DUI Reference Guide

Maryland DUI Laws

In Maryland people can be arrested if they are found to be driving while impaired or driving under the influence.  For anyone with a blood alcohol content of 0.07%, they will be arrested for DWI.  DUI arrests are for those who have a BAC at or above 0.08.  According the per se law a person is driving under the influence when they have a BAC that is at or exceeds 0.08%.  This alone can be enough to arrest an individual.  Otherwise a person can be impaired if their ability to drive is less than it would be if they were not intoxicated.  If they are physically or mentally impaired in such a way that their driving is or could be affected, they can be arrested.

Anyone arrested for DUI faces criminal charges.  They will also have an administrative driver’s license case in which their license can be suspended.  Those who are arrested can ask for a hearing in an attempt to retain their license.  They have only ten days following their arrest to do so.  A fee of $125 is charged for hearing requests.  Driver’s license suspensions also result from a DUI or DWI offense.  Those who refuse testing when they are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving can automatically lose their license for 120 days. 

Those individuals who are found to be driving while impaired face up to two months in jail on a first offense.  They can also pay as much as $500 in fines.  License suspensions can be as long as 60 days.  DWI arrests also result in a person having 8 points against their driving record.  DUI (for illegal BAC is the more serious offense).  Fines can reach $100 for a first offense.  A person will lose their driving rights for at least 45 days and possibly more. 

Second time DUI offenders face as much as two years in prison.  Fines can reach $2000.  Twelve points are placed against a driver’s driving record for DUI offenses.  Second time DWI offenders will spend as much as a year in prison and pay as high as $500 in fines.  Their license can be revoked for 90 days. 

The more convictions a person has on their record, the stricter penalties they face.  Some individuals might have to have an ignition interlock system on their automobiles as an attempt to prevent a person from being able to drive under the influence again.  Those with multiple offenses will also find themselves definitely facing some mandatory jail time or in some cases community service in place of jail sentences.  Dependant upon a person’s number of offenses and any other relevant factors, some individuals could even have their license permanently revoked.

In addition, those arrested for a DUI/DWI could face further penalty from the department of motor vehicles for this crime.  In fact, if a minor was in a car while the person was intoxicated they could spend as much as four years in prison!  Although these are the most severe of penalties and the actual sentence could be much less, it is certainly something to keep in mind. 

Anyone convicted of a DUI or DWI, might need to receive treatment for alcohol and/or drug problems.  The individual might need to receive an evaluation to determine whether or not they have a problem that warrants treatment.  If they do, their treatment might be required as part of their probation terms.  Individuals who do not attend their mandated treatments or therapy can find themselves if even more trouble and would be in violation of their parole.

People with a DUI or DWI on their record could find themselves paying higher insurance premiums.  The amount can be very unaffordable.  Some people can no longer even receive insurance.  Companies can close a person’s account if they were driving while intoxicated.

Anyone who is arrested for driving while drunk should consult an attorney as soon as possible.  Many lawyers offer free consultations.  Due to the serious nature of these offenses, it might be beneficial to speak with a couple lawyers to find one who seems most versed in the DUI and DWI laws in Maryland.  Because a person can be arrested if they seemed noticeable impaired for driving, it is essential to have a lawyer to defend a driver against these charges.