What’s The Difference Between DUI And DWI In Maryland?
Many Maryland residents mistakenly believe that DWI and DUI are the same thing. In reality, the two terms refer to completely different crimes and can result in very different punishments. In this article, the Bel Air, MD DUI attorneys at Schlaich & Thompson, Chartered will discuss the key differences between DUI and DWI.
What is a DWI?
DWI refers to driving while impaired. When compared with the DUI charge, a DWI charge is less severe.
Drivers who are charged with DWI often pass a breath test with results just below the legal limit but still show indications of impairment, such as failing the field sobriety test or driving erratically. This level of impairment is seen as dangerous. Maryland law wants to be able to charge an individual for getting behind the wheel while being impaired by alcohol.
Maryland police officers exert a tremendous amount of energy pursuing drivers who are intoxicated. To discourage the general public from driving under the influence of alcohol or impaired by alcohol, Maryland has very harsh penalties for this category of offenses.
The lesser offense for driving under the influence of alcohol in Maryland is a DWI. An individual can be charged with DWI if their BAC or blood alcohol concentration is found to be between .07 and .08%. Such drivers face a possible 60 day jail sentence and a fine of $500.00 for their first offense. Subsequent offenses could result in a year in jail and another $500 fine.
In addition to criminal penalties, you also face administrative penalties. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will assign points to your driving record. A DWI conviction will result in an 8-point penalty on your driving record, which is enough to lead to the suspension of your driver’s license.
What is a DUI?
In Maryland, a DUI or driving under the influence is when your BAC or blood alcohol concentration is found to be greater than .08%. .08% is the state’s legal limit for alcohol. If your BAC is equal to or greater than this limit it amounts to a serious alcohol offense and can be punished with jail time, sizable fines, and the revocation of your driver’s license.
The Maryland police make cracking down on impaired drivers a top priority. As a result, drivers who have had too much alcohol should understand that an arrest will likely come with serious penalties.
When it comes to alcohol-related offenses, DUI is considered the most serious criminal infraction. For first-time DUI offenders, the maximum possible penalty is one year in jail and a fine of up to $1000. If this is your second DUI, you can serve up to two years in prison and a $2000 fine. If this is your third offense, you can expect a possible three years behind bars and a $3000 fine. In addition to criminal penalties, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Association will put 12 points on your license for a conviction of DUI. These are enough points to cause the revocation of your license.
Talk to a Bel Air, MD DUI attorney today
Schlaich & Thompson, Chartered represent the interests of individuals who have been charged with DUI in Bel Air MD. Call our Bel Air criminal lawyers today to schedule an appointment and we can begin preparing your defense immediately.
