Maryland DUI Laws

DUI Defense Attorney Helping Clients in Maryland

The laws in Maryland include many provisions that are designed to protect the public from the dangers of impaired driving. These laws include a range of charges related to driving while intoxicated by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. A DUI conviction in Maryland can lead to severe consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and the loss of driving privileges. Certain factors, such as causing an accident or carrying a child passenger, can result in more serious penalties. Understanding the nuances of Maryland's DUI laws is essential for anyone who may be facing these types of charges. Attorney Kirk Seaman is committed to helping people in Towson who have been charged with DUI understand their legal options, and we can provide effective legal representation to help resolve these matters successfully.

DUI Charges in Maryland

People who are arrested for intoxicated driving in Maryland may face different charges depending on factors such as their blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the use of marijuana or other drugs, and whether they have any previous DUI convictions. Specific charges may include:

• DUI (Driving Under the Influence): A person may be charged with DUI if they are allegedly operated a vehicle with a BAC of at least 0.08 percent. A conviction can result in harsh penalties, including a $1,000 fine, a sentence of up to one year in jail, and a six-month driver's license revocation for a first offense or a $2,000 fine, a jail sentence of up to two years, and a one-year license revocation for a second offense.
• DWI (Driving While Impaired): Drunk driving charges may still apply if a person had a BAC below the legal limit of 0.08 percent. A driver may be charged with DWI if they were allegedly impaired to the extent that their driving ability was affected. DWI is a less serious charge than DUI, but it still carries significant penalties, which may include a $500 fine, a jail sentence of up to two months, and a six-month license suspension for a first offense or a $500 fine, a sentence of up to one year in jail, and a license suspension of nine months to one year for a second offense.
• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs: DUI charges do not only apply to alcohol impairment. A person may be charged with DUI if they had controlled substances in their system or if the use of marijuana or other drugs allegedly led to serious impairments to their driving ability. In cases where the use of substances such as over-the-counter drugs or the combination of drugs and alcohol allegedly led to low levels of impairment, a person may be charged with DWI. Drug-related DUI or DWI charges carry the same penalties as charges related to alcohol intoxication.
• DUI While Operating a Commercial Vehicle: Commercial vehicle drivers are held to stricter standards than other drivers. A truck driver or a person who operates another type of commercial vehicle may face DUI charges if they are accused of driving with a BAC of at least 0.04 percent. The penalties for these charges can be especially severe. In addition to fines and jail time, a conviction could result in the revocation of the person's commercial driver's license (CDL), leading to significant employment consequences.
• Underage DUI: In Maryland, drivers under the age of 21 who are found to have consumed alcohol before driving may be charged with DUI or DWI. Underage drivers who are convicted of DWI will face longer periods of license suspension than drivers over the age of 21.

Points and License Suspension for DUI Convictions

When a person is convicted of DUI in Maryland, points are added to their driving record. The number of points will depend on the specific charge:

• DUI charges result in the addition of 12 points.
• DWI charges result in the addition of eight points.

Once points are added to a person's driving record, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) may take action based on the total number of points accumulated. If a driver accumulates eight points or more within a two-year period, their license will be suspended. If they accumulate 12 points or more, their license will be revoked. After receiving a notice of suspension or revocation, a person can request an MVA hearing where they can take steps to demonstrate that they should be able to keep their driving privileges. While a person's driving privileges will typically be restored after a period of suspension, they will need to apply for reinstatement after a driver's license revocation.

The Ignition Interlock Program

A person can avoid a driver's license suspension or revocation by participating in Maryland's Ignition Interlock Program. This program will require a driver to install a device in their vehicle that measures their BAC each time they attempt to start the car. The vehicle will not start if the device detects a BAC above a certain threshold. Drivers in the program are required to pay for the installation and maintenance of the ignition interlock device, and they may be required to remain in the program for a specific period of time. A person who is convicted of DUI a second time within five years will be required to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program after a mandatory period of license suspension.

Contact Our Towson, Maryland DUI and DWI Defense Lawyer

Since Maryland's DUI laws are complicated, it is crucial to work with an attorney who has a strong understanding of the factors that can affect these cases and the options for defense. At Kirk Seaman, LLC, we provide compassionate legal representation for people who have been accused of intoxicated driving in Towson and the surrounding areas. We understand how important it is to maintain your driving privileges, and we will work closely with you to defend against a conviction and resolve your case successfully. Contact us at 410-837-6077 to arrange your free consultation and get the representation you need during your DUI case.