November 19, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BALTIMORE, MD — A new nationwide study from Maronick Law LLC ranks the states with the most severe penalties for DUI and DWI. The results highlight major disparities across the country, influenced by factors such as political culture, public attitudes toward rehabilitation versus punishment, and access to public transportation.
The findings show that Arizona, Alaska, and Virginia impose the harshest penalties for impaired driving, including mandatory jail time, high fines, and lengthy license suspensions, even for first-time offenders. Utah, where a large portion of residents abstain from alcohol for religious reasons, enforces one of the lowest legal blood alcohol limits in the nation at 0.05%.
The study also compares these strict states to Maryland, home to Maronick Law. Maryland maintains strong penalties for repeat offenders but is comparatively less harsh across the board. Unlike many states, Maryland does not categorize DUI offenses as felonies, even for individuals with prior convictions.
“For us, this study is about more than statistics. It’s about awareness. If even one person thinks twice before getting behind the wheel, that’s a win for everyone,” said Tom Maronick, partner at Maronick Law.
The infographic, “The States With the Harshest DWI/DUI Penalties and How Maryland Compares,” outlines jail times, fines, license suspensions, and ignition-interlock requirements for first-, second-, and third-offense DUI and DWI cases.
View the full study and infographic on the Maronick Law website’s DUI penalties study page: https://www.maronicklaw.com/the-states-with-the-harshest-dwi-dui-penalties-and-how-maryland-compares/
Maronick Law LLC represents clients throughout Maryland in criminal defense, personal injury, and civil litigation. The firm is dedicated to protecting clients’ rights, promoting public safety, and helping individuals make informed legal decisions that positively impact their futures. Learn more at MaronickLaw.com.
Media Contact: Samantha Kessler, Esquire Digital 1-866-ESQUIRE
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