BWI Defense Attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, Expert in Boat-Related Intoxication Cases in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, and Throughout Maryland
Caught operating a boat under the influence in Maryland waters? We know you're troubled, and our Maryland BUI lawyers are here to help.
Maybe you were enjoying a day on the Chesapeake Bay or cruising near Kent Narrows when the police stopped your boat. The consequences of BUI can be severe:
- Your boating privileges could be suspended.
- You might face hefty fines.
- You could even face jail time.
Our team has helped many boaters fight BUI charges, getting them dismissed or reduced.
Take the first step to protect your boating freedom and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
When Can You Face BUI Charges in Maryland?
In Maryland, you can face Boating Under the Influence (BUI) charges if marine police catch you operating a vessel with:
- A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
- Drugs in your system that impair your ability to safely operate the boat
BUI vs. BWI: Understanding the Difference
Boating While Impaired (BWI) is a less severe charge than BUI. You can face BWI charges with:
- A BAC between 0.07% and 0.08%
- Drugs in your system affecting your boating ability
While both are serious, BWI carries lighter penalties.
What Are the Consequences of a BUI Conviction in Maryland?
A BUI conviction doesn't just ruin your day on the water, it can change your life. Let's look at what can happen:
Your First BUI Offense
Don't expect the court to go easy on you, even if it's your first time. You could pay up to $1,000 in fines and spend up to a year in jail.
Your Second BUI Offense
The courts are tough on repeat offenders. Here's what you face:
- Up to a $2,000 fine
- At least 5 days in prison, which can be extended to two years
When Things Go Really Wrong
If someone gets hurt or dies, the consequences become devastating:
- If you cause life-threatening injuries to someone, the fines can be up to $3,000 and jail time up to three years.
- If someone dies in your crash, the fines are $5,000 and jail time up to three years.
- If a child under 18 was with you, you face up to $2,000 in fines and two years in jail.
What Are the Consequences of a BWI Conviction in Maryland?
BWI penalties aren't as harsh as BUI, but they still hurt:
Your first BWI conviction:
- You face fines up to $500 and up to two months in jail.
If someone almost died because of your driving, you face fines up to $3,000 and up to two years in jail.
If a child under 18 was with you, you face:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Up to six months in jail
If you're facing BUI or BWI charges in Chesapeake Bay, Deep Creek Lake, or anywhere in Maryland, reach out to us. Our Maryland BUI lawyers can help get your charges dismissed or reduced.
How Our Maryland BUI Lawyers Fight to Get Your BUI or BWI Charges Dropped
At Maronick Law LLC, we dig deep into every detail of your case. Here's how we fight for you:
Challenging Invalid Stops
Marine police officers can't stop your boat on a hunch. They need a valid reason.
Let's say you're cruising steadily, following all navigation rules, but an officer stops you because boaters usually drink on holiday weekends. This is not a valid reason to stop you. Our BWI defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, scrutinize every detail of the stop to see if it was valid.
Questioning Blood Test Results
Blood tests aren't always reliable. We scrutinize the evidence for issues such as:
- Broken chain of custody
- Improper testing procedures
- Compromised blood samples
- Unsealed vials
For example, if your blood sample was not properly sealed, it could raise doubts about the integrity of the evidence and the validity of the test results.
Exposing Breathalyzer Flaws
Breathalyzers fail more often than you'd think. Our Maryland BUI lawyers check for:
- Improper calibration
- Missed maintenance
Every BUI case tells a different story. We aim for the best possible outcome: dismissal, reduced charges, or a not-guilty verdict. Contact us to discuss your situation.
Why Maryland Boaters Turn to Maronick Law LLC for BUI or BWI Defense
When you choose Maronick Law LLC, you get more than just a lawyer—you get a team with over 80 years of experience fighting for boaters.
Our founder, Thomas J. Maronick Jr., used to be a police officer. He knows exactly how marine officers should and shouldn't do boat stops and tests.
Mr. Maronick's criminal law expertise has also been recognized by major media outlets like CNN, The Sun, and USA Today.
The National Trial Lawyers, a prestigious organization recognizing the top legal talent in the country, named us one of their Top 100. They saw what our clients already knew: we don't back down from a fight.
We don't just defend you, we fight for you. Our BWI defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD:
- Looks into every detail of your case
- Brings in expert witnesses when needed
- Is available 24/7 for your questions
- Looks for every way to protect you, from pretrial motions to smart plea deals
Talk to our Maryland BUI lawyers to discuss your charges.
Contact Our Maryland BUI Lawyers at Maronick Law LLC Today for a Free Case Evaluation
Mistakes happen. We are here to help you navigate the legal system and move forward with your life.
For help from BUI lawyers in Maryland, contact Maronick Law LLC online or call 443-551-2747 today.