DUI

Written By The Law Office of Edward Tayter Staff Writer The first of the month saw several new laws take effect in Maryland, including a ban on the sale of grain alcohol. The law, which defines grain alcohol as any alcoholic product at or above 190 proof (about 95 percent alcohol), was sponsored by Maryland State Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. and Del. Charles Barkley and is intended to curb binge drinking on Maryland’s college campuses while increasing awareness of the risks associated with drinks that have extremely high alcoholic content, according to media reports. It focuses on those who sell and distribute grain alcohol, rather than someone being caught in possession of grain alcohol, and includes a $1,000 fine. With the passage of the new law, Maryland joined the surrounding states of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, which have already implemented similar bans. The new prohibition has been strongly…

Written By Staff Writer The right to counsel is a hallmark of fairness in the American legal system and one of the procedural due process rights afforded to citizens in almost every case. It is a glimmer of hope in what can otherwise be a dark and terrifying time. But what happens if you are denied this basic right? April Deering's case provides a disturbing answer to that question that will affect countless drivers throughout Maryland. According to a recent ruling by Maryland's highest court, Deering was pulled over for suspected drunk driving early on the morning of May 3, 2012. After being transported to the Fruitland Police Department, Deering was informed that she had the option of submitting to a Breathalyzer test to determine her blood alcohol content (BAC) under Maryland's implied consent law. The consequence for refusing a Breathalyzer test in the state of Maryland is a 120…