12.10.07

Maryland DWI FAQ

Below are a list of questions and answers resulting relating to DWI laws in Maryland.

What is a DWI?

A DWI is commonly referred to: driving while impaired or driving while intoxicated. If you have consumed over a limit of .07 and less than .08 it could result in an arrest and charge of a DWI.

Are DWI's considered Misdemeanors or Felonies?

A 1st and 2nd DWI offense are considered misdemeanors. A third plus offense is considered a felony.

What are the penalties for a Maryland DWI / DUI?

DWI
  • Jail Time - 60 days
  • BAC greater than .07 and less than .08
  • $500 for a first offense (1st)
  • 8 points on your driving record
  • Possible suspension of your drivers license
DUI
  • Jail Time
  • BAC .08 and higher
  • $1,000 for a first offense (1st)
  • $2,000 for the second offense (2nd)
  • $3,000 for the third offense (3rd)
  • 12 points on your driving record

What does BAC mean?

BAC is the abbreviations for Blood Alcohol Content. BAC is used in determining whether an individual is intoxicated.

How is BAC calculated?

BAC is calculated by several different factors. These factors include weight, gender and duration. Duration means how many drinks were consumed over a certain period of time.

What are my legal rights when pulled over for a DWI in Maryland?

If you are pulled over for a DWI in Maryland your rights include: the right to speak with an attorney, the right not to answer questions from the arresting officer, the right to deny a field sobriety test and the right not to take chemical tests.

What are field sobriety tests?

When you are pulled over for a DWI the arresting officer will ask to perform different types of "field sobriety tests." These tests are used to determine if you have consumed over the legal limit of alcohol. These test could include leg stands, walking in straight lines, counting on your fingers, pen light tests and Breathalyzers.

If I decline a field sobriety test what will happen to me?

If you decide to deny a field sobriety test the officer will normally assume you are guilty of drinking and driving and arrest you.

Do I have the right to speak with a DWI lawyer prior to taking a field sobriety test?

Maryland DWI law allows you to first consult with an attorney prior to taking a field sobriety test. However, the test will need to be within a certain time frame. The time frame for taking a field sobriety test in Maryland is 2 hours from time the officer pulled you over.

Why do I have to go to court twice?

When you are charged with a DWI in Maryland you will go to court twice. The first hearing is the Motor Vehicle Administration Hearing. At this hearing your attorney will fight to keep your license from suspension. The second hearing is the criminal hearing. At this hearing, your lawyer will handle the criminal aspect of the charge.

What is a PBJ?

PBJ stands for Probation Before Judgment. Often times a PBJ is negotiated prior to a criminal trial. When someone elects to a PBJ they are assumed guilty of the DWI and put on probation. If probation is completed without violations of the probation, the charge will not show up on the persons driving record.

If I get a PBJ in Maryland will I receive points?

If you get a PBJ in Maryland and you don't violate probation, points will not show up on your driving record.

Why is my attorney recommending me to take alcohol classes prior to court?

Most Maryland DWI lawyers recommend their clients to sign-up for drug and alcohol classes prior to the proceeding. This is typically used as a tool during the sentencing, if the person is found guilty of the DWI. Once a person is found guilty of a Maryland DWI they will proceed with sentencing. If the judge sees you have completed alcohol and drug classes he or she may be more forgiving during the sentences. This could result in lesser charges, lesser fines and most importantly keeping you out of jail.

What should I look for when searching for a DWI lawyer in Maryland?
  • Experience in handling DWI cases in Maryland
  • Aggressive in handling cases during both the MVA Hearing and Criminal Trial
  • Reputation of a solid DWI lawyer
  • Integrity
  • You should be able to easily communicate with your attorney
  • Your attorney should be available to you at all times to answer questions
How much does it cost to hire legal representation for a DWI lawyer?

There are several factors that can determine the cost of a DWI lawyer. The factors can include the complexity of the case; was it a 1st offense, 2nd offense, 3rd offense and so on. Other determinations include the experience of the attorney, the location of the arrest and were there other charges that resulted from a DWI.

Can I handle a DWI case myself?

Legally you can handle your own DWI case but we highly recommend against it. A Maryland DWI charge is a serious offense and it is critical that you have experience legal representation.

I am currently evaluating DWI attorneys in Maryland, but don't want to pay for the consultation. Does your firm offer free initial consultations for DWI cases?

Yes- In fact, our attorneys will spend as much time with you as necessary. We will answer all your questions and consult with you regarding next steps. Furthermore we don't set time limits on our consultations. We want to provide you with the information you need so you can make the best decision in hiring an experienced DWI Lawyers.

I have spoke with several different DWI lawyers in Maryland and they require I come to their office to discuss my case. I would much rather have this free consultation over the phone. Does your firm have require in person meetings?

The majority of our consultations are first done over the phone. While we recommend an in person meeting, its not required. If you don't have transportation, but would still like an in person meeting, often times we will visit you. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need and answer your questions in a timely manner.

I am interested in speaking with a DWI lawyer. How can I set up a meeting with your firm?

If you are interested in a free legal consultation, simply call our law offices at 410.620.0443 or email us at lawguy4@yahoo.com.


Phone: 410.620.0443
Email: lawguy4@yahoo.com

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Our Attorneys are taking Maryland DWI cases throughout MD. This are a list of counties in which we represent: Allegany County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Calvert County, Caroline County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Charles County, Dorchester County, Frederick County, Garrett County, Harford County, Howard County, Kent County, Montgomery County, Prince Georges County, PG County, Queen Annes County, Saint Marys County, Somerset County, Talbot County, Washington County, Wicomico County and Worcester County.

