Uncategorized - David N. Mabrey, Esq.

DUI Charges in College: What Students at Maryland Campuses Need to Know

January 22, 2026/0 Comments/in Drunk Driving (DUI/DWI), Uncategorized /by admin

College life moves fast.
Classes, internships, parties, game days, late nights.

What most students don’t plan for is how one DUI arrest can follow you long after graduation.

If you’re a student at a Maryland college, here’s what matters.

Why DUI Charges Hit College Students Differently

A DUI isn’t just a traffic issue when you’re in school. It can affect:

Your academic standing
Scholarships and financial aid
Internships and job offers
Graduate school or professional licensing
Your permanent record — before your career even starts

And in Maryland, the consequences can move quickly.

Maryland DUI Law (The Basics Students Should Know)

In Maryland, you can be charged with:

DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
DWI (Driving While Impaired)

Key things students often don’t realize:

You can be charged even if you feel “fine”
Refusing a breath test can trigger automatic license consequences
Under 21? Lower tolerance, higher risk
Campus police and city police often work together

A short drive off campus can turn into a serious legal issue fast.

How a DUI Can Affect Your College Career

Academic Consequences

Some schools require students to report arrests — even off campus. A DUI may trigger:

Disciplinary review
Academic probation
Loss of leadership roles or campus housing

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Certain scholarships and aid programs include conduct requirements. A criminal charge can put funding at risk.

Internships & Jobs

Many employers — especially in healthcare, government, education, and finance — run background checks. A DUI can raise questions before you ever get an interview.

DUI Risks Near Maryland Campuses

DUI arrests often happen close to campus areas students assume are “safe” or informal.

This includes areas around:

University of Maryland
Towson University
Johns Hopkins University
Morgan State University
Loyola University Maryland

Common scenarios:

Driving a short distance from a party
Being stopped near campus housing
Leaving bars or gatherings just off school property
Thinking campus boundaries mean campus rules only

They don’t.

What to Do If You’re Charged With a DUI as a Student

First: don’t panic — but don’t ignore it.

Smart next steps include:

Avoid discussing the incident publicly or on social media
Understand deadlines for court, MVA hearings, and school reporting
Get clear guidance before making decisions that affect your record

Early legal advice can help protect:

Your license
Your academic future
Your long-term career options

Why Early Legal Guidance Matters for Students

Many students assume:

“It’s my first offense — it’ll just go away.”

Often, it doesn’t.

How a DUI is handled early can influence:

Whether charges are reduced
Whether penalties are minimized
How the case appears on background checks later

A defense strategy should consider your future, not just the next court date.

Final Thought for Maryland College Students

A DUI charge doesn’t define you — but how you respond to it matters.

If you’re a college student facing a DUI in Maryland, or a parent trying to protect your child’s future, it may be worth having an attorney review the situation early — before small decisions turn into long-term consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Charges for Maryland College Students

Will my school find out if I get a DUI off campus?

Possibly.

Many Maryland colleges require students to report arrests — even if they happen off campus. In some cases, schools receive notice through campus police coordination or background checks tied to housing, athletics, or leadership roles.

It’s important to understand both your legal obligations and your school’s conduct policies before taking action.

Is a DUI different if I’m under 21?

Yes.

In Maryland, drivers under 21 face stricter standards. Even a small amount of alcohol can lead to consequences, and penalties can affect both your license and your record.

Underage status often increases risk — not leniency.

Can I lose my driver’s license from a first DUI?

Yes.

Even a first DUI or DWI can trigger:

Immediate administrative penalties
License suspension or restrictions
Required hearings with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

These consequences can happen separately from your criminal case.

Will a DUI affect my scholarships or financial aid?

It can.

Some scholarships and aid programs include conduct or character requirements. A DUI may trigger review, especially if it results in probation or disciplinary action.

Each program is different — which is why early guidance matters.

Can a DUI affect internships or job offers while I’m in school?

Yes — especially in fields like:

Healthcare
Education
Government
Finance
Law

Many internships and employers conduct background checks. Even pending charges can raise questions if not handled properly.

