DUI Lawyer - Gaithersburg, Maryland

Gaithersburg, Maryland DWI or DUI Administrative Hearing

In Maryland, an individual has 10 days to request an administrative hearing from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. 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 very important that you submit your request to the Maryland MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration) within 10 days.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI, it is a serious matter that can have major consequences, including loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines. It is important that anyone facing an DUI charge in Maryland understand what challenges they will encounter. Searching for the legal advice of an aggressive and experienced DUI defense lawyer will help you understand all of your options and rights.

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 loss of driving privileges, jail time, and monetary fines.

Arrested for DUI in Gaithersburg?

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 license by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. While both actions can result in the suspension of your Maryland driving privileges, it is crucial 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 Gaithersburg, Maryland is $1,000.00.
• Jail Time - A first time DUI offender will face up to 1 (one) year time in jail.
• Maryland Driving Privileges - A DUI conviction results in the loss of driving privileges for 45 days.

Penalties for First Time Offenders - DWI

• 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 or DWI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license in 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.
• Driving Privileges - A DWI conviction results in the loss of driving privileges for 60 (sixty) 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 DWI or DUI 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 rights and options. This is why an accomplished and skilled criminal defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Maryland DUI or DWI defense lawyer for a professional and free consultation.