Every July 4th, crowds head to Maryland hotspots like Ocean City and Chesapeake Beach, but so do DUI patrols. Defense attorney Thomas Maronick recently spoke with FOX Baltimore about the spike in DUI checkpoints, the charges drivers often face, and what to do if you’re stopped for DUI on the 4th of July weekend.
Why July 4th Sees a Surge in DUI Stops—and What Drivers Should Know
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 38% of all traffic-related fatalities in 2023 involved drunk driving. Between increased vehicles on the road and social gatherings involving alcohol, law enforcement ups its patrols over the 4th of July weekend, and sets up DUI checkpoints in areas where drunk driving is most likely to occur.
For law enforcement, these DUI checkpoints offer an opportunity to observe noticeable signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and the smell of alcohol. But do you have to answer their questions? Outside of supplying basic information, no. “You don’t have to tell them [law enforcement] where you’re coming from or what you had to drink,” Tom told FOX Baltimore.
Similar Post: What Happens if You’re Arrested for DUI in Ocean City While on Vacation?
DUI Checkpoints Can Lead to Additional Charges
While DUI checkpoints are designed to catch impaired drivers, they often uncover more than just alcohol-related offenses. Law enforcement officers stationed at these checkpoints are trained to look for any signs of illegal or dangerous behavior behind the wheel, not just intoxication.
As DUI defense attorney Thomas Maronick explained to FOX Baltimore, "You're going to see a lot of [violations] over the holidays—speeding, swerving, reckless driving, and negligent driving." Many of these behaviors are often linked to drivers heading home after events, assuming police won't be out in full force.
However, that assumption is a mistake. Officers often patrol in unmarked vehicles or monitor traffic with radar devices from unexpected locations. That means even if you're not stopped at a checkpoint, you can still be pulled over for suspicious behavior.
Increased enforcement during the July 4th holiday weekend means drivers are more likely to be charged not only with DUI, but also face penalties for:
- Speeding
- Reckless or negligent driving
- Failure to maintain lane
- Open container violations
- Driving without a license or valid registration
The bottom line? A DUI checkpoint might start with a few simple questions, but it can quickly turn into multiple citations if police detect other violations.
Penalties for DUI in Maryland
The penalties associated with drunk driving in Maryland, regardless of whether it’s your first offense, are pretty steep. As detailed by the Maryland Department of Transportation MVA, drivers charged with their first offense DUI could be facing:
- Up to one year in jail
- Up to $1,000 fine
- License suspension for six months
- 12 points added to their driving record
- Increased insurance rates
- Attendance in an alcohol education class
For those facing their second DUI offense, the penalties increase to include:
- Up to two years in jail, with a minimum of five days served
- Up to a $2,000 fine
- License suspension for one year
- 12 points added to their driving record
- Increased insurance rates
- Attendance in an alcohol education class
- Installation of an ignition interlock device (if second offense occurs within five years of the first)
For those facing their third DUI offense or repeated offenses, penalties may include:
- Up to three years in prison
- Up to a $3,000 fine
- 12 points added to their driving record
- Revocation of driver’s license
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
- High-risk insurance rates
- Alcohol and drug treatment
These consequences are in addition to a permanent criminal record, which can prevent you from getting loans, housing, and educational opportunities.
Understanding the potential penalties is only part of protecting yourself. Knowing your rights during and after a DUI stop is just as important, especially when it comes to field sobriety and breathalyzer tests.
What to Know About Refusing DUI Tests in Maryland
If you're arrested for DUI in Maryland, it's critical to understand your legal rights, especially when it comes to field sobriety and breath tests. According to DUI attorney Thomas Maronick, you are not legally required to take a field sobriety test or blow into the portable breathalyzer (known as the intoximeter) at the scene.
While officers may still arrest you based on observations, roadside tests are often inadmissible in court. The only breath test that holds legal weight is the one administered at the police station.
However, refusing the official breath test does carry consequences. In Maryland, a refusal can result in a 270-day license suspension unless you opt to install an ignition interlock device. That said, refusal means the prosecution won’t have a concrete blood alcohol content (BAC) reading to use as evidence.
Maronick’s advice?
“Don’t take any tests. Don’t say anything—and then you’re protecting yourself.”
Of course, the best protection is prevention. Call a Lyft, use a designated driver, or stay put if you’ve been drinking. As Tom puts it, "The easiest way for me to help is for you not to be arrested."
Similar Post: What Happens If You Refuse to Take a Breathalyzer Test in Maryland?
What About Parents? Can They Be Held Liable if Their Teen is Caught Underage Drinking?
The short answer is yes, parents can be held liable if their teen is caught underage drinking. According to the 2024 Maryland ICCPUD State Report, 12.3% of minors between the ages of 12-20 reported drinking alcohol within the past month.
“Parents need to be very careful as to who is in their house,” says Tom. “If the police are called and find underage drinking, a number of citations could be issued.” Furthermore, parents could be sued and held liable for any alcohol-related injuries or damages that occur on their property.
Simply put: Be an active host at your summer party. Don’t just trust that everything will be fine.
Watch the full FOX Baltimore interview here:
Contact Maronick Law if You Were Arrested for a DUI in Maryland
Your holiday celebrations deserve to go off without a hitch. If you or your teen was arrested for a DUI in Maryland, don’t delay. Contact Maronick Law today by calling 443-351-6657 or filling out our online contact form. We’re here to help you understand your charges and provide an aggressive DUI defense that protects your rights and freedom.
Whether you were arrested in Ocean City, Towson, Baltimore, Berlin, or elsewhere in Maryland, Maronick Law is here to help.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.