Are DUI arrests common near college campuses?

Yes.

Areas around campuses like:

University of Maryland
Towson University
Johns Hopkins University

often see increased enforcement during weekends, events, and late-night hours. Many arrests happen within minutes of leaving campus-adjacent housing or social gatherings.

Should I talk to police or school officials without a lawyer?

Not without understanding the consequences.

Statements made early — even informal ones — can affect both your legal case and your standing with your school. Getting guidance first helps you avoid mistakes that can’t be undone.

Can a DUI be removed from my record later?

Sometimes — but not always.

Options like expungement or shielding depend on:

The outcome of the case
Your prior record
How the charge is resolved

How a case is handled early often determines what’s possible later.

What’s the biggest mistake college students make after a DUI?

Assuming it’s “not a big deal.”

A DUI may feel like a short-term problem, but it can have long-term academic and career consequences if not handled carefully.

When should a student speak with a DUI attorney?

As early as possible.

Early legal guidance can help protect:

Your license
Your academic standing
Your future employment opportunities

If you’re a college student charged with a DUI in Maryland — or a parent trying to protect your child’s future — it may be worth having an attorney review the situation before critical deadlines pass.

The 7 Clauses That Cause the Most Business Disputes in Maryland Contracts

January 22, 2026/0 Comments/in Contract Review/Breach of Contract, Uncategorized /by admin

Most business disputes don’t start with bad intentions.
They start with a contract that seemed standard.

A vendor agreement copied from another deal.
An employment contract signed quickly to close a hire.
A partnership agreement that assumed “we’ll figure it out later.”

Later is usually when the dispute shows up.

Below are the seven contract clauses that cause the most problems for Maryland businesses, explained in plain English—no legal jargon, no scare tactics. Just what to watch for before a disagreement turns into a lawsuit.

1. Payment Terms (and What Happens When Someone Doesn’t Pay)

Why it causes disputes:
Because everyone assumes payment terms are “obvious”—until they aren’t.

What goes wrong:

Vague due dates (“net 30” without a start date)
No penalties for late payment
No clarity on partial payments or refunds

Real-world example:
A service provider finishes the work. The client delays payment for months, claiming dissatisfaction—despite no dispute process in the contract.

What to look for:
Clear deadlines, consequences for non-payment, and defined dispute procedures.

2. Termination Clauses

Why it causes disputes:
Because “ending the relationship” is when emotions run highest.

What goes wrong:

One side can terminate instantly, the other can’t
No notice period
No clarity on what happens after termination

Real-world example:
A business partner exits suddenly and takes key clients—because the contract never restricted it.

What to look for:
Balanced termination rights and a clear roadmap for what survives after termination.

3. Scope of Work (What’s Actually Included)

Why it causes disputes:
Because assumptions fill in the gaps.

What goes wrong:

Vague descriptions of services
Undefined deliverables
No boundaries on revisions or additional work

Real-world example:
A vendor believes ongoing support is included. The client believes it’s “extra.” The contract doesn’t say either way.

What to look for:
Specific deliverables, timelines, and limits on additional requests.

4. Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Clauses

Why it causes disputes:
Because these clauses affect livelihoods—and Maryland courts scrutinize them closely.

What goes wrong:

Overly broad restrictions
Unenforceable time or geographic limits
One-sided obligations

Real-world example:
A former employee starts a competing business. The employer assumes the non-compete applies—only to find it may not be enforceable.

What to look for:
Reasonable limits tailored to the actual business interest being protected.

5. Indemnification Clauses (Who Pays When Things Go Wrong)

Why it causes disputes:
Because indemnity clauses quietly shift financial risk.

What goes wrong:

One party unknowingly assumes all liability
No caps on damages
Coverage that extends beyond control

Real-world example:
A small business is forced to cover legal costs for another party’s mistake—because the contract said so.

What to look for:
Clear limits on responsibility and alignment with insurance coverage.

6. Dispute Resolution Clauses

Why it causes disputes:
Ironically, because they decide how disputes are handled.

