn
- Unqualified or inexperienced testers — your blood may have been drawn incorrectly
- test tubes may be outdated or poorly maintained, non-sterile
- blood may have been contaminated or tampered with during chain of custody