DUI & Vehicular Homicide Charges Filed After Deadly Crash in Maryland
A Maryland driver faces criminal charges for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and vehicular homicide after causing a deadly crash in Ocean City, according to an article by CBS Baltimore.
This car accident occurred on Friday, June 21st at approximately 2 a.m. Around that time, the driver was operating his passenger vehicle near the intersection of 59th Street and Coastal Highway. Local police officers attempted to stop the driver. But he sped off instead.
Shortly thereafter, the driver struck another passenger vehicle that was traveling southbound. The force of the crash caused a fire that engulfed the other vehicle. The person operating the other vehicle was declared dead at the scene of the crime.
Despite evading the police and causing a deadly accident, this driver continued his efforts to escape responsibility or punishment. But due to apparent intoxication, the driver lost control of his vehicle and smashed into a telephone pole. Then the driver attempted to run away from the scene. But police officers were able to make an arrest without further harm or damage.
Although the authorities continue to investigate this accident, early reports indicate that the Maryland driver has a history of past DUI offenses, as reported by CBS Baltimore. As a result, the driver is likely to face severe punishment under Maryland law.
Considering the severity of this unfortunate accident, not to mention the driver’s history of prior offenses, it seems appropriate to review the state-specific penalties for DUI and vehicular homicide under Maryland law.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
The Maryland penalties for DUI appear under Maryland Code of Transportation Section 21-902. Under state law, there are different penalties for impairment based on alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. In terms of alcohol, specifically, the potential penalties are as follows:
- First Conviction — Results in a prison sentence between two months and one year as well as criminal fines between $500 and $1,000;
- Second Conviction — Results in a prison sentence between one and two years as well as criminal fines between $500 and $2,000; and
- Third or Subsequent Conviction — Results in a prison sentence of three years and a maximum of $3,000 in criminal fines.
Vehicular Homicide
The Maryland penalties for vehicular homicide appear under Maryland Code of Criminal Law Section 2-503. As with DUI offenses, the penalties for vehicular homicide escalate sharply for repeat offenders. For example:
- First Conviction — Results in a prison sentence of five years and a maximum of $5,000 in criminal fines; and
- Second or Subsequent Conviction — Results in a prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum of $10,000 in criminal fines.
Let Us Help You Today
If you need legal help with criminal charges for DUI or vehicular homicide in Maryland, it can be thoroughly helpful to consult with a dependable criminal defense attorney. The Baltimore DUI and DWI attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP have the type of skill and experience needed to defend against criminal charges, including DUI and vehicular homicide. If you need legal help, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Resources:
baltimore.cbslocal.com/2019/06/21/one-killed-after-alleged-drunk-driver-crashes-into-car-in-ocean-city/
baltimore.cbslocal.com/2019/06/25/alleged-drunk-driver-in-fatal-ocean-city-crash-has-history-of-dui-arrests/
https://www.iamelelawfirmbaltimore.com/reckless-driving-leads-to-dui-dwi-charges-for-maryland-woman/
