Maryland DUI/DWI Laws & Penalties

A Summary of Maryland's Drunk Driving/DUI/DWI laws and maximum penalties.

A DWI is charged in cases of impairment by drugs, other dangerous substances, or alcohol at a level of .07 BAC.

A DUI is charged in cases of impairment/intoxication if you are determined to have a BAC of .08 or higher.

Penalties are enhanced if you have a minor child in the car with you while found to be driving impaired or under the influence.

Maryland DWI  - Driving While Impaired by Alcohol or Drugs

Driving While Impaired by Alcohol/Drugs—1^st offense

• Maximum —2 months in Jail
• Fine—$500

Driving While Impaired by Alcohol/Drugs—Subsequent offense  (Second/2nd Offense or greater)

• Maximum—1 year
• Fine—$500

Driving While Impaired by Alcohol/Drugs While Transporting a Minor—1^st offense

• Maximum—6 months
• Fine—$1,000

Driving While Impaired by Alcohol/Drugs While Transporting a Minor—Subsequent offense (2nd/Second Offense or Greater)

• Maximum—1 year
• Fine—$2,000

Driving While Impaired by a Dangerous Substance—1^st offense

A dangerous substance can be defined as any substance other than alcohol or most drugs that impairs your ability to operate on the road safely. In some cases, it could be non-prescription or prescription drugs that affects balance, coordination, or judgment while driving your car.

• Maximum penalty 1 year in Jail
• Fine: $1,000

Driving While Impaired by a Dangerous Substance— Second/2nd offense

• Maximum jail sentence: 2 years;
• Minimum jail sentence of 5 days if within 5 years of prior conviction;
• Fine—$2,000

Driving While Impaired by a Dangerous Substance— Third/3^rd or Subsequent offense

• Maximum: 3 years in jail
• Minimum 10 days jail time if within 5 years of prior conviction
• Fine: $3,000

Driving While Impaired by a Dangerous Substance While Transporting a Minor—1^st offense

• Maximum—2 years
• Fine—$2,000

Driving While Impaired by a Dangerous Substance While Transporting a Minor—2^nd offense

• Maximum: 3 years;
• Minimum: 5 days if within 5 years of prior conviction
• Fine: $3,000

Driving While Impaired by a Dangerous Substance While Transporting a Minor—3^rd or Subsequent offense

• Maximum: 4 years
• Minimum: 10 days if within 5 years of prior conviction;
• Fine: $4,000

DUI - Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol in Maryland

 Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol—1^st offense / First Offense

• Maximum—1 year
• Fine—$1,000

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol—2^nd offense / Second Offense

• Maximum: 2 years in jail
• Minimum: 5 days in jail if within 5 years of prior conviction
• Fine: $2,000

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol—Third/3^rd or Subsequent offense

• Maximum: 3 years in jail
• Mandatory Minimum 10 days in jail if within 5 years of prior conviction
• Fine: $3,000

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol While Transporting a Minor—1^st offense

• Maximum—2 years
• Fine—$2,000

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol While Transporting a Minor—2^nd offense

• Maximum—3 years
• Minimum—5 days if within 5 years of prior conviction
• Fine—$3,000

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol While Transporting a Minor—3^rd or Subsequent offense

• Maximum—4 years;
• Minimum—10 days if within 5 years of prior conviction
• Fine—$4,000

Call For a Legal Consultation on Your Maryland Drunk Driving / DUI/DWI Charges

Maryland drunk driving cases can be challenged won. To find out what I can do to help you protect your rights and freedom to drive, call (301) 637-0107.

Call me at (301) 637-0107 for my legal opinion on a defense of you Maryland DUI arrest. My drunk driving case evaluation is free.