DUI laws in Maryland apply to drivers who are at least twenty-one years of age. The county and city law enforcement agencies utilize checkpoints to reduce the impact of drunk-driving related accidents. Any drivers suspected of driving under the influence are arrested immediately. Any obvious signs of drunkenness provide officers with probable cause.
Reviewing DUI Penalties and Punishments
The first DUI conviction is based on a blood-alcohol content reading of at least 0.08 percent. The conviction incurs a fine of $1,000, driver’s licenses suspension of at least six months, and a jail sentence of no more than one year. The driver incurs twelve points on their driving record.
A refusal to submit to testing could increase the fine by $500 and result in at least two additional months in jail. However, these penalties aren’t imposed unless the driver is convicted. The state can suspend the driver’s license up to the court appearance. To fight these penalties, contact a DUI attorney in Cambridge, MD.
Second DUI Conviction
A second DUI conviction incurs a fine of no greater than $2,000. The driver’s license suspension lasts for at least one year. The driver is required to spend at least five days in jail; however, the sentence could range up to two years. He or she is required to install an ignition interlocking device in their vehicle for at least three months and no more than one year. The driver incurs twelve points on their driving record and must undergo alcohol-abuse assessment. They are required to enter an alcohol-abuse treatment program based on an assessment.
A third conviction imposes a fine of $3,000. The driver could spend up to three years in county lockup. The driver’s licenses suspension period is eighteen months.
The zero-tolerance laws in Maryland allow officers to utilize several tactics to catch drunk drivers. This includes designated checkpoints and utilizing probable cause to perform routine traffic stops. The officers have the right to arrest these drivers based on visible signs of intoxication. Drivers who are charged with this infraction can hire a DUI Attorney in Cambridge, MD by contacting Marc A. Zeve, PA Attorney At Law.
