Many people in Maryland are unaware that there is a difference between DUIs and DWIs. DUIs and DWIs generally refer to driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination of the two. They are two different types of crimes and the penalties for each can vary.
What is a DWI in Maryland?
DWI in Maryland means “driving while impaired.”
It’s a less serious crime than a DUI.
In Maryland, a driver can be convicted of a DUI if found to have a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.07 percent, but less than 0.08 percent.
What is a DUI in Maryland?
DUI means “driving while under the influence.”
A driver can be convicted of a DUI if they have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or above. A person who has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater is assumed to be under the influence of alcohol.
Blood alcohol level for a Maryland DUI/DWI if you are under the age of 21
The blood alcohol levels needed for an Ocean City DUI/DWI arrest and conviction are different for younger drivers. A person who is under the age of 21 and who drives with any level of alcohol in their system is treated as a violation of the law. If stopped by law enforcement, younger drivers will be arrested and charged with a DUI.
What must the prosecutor prove to obtain a DUI/DWI conviction?
To convict a driver of a DUI or DWI, the prosecutor must present evidence of impairment and show that the impairment was due to the use of alcohol and/or drugs. However, if alcohol is found to be at certain levels in the blood via chemical testing or a breath test, then the prosecution need not produce any added evidence of impairment. An Ocean City DUI/DWI attorney can supply more details.
What are the penalties for an Ocean City DUI/DWI?
Penalties for DUIs and DWIs in Maryland depend on whether the charge is a first-time offense or a repeat offense and whether or not there are injuries. Generally, Ocean City DUI/DWI penalties include the possibility of jail time, penalties and suspension of driving privileges.
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 drug 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.