Maryland DWI Laws & Penalties
A Summary of Maryland's Drunk DWI
laws and maximum penalties.
Under Maryland law, DWI
and DUI are not the same
thing. A Maryland DWI is a lesser charge than a DUI.
A DWI is charged in cases of
impairment by alcohol at a level of
.07 BAC or less, or
impairment by drugs or other dangerous substances.
A DUI is charged in cases of
impairment/intoxication if you are determined to
have a BAC of .08 or higher. (See my
DUI Laws Page for
details)
Important Driver's License Suspension Note:
With any DWI/DUI, you have only 10 days
after being arrested to request a hearing with the
MVA to attempt to keep your license and challenge
the initial suspension. We can help with MVA
hearings as well as criminal DWI/drunk driving charges.
Maryland DWI Laws & Penalties
Driving While Impaired (DWI) Penalties
|
|
Jail Time
|
Fines
|
|
1st Offense
|
Up to 2 months
|
Up to $500
|
|
2nd (or
Greater) Offense
|
Up to 1 year
|
Up to $500
|
Ref: Maryland Code §21.902b
Driving While Impaired by a Dangerous Substance
or Drug
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.
|
|
Jail
Time
|
Fines
|
|
1st
Offense
|
Up to 1 year
|
Up to $1,000
|
|
2nd
Offense
|
Minimum 5 days, up to 2
years
|
Up to $2,000
|
|
3rd
Offense
|
Minimum 10 Days, up to
3 tears
|
Up to $3,000
|
Ref: Maryland Code §21-902c
Driving While Impaired by a Dangerous Substance
While Transporting a Minor
There are additional penalties for a DWI by
Dangerous Substance conviction if you have a minor
child in the car with you when charged.
The penalties for driving while impaired
while transporting a minor as as follows:
|
|
Jail
Time
|
Fines
|
|
1st
Offense
|
Up to 1 year
|
Up to $1,000
|
|
2nd
Offense
|
Minimum 5 days, up to 2
years
|
Up to $2,000
|
|
3rd
Offense
|
Minimum 10 Days, up to
3 tears
|
Up to $3,000
|
Call For a Legal Consultation on Your Maryland
Drunk Driving / DWI Charges
Maryland DWI cases can be challenged
and won. To
find out what I can do to help you protect your
rights and freedom to drive, call (888) 452-4344.
Call me at (888) 452-4344 for my legal opinion on
a defense of you Maryland DUI arrest. My drunk
driving case evaluation is free.
|
