The state of Maryland prohibits drinking and driving and considers it to be a misdemeanor crime. If you are stopped while under the influence, you may be arrested, fined, and/or sentenced to time in jail.
Knowing your rights and how the law works is very important. No matter who you are or what your story, we all know that being informed and educated on state laws and regulations can help if we find ourselves in front of a judge. That knowledge can help us learn and get us back to our lives.
Maryland has a number of intoxicated driving classifications, but there are two main types we will be discussing: DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while impaired). It is important to know the difference and distinction between the two.
DUI (driving under the influence) means that a person driving or attempting to drive while impaired to a significant extent by alcohol or controlled substance or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least .08 can be convicted. Every person’s BAC is different and you can look up calculators to make sure you aren’t running the risk of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
DWI (driving while impaired) are less serious offenses than DUIs in Maryland and exist when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is found to be between 0.06 and 0.08. Driving while impaired by drugs is also considered a DWI. Driving while impaired means there was some impairment of normal motor coordination.
Severity of Charges
All of these charges will be heightened if a child (minor) is in the car at the time of the arrest. Keep in mind It is also a crime to drive while impaired by drugs (even legal drugs), or controlled substances like marijuana.
Driving with any combination of drugs and/or alcohol that prevent you from driving safely is illegal. It’s also important to remember that the punishments for DWI and DUI increase with each subsequent conviction. The fines and jail time go up with each conviction on record.
In essence, DUIs are more serious than DWIs but both come with consequences. A first-time DUI in Maryland carries a penalty of up to one year in jail and $1000 in fines. If a minor was in the vehicle at the time of the DUI, the charges could double and the offender could face up to two years in jail and $2000 in fines.
Getting good representation is the best way to help you lessen charges and fines when facing a DUI or DWI. They will tell you everything you need to know and what steps to take. But let’s break down some of the facts you need to know if you are facing any charges from a DUI/DWI that could help you:
- You will be required to go to court.
- You may lose your drivers license. Depending on the nature of your charges, your license could be revoked or suspended.
For example, if the driver’s BAC is at least .08%, they face a 180-day suspension. - Any driver that refuses testing will have their license suspended for 270 days. A driver who refuses testing and has a prior violation will be suspended for two years.
- Your drivers license points will also be affected. A DWI conviction will get 8 points, making the driver eligible for a license suspension. A DUI conviction will get 12 points, making the driver eligible for license revocation.
- There are circumstances where the points can be removed from your license (probation before judgment) or a license suspension can be modified to allow for work, school, and medical appointments.
- You will have an alcohol and substance abuse assessment.
Your lawyer can help you find a local counseling center if required to go to one.
Jeremy Widder Law is on Your Side
While we all try our best, no one is perfect. You want to make sure you have the best representation during such a difficult and stressful time.
At Jeremy Widder Law, we have experience in a wide range of legal practice areas, and we specialize in substance related offenses. If you or someone you love is facing a substance related offense, we’re on your side. We’re ready to help. Let’s talk.