What goes wrong:

Mandatory arbitration without understanding the cost
Out-of-state venue requirements
No process for informal resolution first

Real-world example:
A Maryland business discovers it must resolve a dispute across the country—because of one overlooked clause.

What to look for:
Venue, governing law, and whether alternative dispute resolution actually benefits you.

7. Amendment and “Entire Agreement” Clauses

Why it causes disputes:
Because verbal promises don’t survive these clauses.

What goes wrong:

Side agreements never documented
Email promises contradicted by the contract
No clear process for changes

Real-world example:
A client relies on an email assurance—only to learn the contract explicitly excludes it.

What to look for:
A clear amendment process and alignment between the contract and real-world practice.

Why This Matters More Before You Sign

Most business owners review contracts after there’s a problem.
That’s when options narrow—and costs rise.

A short legal review before signing can:

Surface hidden risks
Clarify obligations
Prevent disputes that cost far more to resolve later

Final Thought

If you’ve signed contracts without a legal review, it may be worth having an attorney assess your exposure—especially if those agreements involve vendors, employees, or long-term partnerships.

A contract shouldn’t be a gamble.
It should be a tool that protects your business when things don’t go as planned.

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Contracts in Maryland

Do I really need a lawyer to review a “standard” contract?

Yes — and this is one of the most common misconceptions.

Most business contracts are drafted to protect the party that wrote them. Even “standard” templates often include clauses that shift risk, limit your rights, or create obligations you wouldn’t expect.

A legal review isn’t about rewriting everything. It’s about identifying exposure before it becomes expensive.

What if I’ve already signed the contract?

That’s more common than you think.

While some terms can’t be changed retroactively, a review can still:

Clarify your obligations
Identify enforceability issues
Help you plan next steps before a dispute arises

In many cases, understanding your position early can prevent escalation.

How much does a contract review usually cost?

It depends on the complexity of the agreement, but a review is typically far less expensive than resolving a dispute later.

Think of it as risk management, not a sunk cost.
The goal is to catch issues early — not bill hours unnecessarily.

Are non-compete clauses always enforceable in Maryland?

No.

Maryland courts closely examine non-compete and non-solicitation clauses. Overly broad restrictions — especially those with unreasonable timeframes, geographic limits, or job scope — may not hold up.

Whether a clause is enforceable depends on how it’s written and how it applies to the specific role or business interest.

What types of contracts cause the most disputes?

The most frequent issues arise from:

Vendor and service agreements
Employment and independent contractor contracts
Partnership and operating agreements
Commercial leases

These contracts tend to involve ongoing obligations — which is where ambiguity causes problems.

Can a contract be enforced if it’s vague or poorly written?

Sometimes — and that’s the problem.

Courts may still enforce unclear contracts, often in ways neither party expected. Ambiguity doesn’t always void an agreement; it often creates leverage for disputes.

Clarity protects everyone involved.

When should I have a contract reviewed?

Ideally:

Before signing
Before renewing or amending an agreement
When your business is growing or changing
If a relationship starts to feel strained

Waiting until there’s a conflict usually limits your options.

What’s the biggest mistake business owners make with contracts?

Assuming goodwill will fill in the gaps.

Contracts exist for when things don’t go smoothly. A well-reviewed agreement sets expectations clearly — so disagreements don’t turn into legal battles.

LLC vs. Corporation in Maryland: What Business Owners Get Wrong (and What It Costs Them)

January 22, 2026/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by admin

Choosing a business structure feels like a one-time decision. File the paperwork, get the EIN, move on.

That assumption is where many Maryland business owners get into trouble.

LLCs and corporations are often treated as interchangeable. They’re not. And the differences don’t show up right away — they show up later, when the stakes are higher and the fixes are more expensive.

This is what business owners commonly get wrong, and what it can cost them.

The Mistake: Assuming “Good Enough” Is Good Enough

Most businesses don’t choose the wrong structure.
They choose a structure that once made sense — and never revisit it.

