Maryland Drinking Laws

There are two types of fees for cases of driving while intoxicated in the state of Maryland. They are based on the amount you had to drink and they vary in severity of consequences.

You will be responsible for driving under the influence (DUI) , if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 08 or more. You will be charged with driving while impaired (DWI) if your BAC is at a level of .07.

When the police suspect that you have drunk, you will be asked to perform field sobriety tests to assess your reaction time, coordination and reflexes. During this test, they will also evaluate you for other signs of intoxication, including:

With speech difficulties ·

· Eyes watery

· Perfume alcohol in the breath

You will also be given a breath test to check your blood alcohol level. Refusal to take a breath test comes with serious consequences. Your license will be suspended for a minimum period of 120 days, and your refusal to submit to the test will be used against you in court as an admission of guilt.

Consequences

In Maryland, the consequences for driving while impaired and driving while impaired based on the level. For a DUI conviction, you will receive:

· Maximum fine of $ 1,000

· Up to one year in prison

· 45-day suspension of your license

· 12 points on your license

For a conviction of DWI, you will receive:

· Maximum fine of $ 500

· Up to 60 days in jail

· Maximum 60 days suspension of your license

· 8 points on your license

Your insurance company most likely to take one of two actions when they are informed of your conviction. They will considerably increase your rates or they cancel your contract.

Do not lose your license

The State of Maryland offers a chance to appeal the suspension of your driver's license. However, police rarely inform you of this right and time is of the essence to appeal your suspension.

You have ten days to request a hearing with the Motor Vehicle Administration. Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer will greatly help you during this hearing. It is not advisable to defend. If you do not file for your hearing within ten days allotted time, your license will be automatically suspended.

Other consequences of your drunk driving

Your DUI conviction can affect your whole life. Your conviction will remain on your record for the rest of your life. Depending on your profession, you may have problems with employment. If you work in education, government, or medicine, you may lose your job. In addition, your DUI may prevent you from getting hired in these areas at a later date.

The best way to minimize the damage caused by a drunk is to hire a lawyer to represent you. Lawyers who specialize in DUI cases will take part in the evidence against you to help reduce your sentence. Considering the impact on your life you can not afford to miss this helps.