DUI and DWI

The Differences and Consequences of DUI and DWI in Maryland

In Maryland, driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are to different offences that carry their own consequences. Prosecutors can charge someone with both a DUI and a DWI, but a person can only be found guilty of one of them. If you are found guilty of DUI, the DWI charge is included, but not separately punishable. If you are convicted of DWI, the DUI charge no longer applies to your circumstances. For these and other reasons, it is critical that you hire a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as you are arrested and charged with either a DUI or a DWI.

Driving Under the Influence

This is the more serious offense and you can be charged with DUI if your blood alcohol level (BAL) is .08 or higher. In this circumstance, the potential penalties you may face under Maryland law depend on whether this is your first or second offense.

First Offense Conviction Maximum Penalties:

• Up to $1,000 fine
• Up to one year in prison
• 12 points on your license
• License revocation for up to 6 months
• Supervised probation for a term of up to three years. The court may order treatment, drug testing, interlock, and community service as part of the probation process.

Second Offense Conviction Maximum Penalties:

• Up to $2,000 fine
• Up to twoyears imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of fivedays if the second conviction is within fiveyears of the prior conviction
• 12 points on your license

2015Maryland Impaired Driving Prevention Program Area Brief

• A mandatory one-year period of license suspension followed by up to a one-year period of ignition interlock
• License revocation for up to oneyear
• Mandatory participation in an alcohol abuse assessment and program
• Ignition Interlock is mandatory followingyour second DUI conviction in five year
• Supervisedprobation for a term of up to threeyears. The court may order conditions of probation such as treatment, drug testing, interlock, and community service

Driving While Intoxicated

You may be charged with this offense if your BAL is less than .08 and potential consequences again vary depending on whether this is your first of second offense.

First Offense Conviction Maximum Penalties:

• Up to a $500 fine
• Up to twomonths imprisonment
• Eightpoints on your license
• Up to a 60-day license suspension
• Supervisedprobation for a term of up to threeyears. The court may order conditions of probation such as treatment, drug testing, interlock, and community service

Second Offense Conviction Maximum Penalties:

• Up to a $500 fine
• Up to one-year imprisonment
• Eight points on your license
• Up to a 120-day license suspension
• Supervised probation for a term of up to three years. The court may order conditions of probation such as treatment, drug testing, interlock, and community service

Why Experienced Legal Representation Matters

Before you can be convicted of DUI/DWI, you first must be found guilty of the charges. An experienced criminal defense attorney will challenge the facts and procedures of the charges in an effort to get them dismissed or reduced. If this is unsuccessful, your lawyer should work to convince a prosecutor or judge to impose lesser sentences than the maximum penalties cited above. If successfully, this may help you avoid the embarrassment and life disruption that often result from the maximum consequences.

 Zewdu Alem & Associates provide expert legal DUI/DWI representation. We understand the law and know how to best represent your interests. It is critical that you contact us as soon as you are charged so that we can begin your representation immediately. Call us now at (301) 608-1133 or contact us at Inquiry@alemlawgroup.com.

Pages used: http://dui.drivinglaws.org/maryland.php
http://www.mva.maryland.gov/safety/mhso/program-impaired-driving-prevention.htm