In Maryland, there are two different drunk driving statutes, and the crime that you are charged with depends on your blood alcohol level. In either scenario, you could face jail time, a fine or other penalties for a first or subsequent offense.
Driving Under the Influence
If your blood alcohol level is .08 or higher, you will likely be charged with driving under the influence (DUI). This is a per se offense, which means that the state won’t need anything other than the results of a Breathalyzer, blood or urine test to prove that you violated the law. As detailed by the Maryland Department of Transportation MVA, the penalties for a first offense include up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 and a license revocation of up to six months. A second DUI offense has even steeper penalties, including up to two years in jail (serving a minimum of five days), a $2,000 fine, and license revocation for up to one year. Penalties may be enhanced if you were caught with children in your vehicle.
Driving While Impaired
If your blood alcohol content is lower, you’ll likely be charged with driving while impaired (DWI). This is not a per se offense, which means that you’ll likely have a better opportunity to create a criminal defense strategy to dispute the state’s allegations. A first conviction will carry penalties of up to two months in jail, a fine of up to $500 and a license suspension of up to six months. A second offense could result in up to one year imprisonment, a $500 fine and license revocation for up to 12 months.
Defense Strategies if Charged with a DUI/DWI in Maryland
There are many strategies that you might be able to use to cast doubt on a DUI or DWI charge. For instance, in some cases the Breathalyzer test was conducted improperly or the machine provided an inaccurate result. Alternatively, you may claim that you were the victim of an improper traffic stop, which might render any evidence found during the stop inadmissible. This may be enough to have the charge dropped or reduced.
Contact Maronick Law if You Were Charged With Drunk Driving in Maryland
Don't face the seriousness of a drunk driving charge in Maryland alone. Instead, contact the skilled DUI/DWI defense attorneys at Maronick Law. Representing clients in Towson, Baltimore, Ocean City, and Rockville, Maronick Law is here to explain your rights and develop an aggressive defense strategy to safeguard your rights.
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Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.