BWI Defense Attorneys in Ocean City, MD, Skillfully Defending Boaters Against BWI Charges in Worcester County and Throughout Maryland
Were you charged for a BUI on the water in Ocean City? We know you're worried, and our Ocean City BUI lawyers are here to help.
Maybe you were cruising near Seacrets or coming back from Fager's Island when the police stopped you. Now you're facing BUI charges in a major tourist destination.
- Your boating privileges would likely be suspended.
- Penalties could affect your future.
Our team understands Ocean City's laws and has helped many boaters fight BUI charges, getting them dismissed or reduced.
Let's discuss your case. Schedule your free consultation now. The earlier you involve us, the greater the opportunity for a favorable resolution.
What Situations Can Lead to a BUI Charge in Ocean City?
In Ocean City, boaters face BUI charges if officers detect:
- A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
- Drugs in your system that impair your boating abilities, even if they are prescription medications
BUI vs. BWI: What Sets Them Apart?
In a beach town where boating and leisure go hand in hand, knowing the difference between BUI and BWI charges is crucial. You might face BWI charges with:
- BAC levels between 0.07% and 0.08%
- Any substances affecting your boating judgment
Think of BWI as a yellow flag and BUI as a red. Both require immediate action to protect your rights and freedom.
Penalties for Committing BUI Offenses in Ocean City
In a town where life revolves around the water, a BUI conviction carries severe consequences:
- First offense: Fines up to $1,000 and a maximum of one year in prison.
- Second offense: Fines up to $2,000 and a maximum of two years in prison, including a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five days.
If your BUI results in an accident, the consequences are even more severe:
- Life-threatening injuries: Up to $3,000 in fines and up to three years in prison.
- Fatalities: Up to $5,000 in fines and a maximum five-year prison term.
- Minors aboard: Up to $2,000 in fines and up to two years in prison.
Penalties for Committing BWI Offenses in Ocean City
While BWI penalties are not as harsh as BUI, they can still disrupt your life:
- First offense: Up to $500 in fines and up to two months in prison.
- Accidents with life-threatening injuries: Up to $3,000 in fines and up to two years in prison
- Accidents resulting in fatalities: Up to $3,000 in fines and up to three years in prison
Don't let a BUI or BWI charge ruin your future. Contact our Ocean City BUI lawyers, we're here to help.
How Our Ocean City BUI Lawyers Can Help You Beat BUI Charges
When you're facing BUI or BWI charges in Ocean City, you need a strong defense strategy tailored to your unique case. Here is how we can help:
Challenging the Initial Stop
Marine police can't stop your boat without a valid reason. Our BWI defense attorneys in Ocean City, MD, dig deep into questions like:
- Was your boat targeted simply because you were leaving a restaurant or during a holiday weekend enforcement blitz?
- Were you anchored at the sandbar when approached?
For example, your initial stop can be invalid, and your case can be dismissed if footage showed you were stopped solely for being the last boat leaving, not for any suspicious behavior.
Questioning Breath and Blood Test Evidence
Breath and blood tests can be flawed. We thoroughly investigate:
- Device calibration records and maintenance logs
- Testing conditions and storage procedures
- Chain of custody and lab technician qualifications
Leveraging Local Knowledge
Our familiarity with Ocean City's waterways often reveals crucial defense angles, such as:
- Weather conditions and typical traffic patterns during events
- Normal boating behaviors and local navigation challenges
For example, we have seen cases where seemingly erratic driving was actually proper navigation of the tricky Ocean City Inlet current during the outgoing tide.
If you're facing BUI or BWI charges, time is of the essence. Contact us for a free consultation. Our experienced Ocean City BUI lawyers are here to fight for your rights and help you navigate this challenging time with confidence.
Why Trust Maronick Law LLC with Your BUI or BWI Case in Ocean City
At Maronick Law LLC, we understand the fear you're experiencing and the anxiety of losing your boating privileges in a town where water access means everything.
What sets us apart is Thomas J. Maronick Jr.'s background as a former police officer. This insider knowledge gives us a powerful edge in your defense, as we know exactly how marine patrol units think, operate, and sometimes make mistakes in Ocean City's waters.
When you choose Maronick Law LLC, you get:
- A caring team with over 80 years of combined experience who will treat you like family, not just another case number
- 24/7 availability, because we understand BUI arrests often happen during vacation hours when you're supposed to be relaxing with loved ones
- Deep understanding of local marine police procedures and how they change their enforcement tactics during busy summer months
- Personal attention from attorneys who know Ocean City waters as well as they know the law
Most importantly, you get our unwavering commitment to exploring every possible avenue for your defense. We never settle for easy solutions—we fight tirelessly for the best possible outcome, from challenging faulty evidence to skillfully negotiating with prosecutors.
Our innovative approach means looking far beyond standard defenses that other attorneys might use. We examine every detail of your case, explore every option from powerful pretrial motions to special first-time offender programs, and always keep your personal goals and needs at the forefront of our strategy.
Your boating freedom and reputation in Ocean City are too important to trust to just any lawyer. Talk to our dedicated BWI defense attorneys in Ocean City, MD, to discuss your situation.
Contact Our Ocean City BUI Lawyers at Maronick Law LLC Today for a Free Case Consultation
Don't let BUI charges ruin your vacation or your future. We've guided hundreds of boaters through similar situations across Ocean City, and we're ready to fight for you.
For help from BUI Lawyers in Ocean City, contact Maronick Law LLC online or call 443-551-2747 today.