Thanksgiving weekend brings families together across Maryland, yet it also brings a noticeable spike in DUI stops. Whether you spent the holiday at a family gathering, a friend’s home, or a local bar, you may have seen more patrol cars on the road than usual. Because Maryland increases traffic enforcement during the entire holiday weekend, many drivers find themselves facing DUI charges even after having only a drink or two with dinner.
If this happened to you, understanding how Maryland handles DUI cases can help you take the next step with confidence.
Why Thanksgiving Weekend Leads to More DUI Stops in Maryland
Maryland agencies, including state police and many local departments, use Thanksgiving weekend as part of a statewide impaired driving prevention campaign. As a result, drivers encounter more traffic stops, targeted patrols, and sobriety checkpoints. Officers look for even minor signs of impairment, which means many people who feel completely fine to drive still face arrest. At these checkpoints, officers only need reasonable suspicion to investigate further, so even brief interactions can lead to additional testing or a full DUI evaluation.
How Maryland Defines DUI and DWI Charges
Maryland separates impaired driving offenses into two categories. DUI charges apply when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or higher, while DWI charges typically apply when officers believe a driver is impaired to a lesser degree. Although DWI is the less serious charge, both can result in heavy fines, license consequences, and a criminal record. Even a first offense can affect your job, your insurance rates, and your freedom to drive.
Because Thanksgiving gatherings often involve wine, cocktails, and holiday drinks, people may underestimate how quickly their BAC can rise, especially on an empty stomach or after consuming sugary cocktails.
What Happens During a Thanksgiving Weekend Traffic Stop
Traffic stops on holiday weekends often feel intimidating, especially when officers ask quick questions or shine flashlights into vehicles. Officers watch closely for slow responses, red eyes, the smell of alcohol, or difficulty handing over your license. If they notice anything unusual, they may ask you to step out of the vehicle for field sobriety tests. These tests include the walk and turn, the one leg stand, and the eye examination.
Officers may also use a roadside breath test. You can refuse the roadside test, but refusing the official breath test at the station can trigger administrative penalties, including license suspension. Because every situation unfolds differently, understanding your rights early can protect you from unnecessary consequences.
Why Many Drivers Are Charged Even If They “Do Not Feel Drunk”
During holiday gatherings, people often snack, talk, and drink slowly. Because alcohol absorbs differently depending on metabolism, weight, food intake, and medication use, many Maryland drivers misjudge their level of impairment. For example, a person may drink one strong cocktail during dinner and feel sober. However, the alcohol may still raise their BAC to a level that concerns officers.
Since holiday drinks frequently include higher alcohol content than standard poured servings, drivers may not realize how much they consumed. As a result, a simple drive home from Thanksgiving dinner can quickly turn into an arrest.
Consequences of a DUI Over Thanksgiving Weekend
A DUI arrest at any time of year can be overwhelming, but holiday weekend charges create additional stress because of travel, family events, and work schedules. In Maryland, a first-time DUI may result in:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Up to 1 year in jail
- 12 points on your driving record
- Required participation in alcohol education classes
- Increased insurance premiums
- 6 months license suspension
A DWI also carries penalties, although typically less severe, including 60 days license suspension, a $500 fine, 8 points to your driving record and two months in jail. Yet both create long-term complications that can follow you for years. Because holiday weekends result in more arrests, prosecutors may move cases quickly, which makes early legal help even more important.
Similar Post: DUI or DWI in Maryland: Which is Worse?
How a DUI Charge Can Affect Your Maryland Driver’s License
Maryland uses both administrative penalties and criminal penalties for impaired driving. After an arrest, the administrative process begins immediately. If you took a breath test and registered at least 0.08, or if you refused testing, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) may move to suspend your license. This suspension happens separately from the criminal case. Because many people travel for the holidays and return home to find MVA deadlines approaching, acting quickly is important. You may qualify for a restricted license or ignition interlock, but these options depend on your situation and must be handled within strict time limits.
What You Should Do After a Thanksgiving DUI Arrest in Maryland
Although every case is different, several steps help protect your rights:
- Write down everything you remember about the traffic stop, including what the officer said and how the tests unfolded.
- Request an MVA hearing as soon as possible to challenge any potential license suspension.
- Save any paperwork given to you by law enforcement, since it outlines deadlines and charges.
- Avoid discussing the arrest with friends or on social media, since prosecutors may review public posts.
- Reach out to a Maryland DUI attorney quickly, because waiting can limit your options.
Because holiday DUI stops often involve procedural issues or questionable test results, experienced legal guidance can uncover defenses that protect your future.
Similar Post: What Steps Should You Take Immediately After a DUI Arrest in Ocean City?
Possible Defenses in a Thanksgiving Weekend DUI Case
Maryland law requires officers to follow specific procedures during stops, tests, and arrests. If they fail to follow these rules, your case may weaken. Potential defenses include:
- Improperly conducted field sobriety tests
- Inaccurate breath test results
- Lack of reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop
- Issues with how the checkpoint was operated
- Medical conditions that affected test performance
Because officers work long enforcement shifts over Thanksgiving, mistakes sometimes happen. A detailed review of your case helps identify any issues that may support a strong defense.
Similar Post: Could a Medical Condition or Diet Trigger a False BAC Reading During a DUI Stop?
Why Speaking With a Maryland DUI Lawyer Early Makes a Difference
Holiday DUI charges often move quickly through Maryland courts. When you speak with an attorney early, you gain the ability to challenge deadlines, protect your license, and fully understand your legal options. Because every client’s situation is unique, personalized guidance can help you avoid missteps and prepare for your first court date with confidence. Early intervention can lead to reduced penalties, alternative programs, or even dismissal in some cases.
Arrested After Thanksgiving Dinner in Maryland? Contact Maronick Law Today
If your Thanksgiving celebration ended with a DUI charge, you do not have to navigate the process alone. Maronick Law helps Maryland drivers protect their rights, preserve their driving privileges, and move forward with a strong defense strategy.
Contact our team today at 443-551-2747 to discuss your situation, understand your next steps, and begin building a plan that supports your future. We are here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence after an unexpected DUI. We represent clients throughout Maryland, including Baltimore, Towson, and Bel Air.
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.