Maryland DUI - Driving Under the Influence – DWI in Maryland is more serious of the two possible drunk driving charges. A maryland state DUI arrest results when a person is found operating a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) above .08. Maryland DUI law states that having a BAC above .08 means you are under the influence of alcohol and your normal driving coordination has been substantially impaired. Maryland DUI first offense penalties can differ greatly from Maryland DUI second time being convicted.
First Offense
- Minimum 45 days of suspended Driver’s License
- Up to a $1,000 fine
- Up to One year in jail
- 12 points on your Maryland Driver’s License record
Second Offense
- Up to a $2,000 fine
- Up to 2 years in jail
- 12 points on your Maryland Driver’s License record
Maryland DWI – (Driving While Impaired) – A DWI arrest results when a person is found operating a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) above .07.
First Offense
- Up to 60 days of suspended Driver’s License
- Up to a $500 fine
- Up to 2 months in jail
- 8 points on your Maryland Driver’s License record
Second Offense
- Up to a $500 fine
- Up to 1 year in jail
- 8 points on your Maryland Driver’s License record
People who are charged with DUI or DWI for a second or third time will face much harsher penalties in court. Penalties for multiple offenses include mandatory jail time, lengthy alcohol education program and strict driving restrictions. Maryland judges can mandate the use of ignition interlock device for multiple offenders. Ignition interlock devices require the driver of a car with the system to have to pass a BAC test prior to starting the car. Ignition Interlock can be a very costly penalty with fees for installation and maintenance of the system required by the provider.
Often cases in maryland result in a PBJ (probation before judgement). PBJ for DUI and DWI is rare. PBJ in maryland allows the defendant the opportunity to go on probabtion for an offense and never be convicted if the terms of the probabtion are met. PBJ also allows for all record of the offense to be expunged from the persons record three years after the judgement.