What worked when revenue was modest, ownership was simple, and risk was low can quietly become a liability as the business grows.

The problem isn’t the choice itself.
It’s the failure to reassess before consequences appear.

Where the Real Costs Show Up

1. Taxes That Scale the Wrong Way

LLCs and corporations are taxed very differently, especially as profits increase.

Some LLCs overpay self-employment taxes year after year without realizing it
Some corporations lock owners into rigid payroll and dividend structures
Others miss planning opportunities that could legally reduce tax exposure

The cost isn’t just what you pay this year — it’s what compounds over time.

2. Personal Liability Gaps

Both LLCs and corporations are designed to protect owners personally.
But that protection isn’t automatic.

We regularly see businesses that:

Chose the right entity but failed to maintain it properly
Commingled funds without realizing the legal impact
Used operating agreements or bylaws that no longer reflect reality

When a lawsuit or creditor appears, these gaps matter.

3. Problems When It’s Time to Sell or Bring in Investors

Entity choice affects:

How easily ownership can be transferred
Whether buyers see risk or clarity
How clean due diligence looks

A structure that made sense for a solo founder may raise red flags for a buyer, investor, or lender. Fixing it after interest appears can delay — or derail — the deal.

The Most Expensive Part: Fixing It Too Late

Entity changes aren’t impossible.
But timing matters.

Waiting until:

The IRS raises questions
A lawsuit is filed
A buyer is reviewing documents

…turns a manageable adjustment into a costly correction.

The businesses that avoid this pain are the ones that review their structure before they’re forced to.

When It’s Worth Taking a Second Look

A legal review is especially valuable if:

Your profits have grown significantly
You’ve added partners, investors, or employees
You’re planning to sell, expand, or restructure
You formed the business quickly and never revisited it

If you’re not 100% confident your current structure still fits, that uncertainty alone is a signal.

A Simple Review Can Prevent Expensive Fixes Later

Most problems aren’t caused by bad intentions — just outdated decisions.

A short legal review can clarify:

Whether your entity still aligns with your goals
Where risk may be quietly building
What can be improved now instead of repaired later

Contact Us

Call for a FREE Consultation Today

📞 443-848-2878

If you’re unsure whether your LLC or corporation is still working for you, we’re here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an LLC or a corporation “better” in Maryland?

There’s no universally better option. The right structure depends on how the business earns revenue, how owners are paid, liability exposure, and long-term plans. What works for one Maryland business can create unnecessary costs or limitations for another.

I already formed my business. Is it too late to change?

Usually, no — but timing matters. Changing or restructuring an entity is far easier and less expensive before the IRS, a lawsuit, or a buyer gets involved. Waiting often limits options and increases costs.

What are the most common mistakes business owners make?

The most common issues include:

Choosing an entity based on internet advice or templates
Never updating operating agreements or bylaws
Overpaying taxes without realizing it
Assuming personal assets are fully protected without proper maintenance

These problems often go unnoticed until something goes wrong.

Can the wrong entity really increase my taxes?

Yes. The way income is taxed, how owners are compensated, and what deductions are available can vary significantly between LLCs and corporations. Over time, even small inefficiencies can add up to substantial losses.

What if my business has grown since I formed it?

Growth is one of the biggest reasons to revisit your structure. More revenue, more risk, new partners, or future sale plans can all change whether your current entity still makes sense.

Will reviewing my structure trigger tax or legal issues?

No. A legal review is preventative, not corrective. The goal is to identify risks early and explore options — not to create problems where none exist.

Do I need to be in trouble to speak with a business attorney?

Not at all. Many business owners seek guidance specifically to avoid trouble. Proactive reviews are typically simpler, faster, and less expensive than reactive fixes.

How long does a business structure review take?

In many cases, it can be completed quickly once key documents are reviewed. The exact timing depends on the complexity of the business and its history, but it’s often far less involved than business owners expect.

What happens during a free consultation?

The consultation focuses on understanding:

How your business currently operates
What your goals are
Whether your entity structure raises red flags

You’ll leave with clarity on whether further action is needed — no pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an LLC or a corporation “better” in Maryland?

