Drunk driving offenses are taken very seriously, especially in
Maryland. This is where Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was formed
as a consumer group to enact stricter DUI laws. Most states have a
baseline for determining whether or not you are driving under the
influence (DUI). That's when you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of
.08 or higher. That same level holds true for Maryland but they have an
added law of driving while impaired (DWI) which sets the baseline BAC
level at .07.
It is difficult to determine just how many drinks it takes to reach
those levels. A lot depends on whether or not you've eaten anything and
what you are specifically drinking. Although considered less severe
then a DUI, a DWI can carry the same level of penalties and potential
jail time.
Maryland DUI/DWI Conviction Penalties
If you have gotten into trouble and find yourself convicted of a DUI or
DWI offense in Maryland you are encouraged to make it a one time
occurance. The more convictions for these types of offenses, the
greater the penalty. For a first time DUI you can face up to one year
in jail or two years if you were driving a minor. There is also a six
month driver's license suspension and $1,000 fine ($2,000 if driving
with a minor). For a first DWI you're looking at up to two months in
jail or six if driving with a minor. Also, six months of license
suspension and $500 fine ($1,000 if driving with a minor).
On a second DUI offense the jail time goes up to two years, the license
suspension to one year and the fine to $2,000. You also could be
subjected to an ignition interlock device installed in your car which
forces you to take a breathalyzer test every time you start the car.
For a second DWI the jail time and license suspension gets bumped up to
a year and the fines to $1,000. For a third DUI or DWI all the fines
and penalties are increased by the factor of 1 (3 years jail time,
$3,000 fine etc.). Additionally, you can also have your vehicle
impounded for any length of time that is up to the judge's discretion.
Maryland Implied Consent Law
As with other states, Maryland DUI laws contain the implied content
provision of obtaining a driver's license. Regardless of your history,
if you get a Maryland driver's license you have agreed to subject
yourself to any chemical test of your blood or urine if asked by a
police officer who suspects you might be under the influence. If you
refuse those tests then your license could automatically be suspended
for up to four months or one year if it is the second time you've
refused.
Additional Maryland DUI Law Details
The DUI and DWI threshold levels are much greater when it comes to
minors (under the legal drinking age of 21) or any commercial vehicle
operators such as bus or truck drivers. For minors the BAC is .02. For
commercial drivers the BAC is .04.
Being arrested for a DUI or DWI offense in Maryland means you'll be
resolving this matter in front of a judge. Fortunately, there are many
qualified and experienced local attorneys who specialize in DUI and DWI
arrests that can help you or your loved ones who are facing these types
of charges.