Drunk Driving Suspected in Maryland Crash That Kills Three Kids

A 27-year-old man could face criminal charges for driving under the influence (DUI) in Maryland after causing an accident that killed three children and injured two adults, reported NBC affiliate WJAC.

This fatal car crash occurred at approximately 10 p.m. on December 30th. At that point, the man was driving south on Indian Head Highway in his pickup truck. That is when the man’s truck crashed into the rear end of a passenger sedan. The man did not appear to stop, and the force of the collision landed the truck on top of the sedan.

There were five passengers in the sedan, including two adults as well as three children aged five years or younger. As a result of the crash, all three children died. The authorities transported both of the adults to a local hospital. Both received medical treatment for severe physical injuries.

Remarkably, the 27-year-old driver of the pickup truck did not sustain any serious injuries in the crash. According to several sources the man was noticeably impaired and apparently just left a professional football game.

At this point formal charges are still pending. Law enforcement officers need to complete their investigation of this tragic accident, including alcohol and drug testing, as well as review of evidence.

Although DUI is suspected in this case, the state’s attorney needs hard evidence to pursue formal charges. With the possibility of formal charges and a trial still up in the air, it seems like an ideal time to review the definition of and penalties for DUI in Maryland.

Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol

As detailed in Maryland Transportation Code Section 21-902, it is unlawful to drive a car or operate other vehicles while under the influence of alcohol. Under Maryland law, a driver is under the influence of alcohol if they register a test with:

• 08 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood; or
• 08 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.

If a person violates Section 21-902 in Maryland, they are guilty of DUI and subject to criminal penalties. In most cases, a DUI conviction in Maryland is punishable as follows:

• First Offense — Upon conviction, the driver faces incarceration for one year and fines up to $1,000;
• Second Offense — Upon conviction, the driver faces incarceration for two years and fines up to $2,000; and
• Third or Subsequent Offense — Upon conviction, the driver faces incarceration for three years and fines up to $3,000.

DUI penalties can become more severe in certain circumstances. For example, if a driver commits DUI while transporting a minor child, then the penalty structure is as follows:

• First Offense — Upon conviction, the driver faces incarceration for two years and fines up to $2,000;
• Second Offense — Upon conviction, the driver faces incarceration for three years and fines up to $3,000; and
• Third or Subsequent Offense — Upon conviction, the driver faces incarceration for four years and fines up to $4,000.

Let Us Help You Today

If you are facing criminal charges for DUI in Maryland, it can be exceedingly valuable to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. The attorneys at Schlaich & Thompson, Chartered in Bel Air, Maryland, have more than 60 years of combined legal experience in criminal and family law, including various types of DUI charges. If you need legal help, contact us today for an initial consultation.

Resource:

wjactv.com/news/nation-world/man-suspected-of-dui-in-maryland-crash-that-killed-3-young-siblings