If you have been arrested for or convicted of a DUI offense in the state of Maryland, you no doubt want to know how long you can expect it to remain on your criminal record and your driving record. After all, this type of offense can not only be embarrassing, but it can have severe financial repercussions as well.
In the state of Maryland, DUI and DWI offenses are taken very seriously. The repercussions of a DUI or DWI conviction can impact your life for years. It’s not surprising that most people are anxious to know if and when these types of convictions will be removed from their record.
The laws applying to DUI in Maryland are complex, and you may have many questions about what happens if you are convicted of this type of offense. Here’s what you need to know about DUI convictions and your record in Maryland.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Maryland?
Drunk driving or DUI offenses remain on your record in Maryland permanently. Since they are never expunged, they are accessible to law enforcement or anyone else who checks your criminal record for the rest of your life.
The repercussions of this can be scary for many people since all future criminal background checks will display this information. Having a DUI on one’s permanent record could potentially affect future employment prospects for some people, and it’s likely to be a source of embarrassment for many.
Will I Lose My License?
The first and most important repercussion of being arrested for a DUI is that the arresting officer will most likely take your license. If you don’t do anything after your arrest, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Association (MVA) will suspend your license 46 days after your arrest.
The length of your driving suspension depends on whether you submit to a chemical test at the time of your arrest and the results of that test. If you refuse to take a chemical test, your license can be suspended for up to 270 days, and you’ll be required to submit to a mandatory ignition interlock program for up to one year.
If you submit to a chemical test and your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is between 0.08-0.15 (and if it’s your first DUI arrest in five years or less), you could have your license suspended for 90 days and be required to submit to a six-month ignition interlock program.
If your BAC is above 0.15 percent, your license will probably be suspended for up to 180 days, or you’ll be put into an ignition interlock program for up to one year. Subsequent offenses have more severe consequences, such as up to 270-day suspensions and ignition interlock of one year.
Financial Penalties for DUI in Maryland
Having your license suspended isn’t the only thing that can happen when you have a DUI in Maryland. First offenses could get you a $1000 fine and up to a year in jail. Second offenses could get you a $2000 fine and up to two years in jail.
In addition to fines and jail time, points will be added to your license. These points stay on your record until expunged by the MVA. Point accumulation can lead to suspensions or even having your driver’s license revoked completely.
Financial Impact of a DUI in Maryland
While having a DUI on your permanent record isn’t necessarily the end of the world, it can make your life much more difficult. Future employers may be reluctant to hire you if they see it on your permanent record, and other financial impacts can occur due to having one or more DUIs.
- Fines can be expensive and financially draining.
- Jail time can result in lost wages or even in the loss of your job.
- Insurance rates for drivers with a DUI on their record are higher because you are deemed a risk.
Avoid a DUI Charge on Your Permanent Record
While the best way to avoid ever having to deal with a DUI charge is simply to never drive after drinking, you may nevertheless find yourself facing a DUI or DWI charge at some point. If this happens, your best defense is to enlist the help of a qualified, skilled DUI lawyer in Maryland.
Let Us Defend You Against Your DUI Charge
Because the DUI laws in Maryland are complex, and because the consequences of a DUI in the state are severe, you need to hire a Maryland DUI lawyer that is competent and able to defend you well when your case goes to court.
At Jeremy Widder Law, we are committed to helping you get the best possible outcome with your substance-related offense, including DUI offenses. Whether this is your first offense or a subsequent one, we’d love to help you. Contact us today to see how we can help you fight your Maryland DUI charge.
