P R A C T I C E  A R E A S

Avid Injury and Criminal Defense Law Firm

PERSONAL INJURY

Suffering a Personal Injury as the result of another parties negligence can be life changing. You may be entitled to compensation under the law. Learn more today.


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DUI DEFENSE

If you have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI, DWI, or DUID), you should get help from an experienced Maryland DUI attorney right away. 


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CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Have you been charged with a criminal offense? You need to begin building your defense immediately. The first step is to speak with a qualified Criminal Defense attorney.


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People often feel uncomfortable about contacting a lawyer and are not sure what they should expect. At the Avid Injury and Criminal Defense Law Firm, we want to change that. We strive to make it less intimidating and more convenient for everyone to get the legal help they need. 


We work with people in the Maryland, DC, and Virginia areas who have been injured because of someone else’s negligence or who have been charged with a crime. Every client receives our personal attention, which is often not the case for clients of larger law firms. We always keep the lines of communication open so that you know what is going on with your case every step of the way.


Prince Williams, Esq., our lead attorney, owner, and CEO, founded the Avid Injury and Criminal Defense Firm in 2014 to provide aggressive legal representation for people in the Maryland area who have been charged with DUIs or other crimes as well as people who seek substantial compensation for their injuries. 


Our office is located in Bethesda, Maryland. When you need aggressive legal representation to fight a criminal charge or get the compensation you deserve for accident injuries in the Bethesda area or the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, contact the Avid Injury and Criminal Defense Firm for the personalized help you need. 

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ARTIST PROFILE PRINCE WILLIAMS

Prince Williams owner of AVID Injury & Criminal Defense Law Firm HD

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

If law enforcement has probable cause to believe you committed a crime, you will be arrested. While you are in police custody, they may try to get you to talk. It’s critical that you exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you. For this reason, politely state that you do not wish to answer any questions until you have a lawyer present.

Citation or Booking

If you are cited, the police will give you a piece of paper that states the date you must appear in court. If you are booked at the police station, you will have your photo and fingerprints taken. Your belongings will most likely be confiscated and you will be kept in a detention area.

Arraignment

Within 24 hours of your arrest, you will have your first court appearance or arraignment. At this hearing, the state’s charges against you will be read aloud and you will have the opportunity to enter a plea.

Bail Hearing

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.

Plea Bargaining

If you enter a guilty plea, the prosecutor may be willing to negotiate reduced charges or a lesser sentence in exchange for an admission of guilt. Mr. Williams will always act in your best interests and will always speak with you first before pursuing a plea deal.

Preliminary Hearing

If you were charged with a felony, you are entitled to a preliminary hearing before a judicial officer within 10 days of being charged. At a preliminary hearing, the prosecution will present the state’s evidence against you in an attempt to show that probable cause exists to charge you with the particular crime you are alleged to have committed.

Trial and Sentencing

In Maryland, there are two types of criminal courts: Maryland District Court and the Maryland Circuit Court. Most misdemeanors and some felonies are heard in the District Court which does not have a jury. More serious crimes are heard in the Circuit Court where a jury will deliver a verdict based on the evidence and testimony presented by both sides.

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.

First

Use your turn signal to indicate your intent to pull over, come to a comfortable stop, and remain in the car

Second

Place your hands on the steering wheel and wait for the officer to approach your car

Third

When asked, provide your license, registration and insurance card to the officer

Fourth

Do not answer questions about whether you have been drinking, where you have been, where you are going, or if you take any medicines, etc. No matter how persistent the officer is, do not answer any of these questions. Politely respond with “I have nothing to say, officer

Fifth

If the officer asks if he/she can search your vehicle, politely say no. The 4th Amendment protects you from illegal searches and seizures. An officer is not allowed to reach into your pockets or open a locked glove compartment or trunk without your permission. The only way you or your vehicle can be searched is if the officer has a“specific articulable suspicion” that there is an illegal item present or can see it in plain view.

Sixth

Decline field sobriety tests”]An officer may ask you to step outside the vehicle to perform balance and coordination tests. They may use your performance on these tests as probable cause to arrest you. A criminal defense and DUI Lawyer may tell you that these tests are voluntary and almost impossible to pass. You will not be punished for refusing to participate in these tests.

Seventh

Decline to blow into a portable breath test (PBT) at the scene, you are not legally obligated to submit to a PBT.

Eigth

If you are arrested, you are legally obligated to take a breath or blood test at the police station. Opt for the breath test. This is less accurate than a blood test and easier to attack in court

Ninth

Write down everything you remember about what transpired. The more details you can provide, the better defense we can build

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  • 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 DUI and DWI

If this is your first DUI or DWI offense, or you’ve been without a prior for the last 10 years, you may be eligible for a probation 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.

Criminal Court & The MVA

After your DUI or DWI arrest, you will face two separate proceedings: a criminal hearing in a Maryland District Court where a judge will determine your guilt; and an administrative hearing conducted by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration to assess whether you should have your license suspended or revoked. For the best result, you’ll need to involve a criminal defense and DUI attorney as early as possible.

How to Avoid a License Suspension

After a DUI arrest, the clock starts ticking on your ability to save your driver’s license. The citation you were given by the police officer is a temporary license for 45 days. Get ahold of our office for experienced criminal defense and DUI representation.

  • 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 Constitutionally of Traffic Stop and Arrest

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

Question the Validity of the Breath Test

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

Challenge the Blood Test Results

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

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US

  • "I’ve known Prince for a while and I recently ran into some trouble with my license. Long story– but things finally caught up to me…"


    - Steven S


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  • "Working with my attorney Prince Williams was an excellent experience. He made the process simple and stress-free. I was always able to contact him with questions…"


    - Elizabeth R


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  • "I received a ticket driving from New York in Maryland and Attorney Prince Williams was a referral at the last minute. (A week before the trial) He gave me great information…"


    - James C


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Avid Law Blog

Read our tips, articles, and information to help you protect your family and be safe.

Understanding the Process of Proving Negligence in a Personal Injury Case

By Prince Williams • March 22, 2024
In the realm of personal injury law, proving negligence is a crucial element in determining liability and obtaining compensation for injuries sustained. Whether it's a car accident, slip and fall incident, or medical malpractice claim, establishing negligence requires a thorough understanding of legal principles and evidence. Let's delve into the process of proving negligence in a personal injury case:

Understanding Maryland's Dog Bite Laws: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

By Prince Williams • March 22, 2024
As pet owners and animal lovers, it's essential to understand the laws surrounding dog bites and attacks to ensure the safety and well-being of both humans and animals. In the state of Maryland, specific statutes govern liability for dog bites and provide guidelines for seeking compensation in the event of an injury. Let's explore Maryland's dog bite laws to help you better understand your rights and responsibilities: 

Staying Positive Amidst Adversity: Strategies for Resilience

By Prince Williams • March 22, 2024
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect it. Whether it's facing personal challenges, navigating difficult times at work, or dealing with global crises, it's natural to feel overwhelmed when everything around us seems to be going wrong. However, maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity is not only possible but essential for our mental and emotional well-being. Here are some strategies to help you stay positive when everything around you is going bad: