DUI Lawyer - Baltimore, Maryland

Were you arrested for DUI or DWI in Baltimore, Maryland?

Pursuant to Maryland law, after you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state initiates two separate, yet simultaneous legal actions against you. A criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you. Also, an administrative action is brought against your license by the Maryland MVA. While both actions can result in the suspension of your Maryland driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

DUI vs. DWI in Maryland

Maryland law makes a distinction between DUI and DWI. An individual is convicted of DUI when their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher; while an individual is convicted of DWI with a BAC of 0.07%. Though DWI in Maryland is a lesser offense, the penalties are severe and often result in similar consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines.

If you have been arrested for DUI, it is a serious offense that can have major consequences, including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and monetary fines. It is important that anyone facing a DUI (DWI) charge understand what they will encounter. Finding the legal advice of a capable and skilled DUI defense lawyer will help you understand all of your rights and options, including any defenses you might use.

Baltimore, Maryland DUI or DWI Administrative Hearing

In Maryland, an individual has 10 days to request an administrative hearing from the Maryland MVA. If you fail to request a hearing within 10 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is imperative that you submit your request to the Maryland MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration) within 10 days.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Driving Privileges - A DUI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 45 (forty five) days.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender will face up to 1 (one) year imprisonment.
• DUI Fine - The maximum fine for a first time DUI in Baltimore, Maryland is $1,000.00.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• DWI / DUI - Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driving privileges for 120 days.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04. A first time DUI / DWI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 (one) year, while any subsequent DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license in the state of Maryland.
• Maryland Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 60 days.
• DWI Fine - The largest fine for a first time DWI is $500.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a drug and alcohol evaluation and any treatment program required by the evaluating agency is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.

DUI or DWI - Subsequent Offenses

The penalties are more severe for additional DUI violations in Maryland. Due to the complexity of DUI laws, you may not be aware of rights and options. This is why an assertive and knowledgeable defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Maryland DUI / DWI defense lawyer for a fast and free consultation.