Fighting to Help You Avoid the Harsh Consequences of Conviction
It is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol, regardless of which state you reside in. In Maryland, a motorist who is found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of more than 0.08 percent faces significant punishment, up to and including jail time, monetary fines, and expenses related to license suspension and alcohol treatment programs.
If you are facing DUI charges, a skilled defense attorney can fight to help you avoid these harsh and life-altering penalties. At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, we are committed to providing an aggressive and comprehensive defense for clients throughout Maryland. We have five convenient offices – located in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, and Waldorf – from which we can serve you.
Contact our law office today to schedule your free confidential consultation and legal case evaluation at (301) 262-7005.
What Are The Maximum Penalties for Drunk Driving in Maryland?
Below, we have outlined the maximum penalties you could face if convicted of DUI in Maryland.
Fines & Penalties
- First Offense: Up to $1,000 (DUI); up to $500 (DWI)
- Second Offense: Up to $2,000 (DUI); up to $500 (DWI)
- Third Offense: Up to $3,000 (DUI); up to $500 (DWI)
Jail Time
- First Offense: Up to one year (DUI); up to two months (DWI)
- Second Offense: Up to two years (DUI); up to one year (DWI)
- Third Offense: Up to three years (DUI); up to one year (DWI)
License Suspension
- First Offense: Up to six months (DUI & DWI)
- Second Offense: Up to one year (DUI); 9-12 months (DWI)
- Third Offense: 18 months up to court’s discretion
Refusal to Take Chemical Test
- First Offense: 270 days license suspension
- Second Offense: Two years license suspension
- Third Offense: Two years license suspension
Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device
Under Noah’s Law, enacted in 2016, drivers convicted of DUI, DWI while transporting a minor under 16, or DUI/DWI causing homicide or life-threatening injury must install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle(s) for a certain period of time.
- First Offense: Six months
- Second Offense: One year
- Third Offense: Three years
What Are The Consequences of a DUI Conviction?
DUI costs begin with court fees and can be an ongoing problem. That is, even after a court hearing has concluded, ensuing costs – such as increased insurance premiums and other fees – can still affect a convicted motorist.
For starters, a DUI charge often requires one to carry high-risk auto insurance, which leads to more expensive auto insurance costs. Next, because one’s license is suspended after a DUI conviction, alternate transportation will need to be arranged as well, which could result in further costs depending upon on the given circumstances. Ultimately, a lack of dependable transportation could lead to job loss as well, which in turn would eliminate an income stream and result in increased financial difficulties. However, these costs represent only a fraction of the monetary burden that accompany DUI fines.
DUI & Professional Licensing
What happens if you are a licensed or credentialed professional in Maryland and you are convicted of DUI? Can you lose your license or credentials? Can it affect your application for a professional license? The unfortunate answer is yes.
There are many professions that require some type of licensing to lawfully perform the duties of that occupation.
These professions include but are not limited to:
- Medical occupations, such as doctors
- Real estate brokers
- Teachers
If you currently hold a specialized license, you worked hard and completed additional educational programs to earn it. State and federal regulations regarding licensing can be very strict when it comes to criminal convictions. A DUI conviction can potentially alter your entire career path and significantly jeopardize your professional life.
If you have been accused of DUI or DWI in Maryland, the first and most important step is hiring a knowledgeable defense lawyer who can aggressively defend your legal rights and professional future. At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, our experienced Maryland DUI defense attorneys have the experience and skills necessary to build an aggressive defense against unlawful or unnecessary charges.