Bowie, Maryland DUI Criminal Defense Attorney

DUI vs. DWI in Maryland

Maryland law makes a distinction between DUI and DWI. An individual is convicted of DUI when their blood-alcohol concentration (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 fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI, it is a serious offense that can have serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is very important that anyone facing a Maryland DUI understand what challenges they will encounter. Searching for the legal advice of a competent and knowledgeable DUI defense attorney will help you understand all of your options and rights.

Charged with DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) in Bowie?

Under Maryland law, after you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your driver's license by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. While both actions can result in the loss of your driving privileges in Maryland, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled separately.

Bowie, Maryland DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) Administrative Hearing

In Maryland, an individual has 10 days to request an administrative hearing from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. 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 important that you submit your request to the Maryland MVA within 10 days.

Penalties for First Time Offenders - DUI

• 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 time in jail.
• Monetary Fine - The maximum fine for a first time DUI is $1,000.00.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• 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 concentration (BAC) of 0.04. A first time DUI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license in Maryland.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction results in the revocation of driving privileges for 60 days.
• DWI Fine - The maximum 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.

DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) - 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, including any defenses you might use. This is why an accomplished and skilled attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Maryland DUI defense attorney for a a free case evaluation.