Maryland laws allow for two kinds of charges if a person has been driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A person can be charged with either a DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated). In either case, they will need to hire a DUI lawyer in Salisbury, MD to help them get a better outcome than having to plead guilty and accept the highest sentence allowed. The difference between these charges is explained below.
A DUI Charge and Sentencing
A DUI charge is when a person has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Even if they’re barely over the 0.08%, they still face the following penalties for a first-time offense:
1. Jail time of up to one year
2. Fines of up to $1,000
3. Revoked license for up to six months and 12 points on their license
A person who is convicted of a second DUI faces the following sentences:
1. Minimum jail time of five days and up to two years
2. Fines of up to $2,000
3. Revoked license for up to one year, required ignition interlock device (IID) and 12 points on their license
A DWI Charge and Sentencing
A DWI charge is considered less serious and is implemented when a person has a BAC of 0.07% or higher. Often, this is the charge if a person fails a field sobriety test but doesn’t meet the requirements for a DUI. A first-time sentence could mean:
1. Jail time of up to two months
2. Fines of up to $500
3. Revoked license for up to 60 days and 8 points on their license
A second conviction can mean the following sentences:
1. Jail time of up to one year
2. Fines of up to $500
3. Revoked license for up to 120 days and 8 points on their license
If a person is arrested for a DUI or a DWI, they will also find it difficult to obtain a job or a place to live because they will have a criminal record. Anyone who is facing these charges needs to contact a DUI lawyer in Salisbury, MD as soon as possible to mitigate the potential outcome. The lawyer may be able to have the charges dropped, reduced, or help them receive a minimal sentence, depending on the situation. Hiring a lawyer as quickly as possible is the only way to get as good of an outcome as possible for any of these charges. Visit Domain for more information.
