About 8,000 impaired-driving crashes occur every year on Maryland roads and about 35 percent of those auto accidents result in injury. DWI/DUI penalties vary depending on the charge and whether a first or repeat offense is involved. In general, a first offense is a misdemeanor and involves a suspended license, the possibility of jail time and fines.
Maximum penalties for a first offense for causing life threatening injuries by motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance (CDS)
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Up to 3 years of imprisonment
- MVA penalties such as points, license suspension and installation of ignition interlock device
- Offense is a misdemeanor
Maximum penalties for causing life threatening injuries by motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) if previously convicted of a DUI/DWI offense
The penalties are more severe if previously convicted of a specified offense.
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Jail time up to 5 years
- MVA penalties such as points, license suspension and installation of ignition interlock device
- Conviction is a misdemeanor
Maximum penalties for a first offense for causing life threatening injuries by motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Up to $3,000 in fines
- Up to 2 years of imprisonment
- MVA penalties such as points, license suspension and installation of ignition interlock device
- Offense is a misdemeanor
Maximum penalties for a first offense for causing life threatening injuries by motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Up to 5 years of imprisonment
- MVA penalties such as points, license suspension and installation of ignition interlock device
- Offense is a misdemeanor
What does the state have to prove?
The state has to prove that you were operating the vessel or motor vehicle. Prosecutors also have to prove impairment, either based on a breathalyzer or blood test or based on conduct and behavior when a breathalyzer or blood test is not available.
What are some defenses to a Maryland DUI/DWI?
Several defenses are possible, including challenging the stop because it lacks probable cause; challenging the breath test results; challenging the procedures involved in the arrest such as determining whether the arrestee’s rights were read and challenging how the field sobriety tests were administered.
In addition to criminal charges, a civil lawsuit is a possibility.
An Ocean City, Maryland DUI attorney can help you with your charges. An Ocean City DWI lawyer will review your case to determine if the charges can be reduced or dismissed or whether a probation before judgment is possible. The attorneys at Maronick Law LLC have experience fighting Ocean City, Maryland DWI and DUI charges. The office is open during the pandemic and will continue to meet your Glen Burnie, Annapolis, Baltimore, Essex, Ocean City, Towson, White Marsh DUI legal needs. The consultation is free.
We can meet with you remotely if you have access to Zoom. You can contact Thomas Maronick on his cellphone at 202.288.0167, the law office at 410.402.5571 or through the website for a free consultation.