Blog: DUI/DWI

May 7, 2024

The official start of the boating season in Maryland is just around the corner. Memorial Day is the first official day of boating in Maryland. Some, of course, are already enjoying Maryland’s waterways. Many boaters, however, are prepping their vessels. Boat prep should also include safety equipment. In 2020, Maryland had 155 reportable boating accidents. Sixty-four of the accidents resulted in injuries and six were fatal. This is better than 2019 when Maryland saw 144...

Maryland Boating Penalties Will Increase This Summer

May 2, 2024

Boating under the influence (BUI) and boating while intoxicated (BWI) will come with stronger penalties under a The bill prohibits a person from operating a vessel on Maryland waters for up to two years if convicted of operating or attempting to operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol. The time limit under existing law is, at most, one year. If the violation results in the death of another, courts may...

How Prescription Medications Can Lead to a DUI Arrest in Maryland

May 1, 2024

Prescription medications are essential in managing various medical conditions. However, many individuals are unaware that legally prescribed medications can impair driving ability and potentially lead to a Understanding DUI Laws in Maryland In Maryland, DUI laws are stringent and apply to alcohol and any substance that impairs a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. According to Maryland law, a person can be charged with a DUI if they are found driving or attempting...

New Maryland Law Will Have Disastrous Impact on DUI/DWI Cases and Commercial Drivers

Apr 29, 2024

Defendants in Maryland DUI/DWI cases will not be able to benefit from state laws allowing them to forego having an interlock ignition device installed in their vehicles under a law awaiting the governor’s signature. Currently, it’s up to the judge to decide, in many instances, whether the device should be installed. However, the new law requires that defendants install the interlock even in cases where the defendant gets probation before judgment (PBJ) or a...

Maryland Lawmakers Strengthen Penalties for Drunk Drivers

Apr 22, 2024

Maryland lawmakers have strengthened the penalties for convicted drunk drivers. They eliminated a major loophole in the state’s ignition interlock law. The legislature recently approved a bill that will require Maryland drunk drivers to complete the Ignition Interlock System Program. The device will have to be in place for six months. The categories of drivers that must complete the interlock program will include: Those who receive probation before judgment (PBJ) for driving under...

Explaining ignition interlock devices

Nov 8, 2023

Each year, thousands of people are charged with DUI in Maryland, many in the Ocean City area. When convicted of a DUI, you can face any number of consequences, from fines to court-ordered therapy and classes to jail time. And frequently, you may need to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle to regain your driving privileges. In ignition interlock device, sometimes known as a car breathalyzer, is a device installed in...

Ocean City Prosecutors Have State’s Highest Conviction Rate

Nov 3, 2023

Worcester County has the highest conviction rate in Maryland for the prosecution of alcohol and drug-related impaired driver cases. Worcester County prosecutors handled more than 1,000 DUI/DWI cases during 2021. They obtained a 92.2% conviction rate. The statewide average for 2021 was 77.2%. Worcester County includes Maryland’s summer resort town of Ocean City as well as nearby towns Berlin and Snow Hill. The county has had the state’s highest conviction rate since 2019. ...

Can I Refuse to Take a Breathalyzer Test?

Nov 1, 2023

A University of Maryland assistant coach was arrested in Florida a few weeks ago and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in the Sunshine State. Reportedly, he refused to take a breathalyzer test. Can you refuse to take a breathalyzer test in Maryland? Yes. But there are consequences. Under Maryland law, an officer can detain a driver and conduct an alcohol breath test officer when the officer believes that reasonable grounds exist...

E-scooters and DUI offenses

Oct 9, 2023

Electric scooters (e-scooters) are trendy in Maryland, but riders must still adhere to the responsibilities of traveling on the motor-powered platform. Persons riding on an e-scooter must follow all traffic and safety laws, including riding while intoxicated. Those who ride while intoxicated can face Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges. DUIs and E-scooters The law regarding There’s another statute to be aware of concerning arrests for being under the influence. To...

Answers to Four Common Questions About Maryland DUI Impoundment

Oct 5, 2023

Ocean City, Maryland, is a resort town, and keeping the roads safe requires constant monitoring for drunk drivers. So whether you’re a local or tourist, if you plan to be in town, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the area’s DUI laws. Here are four common questions regarding the state’s DUI laws, specifically those concerning car impoundment and license suspension, along with their answers: How long can your car be impounded after a...