Maryland Underage DWI & DUI

In Maryland if you are convicted for drinking and driving as a minor the consequences can be harsh. Maryland has recently passed a law that if someone is underage and convicted for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will lose their license for one year. This includes all individuals under the age of 21. If you are convicted for a DWI or DUI a second time, the fine doubles.

Do to the increase in minors drinking and driving, the state of Maryland decided to hand down stiffer penalties to deter underage drinking. One reason why Maryland decided to pass this law is to keep our streets and highways safer. According to statistics, in 2005 there were more than 16,000 alcohol related accident and 39% of those accidents where fatal, just in the United States alone. During the same year, 235 people died in Maryland due to an alcoholic related accident.

A DWI or DUI in Maryland is a very serious charge and losing your license could be the least of your problems. In Maryland, if you are found guilty of a DWI you could be facing charges that result in hefty fines and even jail time.

Driving while impaired or driving while intoxicated are the two terms commonly referred to a DWI. As Maryland DWI defense attorneys we find that the majority of our criminal cases are alcohol related crimes. While our approach for defending juvenile related cases involving alcohol may be little different, the penalties are still severe. Our Maryland DWI lawyers understand that as parents we advise our children not to drink and certainly not drink and drive, yet these incidents still occur. It is not uncommon for a minor to use poor judgment mainly because he or she is unaware of the consequences of such charges. Because a child decides to drink and drive doesn't necessarily make them a bad kid.

As experienced Maryland DWI lawyers that take cases involving underage drinking, our main goal is protecting the rights of our clients, no matter what the age. When handling charges against minors, it is important that your criminal defense lawyer handles the case with conviction. You will want a lawyer that will handle your child's case with the utmost care. We are aggressive and tenacious in the courtroom and we use all our resources to get you the best possible result. Our lawyers prepare complex defense strategies that often times result in a dismissals or less charges. If it's in the best interest of our clients we will also negotiate with the prosecution in order to keep our clients from paying hefty fines and serving jail sentences.

If you or a love one has been charged with underage drinking and driving, don't settle for just any other attorney, contact our experienced Maryland DWI lawyers today for a free consultation.

Phone: 410.620.0443
Email: lawguy4@yahoo.com

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Our Attorneys are taking Maryland DWI cases throughout MD. This are a list of counties in which we represent: Allegany County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Calvert County, Caroline County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Charles County, Dorchester County, Frederick County, Garrett County, Harford County, Howard County, Kent County, Montgomery County, Prince Georges County, PG County, Queen Annes County, Saint Marys County, Somerset County, Talbot County, Washington County, Wicomico County and Worcester County.

2.10.07

Maryland DWI Outcome

Have you been charged for a DWI (Driving while Intoxicated) in Maryland and now seeking an experienced Maryland DWI lawyer to take your case? Are you unaware of the penalties that follow a DWI conviction in Maryland? Is this the first time you have ever been arrested and charged with a Maryland crime? These are all questions that you probably have after being charged with a DWI. The fact is that most people that get charged for DWI's in Maryland, are those individuals that are gainfully employed, responsible and seldom if ever been arrested for a Maryland crime. A DWI can be a scary experience because people that don't get in trouble with the law have no idea what types of charges they are facing.

A Maryland DWI is a very serious offense and the state of Maryland has created stricter laws and harsher penalties for people caught drinking and driving.

If convicted of a DWI in Maryland the result could be:
  • Loss of drivers license
  • Jail time
  • Probation
  • Community service
  • Hefty fines
  • Hikes in your car insurance
  • Loss of job
  • Loss in future employment opportunities
  • and possibly more...
There are always certain instances that a future employer will check not only your work references but also your criminal record. If you have been charged and convicted of a criminal offense more than likely you will not get the job. The other caveat to this is a professional that relies on transportation in order to accomplish his daily work tasks. A conviction that leads to a loss of license will ultimately lead to loss of job.

Because Maryland DWI proceedings can be very challenging it is important that you hire a qualified and experienced Maryland DWI lawyer to handle your case.

Why should you hire a DWI lawyer immediately?

In the state of Maryland, there are two separate hearings for a DWI case. The first hearing is typically done at the Motor Vehicle Administrative hearing in which you will fight for your license. At this hearing the MVA will fight to revoke your license. If you are not successful at this hearing there is a good chance they will take your license. The second hearing is for the criminal charge. At this hearing you risk suspension of license, jail time and fines. Both hearings are equally important and should be treated as a serious matter.

The importance of hiring an experienced Maryland DWI is critical for both hearings. Hiring an experienced an qualified DWI lawyer who focuses his criminal practice on Maryland DWI defense cases can make the difference in your case.

If you are seeking an experienced, knowledgeable, affordable and tenacious lawyer, contact our Maryland DWI lawyers today.


Phone: 410.620.0443
Email: lawguy4@yahoo.com

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Our Attorneys are taking Maryland DWI cases throughout MD. This are a list of counties in which we represent: Allegany County, Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Calvert County, Caroline County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Charles County, Dorchester County, Frederick County, Garrett County, Harford County, Howard County, Kent County, Montgomery County, Prince Georges County, PG County, Queen Annes County, Saint Marys County, Somerset County, Talbot County, Washington County, Wicomico County and Worcester County.