Maryland DUI laws impose harsh penalties on individuals convicted of a DUI. If you are facing criminal DUI charges, you may face fines, jail time, probation, installation of an ignition interlock device, mandated classes and counseling and other penalties if convicted. Do not wait to contact an attorney who can help you fight for your rights.
Maryland DUI Information
In the state of Maryland, you can receive a DUI if you are pulled over with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher. Commonly charged criminal offenses in Maryland include driving while under the influence of alcohol and driving while impaired by alcohol. A DUI case can be proved by a blood alcohol test result of .08 or higher or by a showing that the driver's normal coordination was substantially impaired due to alcohol consumption.
Potential Penalties
Under Maryland law, the maximum penalties for a DUI are one year and a $1000 fine for a first DUI conviction, two years and a $2000 fine for a second DUI conviction and three years and a $3000 for a third DUI conviction. Other penalties allowed under Maryland law for DUI convictions include license revocation and ignition interlock device installation. Driving while impaired by alcohol is usually a lesser crime than DUI, carrying less severe penalties for conviction. Some first time offenders or individuals who have not received a recent charge are eligible for probation instead of jail time.
Should I Plea?
Deciding whether or not to plea to a DUI charge requires a discussion with an experienced criminal defense attorney. You need to go over the facts of your case and determine whether your rights were violated, whether the prosecutor has a viable case and whether any special considerations will help you fight the charges. With the right legal guidance, you may be able to beat the DUI charge, depending on the facts of your case. Plea negotiations will be more successful if you have an attorney who is prepared to take your case to trial.
Get Legal Help
If you are facing DUI charges, you may not know of any legal defenses in your cases. That is why you need an attorney who can assess the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution's case and help you prepare a defense. Attorneys are also skilled at plea negotiations which can help you by potentially reducing or dismissing charges if the facts warrant it.
