Frederick, Maryland DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer

Maryland DUI or DWI Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Maryland law, an individual has 10 days to request an administrative hearing from the Motor Vehicle Administration in Maryland. If you fail to request a hearing within 10 days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your license is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is imperative that you submit your request to the Maryland MVA within 10 days.

Have you been charged with DUI? It is a serious offense that can have serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is very important that anyone facing an DUI (DUI) charge understand what challenges they will encounter. Finding the legal advice of a competent and knowledgeable DUI criminal defense attorney will help you understand all of your rights and options.

DUI vs. DWI in Maryland

Maryland law makes a distinction between . An individual is convicted of DUI when their BAC level is 0.08% or higher; while an individual is convicted of DWI with a BAC of 0.07%. Though DWI in Maryland is a lesser offense, the penalties are severe and often result in similar consequences, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges.

Charged with DUI or DWI in Frederick?

Under Maryland law, after you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your driver's license by the Motor Vehicle Administration in Maryland. While both actions can result in the suspension of your Maryland driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be additional penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• DUI Fine - The maximum fine for a first time DUI in Frederick, Maryland is $1,000.00.
• Driving Privileges - A DUI conviction in Frederick, Maryland results in the loss of driving privileges in Maryland for 45 days.
• Time in Jail - A first time DUI offender will face up to one year imprisonment.

DWI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction in Frederick, Maryland results in the loss of driving privileges in Maryland for 60 days.
• DWI Fine - The largest fine for a first time DWI is $500.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a BAC level of 0.04. A first time DUI / DWI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 (one) year, while any subsequent DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license in the state of Maryland.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of driving privileges for 120 days.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a drug and alcohol evaluation and any treatment program required by the evaluating agency is required for reinstatement of driving privileges.

Subsequent DUI or DWI Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI violations. Due to the complexity of DUI laws in Maryland, you may not be aware of options and rights. This is why an accomplished and professional defense attorney can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Maryland DUI / DWI criminal defense attorney for a professional and free consultation.