Howard County Driving While Impaired Lawyer
Get in touch with a Howard County Driving While Impaired lawyer who can help you with your alcohol-related driving charges in Howard County, MD. Our legal team is standing by to conduct your initial consultation.
Whether you’re a Howard County native or a visitor, you’ll need the help of a local DWI lawyer if you are faced with a charge of driving while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. An experienced Howard County Driving While Impaired attorney knows the particulars of the relevant laws and can help you to understand your legal options and mount an effective defense. To learn more call and schedule a consultation with a Howard County DUI lawyer today.
Alcohol-Related Driving Offenses in Howard County
When is a driver considered to be driving under the influence (DUI)? When is he or she considered to be driving while impaired (DWI)? Since both offenses carry very different consequences, it’s important to define our terms. Below, we provide a brief overview of some of the most common charges, but it is important to seek the counsel of a Howard County Driving While Impaired lawyer as soon as possible to discuss how your charges may affect you.
Maryland has five different types of offenses that categorize various types of impaired driving. These categories are generally determined by an individual’s blood alcohol content (BAC).
DUI: A driver is considered to be DUI when their ability to drive is significantly impaired by their consumption of alcohol.
DUI Per Se: A driver is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol when his or her blood alcohol content is 0.08 or greater.
DWI: A driver is considered to be driving while impaired if his or her blood alcohol content is 0.07 or higher, but less than 0.08.
DWI (Drugs): Just as with alcohol, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by the influence of drugs. This charge is usually applied in cases where an individual is taking prescribed medication.
DWI (Controlled Dangerous Substances): This charge is usually applied when an individual is taking illegal drugs prior to operating a motor vehicle.
DUI and DWI Penalties
Each of the offenses listed above carries its own penalties. Driving under the influence carries a higher consequence than driving while impaired. And if a minor is also traveling in the car at the time of arrest, the consequences are significantly more severe.
DUI: If it’s the driver’s very first DUI offense, the maximum penalty is up to one year in jail and/or be fined up to $1,000. That penalty can double if a minor was present in the car at the time of arrest – two years in jail and up to a $2,000 fine. Multiple offenses carry heavier consequences.
DWI (Drugs/Alcohol): Driving while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol is considered a misdemeanor and carries a lighter penalty than a DUI offense. If this is a driver’s first DWI offense, he or she can expect to spend up to two months in jail and/or pay a fine of $500 or less. If a minor is in the vehicle at the time of arrest, a driver’s sentence will be greater – up to six months in jail and/or a fine of $1,000 or less. As with DUI penalties, multiple offenses mean greater consequences – up to one year in jail and/or up to $2,000 in fines.
DWI (Controlled Dangerous Substances): If a driver is using unauthorized controlled dangerous substances, he faces charges very similar to those of a DUI conviction (explained above).
Working with a Howard County DWI Lawyer
Getting arrested can be a life-changing event, but hopefully it will not lead to jail time. It may be difficult at the time, but with the help of a good Howard County DWI lawyer, you’ll be on your way to recovery. Our experienced lawyers will help you in the following ways:
- Review your driving history to determine what penalty to expect
- Educate you on your rights as a United States citizen
- Prepare you for your hearing and/or trial
Whether this is your first DWI offense or you’re facing the judge for a second or third time, contact our office. A Howard County Driving While Impaired lawyer can make a significant difference in your case.