Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyers

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DUI Laws & Penalties

Maryland DUI/DWI Laws & Penalties

A Summary of Maryland’s Drunk Driving/DUI/DWI laws and maximum penalties.

The following is a summary of penalties for Drunk Driving / DUI / DWI and related charges under Maryland Laws.

A DWI is charged in cases of impairment by drugs, other dangerous substances, or alcohol at a level of .07 BAC or less. (see my DWI laws page.)

A DUI is charged in cases of impairment/intoxication if you are determined to have a BAC of .08 or higher.

Usually defendants are given citations for both DWI and DUI when they are arrested. The State usually proceeds on a DWI if there is no breath result, or a breath result of .07 to .08. However, if there is a breath result of .08 or higher, the State usually proceeds on the DUI charge.

Penalties are enhanced if you have a minor child in the car with you while found to be driving impaired or under the influence.

You will face separate and additional license suspension penalties apart from a criminal sentence, from the Maryland MVA if you are found guilty of these charges.

Important Note: You have only 10 days after being arrested to request a hearing with the MVA to attempt to keep your license and challenge the initial suspension. We can help with MVA hearings as well as criminal drunk driving charges.

DUI – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol in Maryland

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol—1st offense / First Offense

  • Maximum—1 year
  • Fine—$1,000

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol—2nd offense / Second Offense

  • Maximum: 2 years in jail
  • Minimum: 5 days in jail if within 5 years of prior conviction
  • Fine: $2,000

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol—Third/3rd or Subsequent offense

  • Maximum: 3 years in jail
  • Mandatory Minimum 10 days in jail if within 5 years of prior conviction
  • Fine: $3,000

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol While Transporting a Minor—1st offense

  • Maximum—2 years
  • Fine—$2,000

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol While Transporting a Minor—2nd offense

  • Maximum—3 years
  • Minimum—5 days if within 5 years of prior conviction
  • Fine—$3,000

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol While Transporting a Minor—3rd or Subsequent offense

  • Maximum—4 years;
  • Minimum—10 days if within 5 years of prior conviction
  • Fine—$4,000

Call For a Legal Consultation on Your Maryland Drunk Driving / DUI/DWI Charges

Maryland drunk driving cases can be challenged and won. To find out what I can do to help you protect your rights and freedom to drive, call (888) 452-4344.

Call me at (888) 452-4344 for my legal opinion on a defense of you Maryland DUI arrest. My drunk driving case evaluation is free.

Contact us for a free legal case evaluation on any criminal charge in Maryland by calling:

(888) 205-9314

We'll explain what you are facing in plain language, and tell you how we can help.
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Contact us for a free legal case evaluation on any criminal charge in Maryland by calling:

(888) 205-9314

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