Exploring 4 Versions of DUI & DWI in Maryland
Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) are reckless behaviors that cause deaths, injuries, and property damage across Maryland each year. It does not matter if a driver consumes alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. When a person loses the ability to control their vehicle and obey the rules of the road, they can face criminal charges for one of these four versions of DUI and DWI.
- Under the Influence of Alcohol
Maryland Code of Transportation Section 21-902 makes it is unlawful to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. In Maryland, the standard limit for blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08. If a driver registers a BAC at or above the limit, they are considered to be under the influence of alcohol.
If a person drives while under the influence of alcohol in Maryland, they may be subject to the following criminal penalties:
- First Offense — Imprisonment for one year and criminal fines up to $1,000;
- Second Offense — Imprisonment for two years and criminal fines up to $2,000; or
- Third or Subsequent Offense — Imprisonment for three years and criminal fines up to $3,000.
- Impaired by Alcohol
It is also unlawful under Section 21-902 to operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol. Under state law, impairment occurs when a person is incapable of driving in a safe and controlled manner.
If a driver violates Section 21-902 by driving while impaired by alcohol, they can face the criminal penalties described below:
- First Violation — A two-month prison term and up to $500 in fines.
- Second Violation — A one-year prison term and up to $500 in fines; or
- Third or Subsequent Violation — A three-year prison term and up to $3,000 in fines.
- Impaired by Alcohol and Drugs
Section 21-902 also addresses drivers who operate their vehicles while impaired by a combination of alcohol and drugs or a combination of drugs. When this combination of substances makes it impossible to operate a vehicle safely, then the driver is impaired.
If a person drives while impaired by a combination of these substances in Maryland, they may be subject to the following criminal penalties:
- First Offense — Imprisonment for two months and criminal fines up to $500;
- Second Offense — Imprisonment for one year and criminal fines up to $500; or
- Third or Subsequent Offense — Imprisonment for three years and criminal fines up to $3,000.
- Impaired by Drugs or Controlled Substances
Maryland state law under Section 21-902 also prohibits drivers from operating vehicles while impaired by drugs or other controlled substances.
If a driver violates Section 21-902 by driving while impaired by drugs or controlled substances, they can face the criminal penalties described below:
- First Violation — A one-year prison term and up to $1,000 in fines.
- Second Violation — A two-year prison term and up to $2,000 in fines; or
- Third or Subsequent Violation — A three-year prison term and up to $3,000 in fines.
Do You Need Legal Help?
If you need legal help with charges for DUI or DWI in Maryland, it can be extremely productive to speak with an accomplished Baltimore criminal lawyer. The lawyers at Iamele & Iamele, LLP are experienced in the domain of criminal defense, including DUI and DWI. If you need legal help, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
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