DWI / DUI
DUI/DWI Attorneys in Anne Arundel County & Glen Burnie, MD
Understanding DUI and DWI Laws in Maryland
It’s important to understand DWI and DUI differences. The state of Maryland prohibits driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI). The difference between DUI and DWI charges are:
- DUI – To be charged with DUI in Maryland, you must have a measured blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. A DUI charge is more serious and may result in more significant penalties.
- DWI – To be charged with DWI in Maryland, you must have a measured BAC between 0.07% and 0.08%.
You can initially be charged with both DUI and DWI. However, you can only be convicted of one of these charges. If you are convicted of DUI, the DWI charge will merge into the DUI charge.
Potential Consequences of DUI and DWI Charges
You can face serious penalties if you are convicted of DWI or DUI, and those penalties may be increased if you have previous convictions. The penalties you face if you are convicted of DUI or DWI charges in Maryland will depend on many factors:
- Your age
- Your driving record and criminal history
- The circumstances of your case
- Your blood alcohol concentration
- Whether you were under the influence of other drugs or illegal substances at the time
- If anyone was injured while you were driving
- Whether you had minor children in your vehicle at the time
If you are convicted of DUI or DWI, you can face criminal penalties and sanctions on your driver’s license:
DUI Penalties
- For a first-time DUI offense, you may face up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. Your license can be revoked for up to six months, and you will be assessed 12 points on your driving record. You may be ordered to participate in an alcohol rehabilitation program.
- For a second DUI offense, you may face up to two years in prison and up to $2,000 in fines. Your license may be revoked for up to one year, and you will be assessed 12 points on your driving record. You may be ordered to participate in an alcohol rehabilitation program.
- If you are convicted of two DUIs within five years, you will face a mandatory license suspension and a minimum period of time in the Ignition Interlock Program. You may be ordered to participate in an alcohol rehabilitation program.
DWI Penalties
- For a first-time DWI offense, you may face up to two months in prison and up to $500 in fines. Your license can be suspended for up to six months, and you will be assessed eight points on your driving record. If you are under 21, you will face a one-year suspension of your license.
- For a second DWI offense, you may face up to one year in prison and up to $500 in fines. Your license can be suspended for 9-12 months and eight points will be assessed on your driving record. If you are under 21, you will face a two-year suspension of your license.
Common DUI and DWI Defense Strategies
An experienced DUI/DWI attorney can build an aggressive defense strategy against your charges. The most common DUI and DWI defense strategies are:
- Inaccuracies in the breathalyzer or blood test results
- Improperly conducted breathalyzer or blood test
- Violation of Miranda rights during the traffic stop
- Challenge of probable cause for a traffic stop
- Illegal traffic stop
- Police misconduct or bias
- Issues with the chain of custody for the blood evidence
Hire an Experienced DUI/DWI Attorney
Our Traffic Violation and DUI/DWI Services
Mr. O’Neill and our team of legal associates have considerable experience in traffic violations, DUI/DWI charges, and car accident cases. We can provide clients with legal defenses in the following types of cases:
- DWI
- DUI
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Destruction of property
- NDA Hearing
Why Choose the Law Office of Peter S. O’Neill
Every case is different, but the Law Office of Peter S. O’Neill can advocate on your behalf during negotiations with prosecutors to help improve your outcome. Mr. O'Neill has more than three decades of experience in criminal law and is committed to securing justice for his clients. In addition to helping defend you against the charges, we can also try to reduce your charges or mitigate the consequences if you are convicted. With our legal representation during administrative hearings, investigations, court appearances, and more, we may be able to help you get your case dismissed.
Schedule a Consultation With Our DUI/DWI Attorneys
Call us now or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with our DUI/DWI attorneys. We represent clients facing traffic violations, DUI, and DWI charges in Glen Burnie, MD, and throughout Anne Arundel County. Mr. O'Neill has over 30 years of experience in criminal law and traffic violation matters and will ensure you fully understand the charges against you, what you can expect with your case and the potential consequences if you are convicted. Our goal is to give you the best defense possible throughout the legal process.