DUI And Traffic Law

Nothing is more frightening than seeing police lights flashing behind you, especially if you have been drinking. Courts across Maryland are beginning to pursue DUI and DWI charges more aggressively than ever. The knowledgeable Maryland DUI attorneys at A.Y. Gross Law have years of experience handling DUI and DWI cases from across the state. We know the law inside and out and are committed to securing the best outcome. If you’ve been charged with one of these offenses, you need a team that can fight back. Read on to learn more about these serious alcohol infractions and how experienced legal counsel can help.

Difference Between DUI and DWI

Do you know the difference between a DUI and a DWI? Although the two are very similar, a few crucial distinctions can lead to significant differences in sentencing and penalties.

A DWI, which stands for Driving While Impaired, is the less serious charge of the two. The State can convict you for a DWI if they prove that you were too impaired by alcohol to drive, even if the State can’t prove that you were actually under the influence of alcohol while driving.

A DUI, which stands for Driving Under the Influence, is a more serious alcohol offense that occurs when the driver’s blood alcohol content is measured at 0.8% or higher, Maryland’s legal limit. Prior to being arrested for a DUI, the police officer will have you take a series of field sobriety tests. If you perform poorly, you will be arrested and taken to the police station where you will be asked to perform a breathalyzer test to measure the amount of alcohol in your blood.

Both offenses carry the potential for immediate administrative action, regardless of whether you are eventually convicted in court. After you are charged, the police officer will confiscate your driver’s license and give you a temporary 45-day paper license. You will also receive a directive to appear for a hearing at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration where you can receive additional administrative sanctions such as a license suspension and points assessed to your drivers license.

If you need legal help, contact us now for a free Case Evaluation

Penalties for DWI And DUI

Since the two offenses are so similar, the court often attempts to charge a defendant with both a DWI and a DUI. If the more serious charge (DUI) is not successful, then the prosecution will attempt to secure a DWI conviction. A Maryland DUI attorney can help you secure a not guilty finding, or argue for the lesser charge, potentially reducing your sentence or securing a Probation Before Judgment disposition which will keep your record clean.

Although a DWI is not viewed as seriously as a DUI in Maryland, it still carries harsh penalties that can significantly impact your life. If you are found guilty of a DWI, you could receive up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine for your first offense. Repeat offenders often receive an additional year in jail along with another $500 fine. In addition, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will assign points to your driving record after your conviction.

First-time DUI defenders can expect a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. For subsequent offenses, the penalties are even harsher. Those who have received more than one DUI can receive up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine, and third time offenders can receive a $3,000 fine and three years in jail.

There are a few situations that immediately elevate the seriousness of a DUI or a DWI. If there is an an automobile accident, an injury to another driver, or if a child is in the car while the adult driver is intoxicated, the crime will usually receive a harsher punishment.

Contact Us

As shown above, the penalties for a DUI and DWI conviction are severe. Call us today at (443) 990-0001 or contact us here. These crimes can impact your personal and professional lives for years into the future. If you have been charged with either, having a dedicated and knowledgeable Maryland DUI attorney on your team is essential during the trial process. The attorneys at A.Y. Gross Law have focused on defending DUI and DWI cases in Maryland for years. We know the complexities of the law and courts, and are dedicated to getting the best results possible for our clients.