DUI is one of the most common crimes in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 1.5 million people are arrested each year for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Despite how common DUI convictions are, it is a serious crime that can have a major impact on your life and cost you a significant amount of money. Penalties and fines associated with a DUI conviction vary widely by state, so it is critical that you are aware of all local legislation when you are facing charges. A qualified DUI attorney can work with you towards obtaining the best results possible. Read on for more on your rights and what you can expect when you have been arrested for DUI in the state of Maryland.
What Are the Penalties for DUI in Maryland?
In Maryland, if you are convicted of an impaired driving offense, you will face a variety of criminal penalties in addition to license sanctions. Many factors can affect the nature and the severity of the charges you receive. All DUIs are different in terms of context and circumstances, so it is absolutely critical that you contact an experienced Maryland DUI attorney as soon as you can and tell them all of the facts concerning your case. Those convicted of a first offense DUI in Maryland may face the following penalties:
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Up to 1 year in jail
- 12 points assessed on driver’s record
- License revocation of up to 6 months
- Participation in alcohol abuse assessment and program
- Installation of an interlock device
For a second DUI offense in Maryland, you may face the following penalties:
- Up to $2,000 in fines
- Up to 2 years in jail (5-day mandatory minimum)
- 12 points assessed on driver’s record
- License revocation of up to 1 year
- Participation in alcohol abuse assessment and program
- Installation of an interlock device
What Should I Do Once I’ve Been Arrested for DUI?
If you are arrested for a DUI, it is important that you know your rights and do not further incriminate yourself. The first and most important step is to find a DUI attorney immediately who can walk you through the following steps you need to take.
An experienced criminal defense DUI attorney will need to speak with you about the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), whether you took a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) and/or Breath or Blood Test. You will want to discuss the circumstances of the DR-15 form and the circumstances under which you signed this document. There are also license issues with a tight timeline to decide whether to request a hearing or to voluntarily opt into the MVA ignition interlock program. Lastly, regardless of whether you will ultimately proceed to trial, you will want to discuss the importance of attending and successfully completing an alcohol education or treatment regimen well before your court date.
Contact Us
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Maryland, call Blackford & Flohr at 410-647-6677 today. We provide the best DUI attorney services in Maryland and make it our priority to get you the best possible outcome. Fill out our contact form to get started.