There’s no universally better option. The right structure depends on how the business earns revenue, how owners are paid, liability exposure, and long-term plans. What works for one Maryland business can create unnecessary costs or limitations for another.

I already formed my business. Is it too late to change?

Usually, no — but timing matters. Changing or restructuring an entity is far easier and less expensive before the IRS, a lawsuit, or a buyer gets involved. Waiting often limits options and increases costs.

What are the most common mistakes business owners make?

The most common issues include:

Choosing an entity based on internet advice or templates
Never updating operating agreements or bylaws
Overpaying taxes without realizing it
Assuming personal assets are fully protected without proper maintenance

These problems often go unnoticed until something goes wrong.

Can the wrong entity really increase my taxes?

Yes. The way income is taxed, how owners are compensated, and what deductions are available can vary significantly between LLCs and corporations. Over time, even small inefficiencies can add up to substantial losses.

What if my business has grown since I formed it?

Growth is one of the biggest reasons to revisit your structure. More revenue, more risk, new partners, or future sale plans can all change whether your current entity still makes sense.

Will reviewing my structure trigger tax or legal issues?

No. A legal review is preventative, not corrective. The goal is to identify risks early and explore options — not to create problems where none exist.

Do I need to be in trouble to speak with a business attorney?

Not at all. Many business owners seek guidance specifically to avoid trouble. Proactive reviews are typically simpler, faster, and less expensive than reactive fixes.

How long does a business structure review take?

In many cases, it can be completed quickly once key documents are reviewed. The exact timing depends on the complexity of the business and its history, but it’s often far less involved than business owners expect.

What happens during a free consultation?

The consultation focuses on understanding:

How your business currently operates
What your goals are
Whether your entity structure raises red flags

You’ll leave with clarity on whether further action is needed — no pressure.

How do I get started?

Call for a FREE Consultation Today

📞 443-848-2878

For any legal questions or assistance, please contact us.

person signing settlement documents with lawyer

Getting the Most Out of Your Settlement

September 4, 2025/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by admin

When you have been injured in an accident or are dealing with the aftermath of a legal dispute, a settlement offer can feel like a light at the end of the tunnel. But accepting a settlement too quickly or without the right knowledge can mean leaving significant compensation on the table.

At the Law Offices of David Mabrey, we help Maryland residents understand their rights, avoid costly mistakes, and secure the settlements they truly deserve.

What To Do After An Accident

September 19, 2023/in Uncategorized /by MabreyLaw

061423 LAW OFFICES OF DAVID MABREY 1.4 color

Now Affiliated With The Law Firm of G. Mitch Mowell and Wadkovsky & Mowell

September 19, 2023/in Uncategorized /by MabreyLaw

The Law Offices of David N. Mabrey P.C. is happy to announce that our new office in Chestertown is affiliating with the law firm of G. Mitchell Mowell and Wadkovsky & Mowell. I want to “shout out” a huge congratulations to Mr. Mowell on his upcoming retirement. I feel honored to have the endorsement of Mr. Mowell, an outstanding attorney in his own right. The Law Offices of David N. Mabrey, P.C. will be welcoming any and all of Mr. Mowell’s clients into our firm. Rest assured, The Law Offices of David N. Mabrey will continue the same excellent legal services you have become
accustomed to over the past 40 plus years with Mitch Mowell.

I have been in practice for over 32 years and as an Eastern Shore native I am extremely excited to serve the fine people of the Shore.

The new office will be conveniently located downtown at 107 Court Street, Chestertown MD- in the same location where Wadkovsky & Mowell have proudly served their clients. I am passionate about what this affiliation can offer to clients in the Upper Shore community. By offering a wide variety of legal services, my hope is to deliver important legal advice and services to clients in an ongoing, and cost-manageable way. If you’d like to learn more about my legal services, please feel free to call me at (410) 778- 1630 or email me at david@davidnmabreylaw.com.

Sincerely,
David N. Mabrey