Maryland DUI and DWI Penalties

In Maryland, individuals suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol can be arrested and charged with either DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while impaired).

In either case, it is imperative that the arrestee or the arrestee’s lawyer contact the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) within ten (10) days from the time of arrest to request a hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings in Hunt Valley, Maryland. The hearing will cost $125, however, failing to request a hearing within the allotted time frame will result in automatic suspension of the arrestee’s driver’s license.

Even if the individual arrested for DUI or DWI in Maryland is the holder of a driver’s license from another state, it is still highly important that they request a hearing with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Maryland is among many member states of the Interstate Driver’s License Compact. As a member state, Maryland will share information regarding an individual’s DUI or DWI conviction and resulting license penalties with other member states. It is therefore very possible for a Maryland assigned DUI or DWI sentence to be carried out on the license of the resident of another state.

Maryland DUI

Maryland DUI is prosecuted under one of two possible theories. Either the defendant is prosecuted as “impaired” by virtue of having driven erratically and failed field sobriety tests or the defendant is prosecuted for violating Maryland’s per se law of driving with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08% or above.

Should the trial result in a DUI conviction in Maryland, first time offenders should minimally expect that their driver’s license will be suspended for forty-five (45) days. Additionally, sentencing of first time DUI offenders in Maryland could result in fines of up to $1000.00 and a year in jail. Second time offenders could receive a fine of $2000.00 and two (2) years in jail. All convicted DUI offenders in Maryland receive twelve (12) points on their Maryland Driver’s License record.

Maryland DWI

It only takes a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .07% to be arrested in Maryland for DWI. A lesser offense to a Maryland DUI, Maryland DWI carries with it harsh consequences. Among the consequences to convicted Maryland DWI first time offenders are a driver’s license suspension of up to sixty (60) days, fines of up to $500.00, two (2) months in jail and 8 points on the Maryland Driver’s License record. Second time offenders can expect similar fines and up to one (1) year in jail.

If you or someone you know is facing charges for DUI or DWI in Maryland, it is important to contact a DUI attorney as soon as possible to ensure the protection of your rights.