Maryland DUI Laws

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Insurance )



What is DUI?

DUI stands for "driving under influence" of alcohol or other substances which would likely impair your driving habits and endanger not only yourself but also others on the road. It is considered a serious offense in all states, but each state has its own standards and criteria as to what is considered a DUI offense.

While all states agree that your blood alcohol content or BAC is a major factor in determining DUI, they differ in terms of the BAC level that they consider as DUI-chargeable.

DUI Laws in Maryland

There are two types of charges in Maryland DUI law concerning alcohol and substance abuse related driving offenses, and each one has its own BAC limit and penalties. A BAC of less than .08 will classify you as DWI or "driving while impaired by alcohol" and carries lighter penalties than the DUI level with BAC of .08 and higher. BAC level of .08 is similar to BAC levels of DUI in California.

Under Maryland DUI laws, you need to request an administration hearing within 10 days of your arrest, or face suspension of your driver's license. If your BAC was from .07 to less than .08, your license is automatically suspended for 45 days if you are a first-time offender. You could also face jail term of at least two months and fines of at least five hundred dollars for DWI. The fines, jail terms, penalties and license suspension periods are stiffer for BAC levels which are higher than .08 and for repeat offenders.

Under Maryland DUI laws, penalties are much greater when your DWI/DUI offense resulted in accidents or death, or if you were transporting someone under 18.

In addition, your car insurance rates will also skyrocket due to DUI charges. The DUI offense stays in your driving record for ten years.

If you feel that you have been unfairly charged with DWI/DUI, consult a competent and reliable DUI lawyer. While the best DUI lawyer may be expensive, he will be in a better position to assist you in clearing yourself of this serious offense.


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