Kent County, MD Driving While Impaired Lawyer

The experienced Kent County, MD Driving While Impaired lawyers at our law offices understand what is at stake when you’re faced with serious alcohol-related driving charges. Don’t face them alone. Work with one of our experienced DWI attorneys who understand how to defend clients in Kent County court.

Law enforcement officials in Kent County, MD treat driving while impaired with drugs and/or alcohol very seriously. If you’ve been arrested on these charges, a local Kent County, MD Driving While Impaired attorney will help you understand your rights and explain the penalties for your actions. Call today and schedule a consultation with a Kent County DUI lawyer.

Kent County, the Scenic Peninsula

The quaint waterfront towns of Kent County are less than a two-hour drive from the metro hubs of Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Annapolis, and offer a wonderfully quiet break from the bustling big city.

Despite its idyllic appearance, however, Kent County experiences its share of alcohol-related driving incidents. If you’ve been accused of driving while under the influence of, or while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs while visiting Kent County, you’ll need to hire an experienced Kent County Driving While Impaired lawyer.

What Is the Difference Between DUI and DWI?

The state of Maryland has five different categories for driving under the influence of (DUI) and driving while impaired with (DWI) alcohol and/or drugs:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is defined as operating a vehicle while ones ability to drive is significantly impaired by alcohol.
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol per se (DUI Per Se) is defined as having blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. At this level, visual perception, rational decision making, and general control are severely skewed. A driver who is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol presents a life-threatening danger to other drivers and himself.

Driving while impaired by alcohol (DWI) is defined as operating a vehicle while ones ability to drive is impaired by alcohol.  This can be shown by the suspect having blood alcohol content higher than 0.07 but lower than 0.08.

  • Driving while impaired by drugs (DWI) is very close to driving while impaired by alcohol. This charge is usually applied to people who are operatin g a motor vehicle while under the influence of prescription medication. Alcohol and drugs affect the body in similiar ways – skewing perception, tampering with rational thought, and preventing bodily control.
  • Driving while impaired by controlled dangerous substances (DWI) refers to those who are operating a vehicle after using controlled dangerous substances.

 What Are the Penalties for DUI and DWI Offenses?

Just as the definitions vary, so do the penalties assigned to each offense. DUI offenses stand out as the most severe, especially if there are extremely high BAC numbers.These offenses are considered a misdemeanor. As with any criminal offense, repeat offenses are treated with increasing severity.

Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol (DUI) carries fines of up to $1,000 and/or up to a year in jail. If the offense is committed with a minor in the vehicle, the fines and jail time may double. Repeat offenses bring on longer jail sentences and larger fines.

Maryland’s motor vehicle administration also enforces license suspensions. First-time offenders receive a 45-day suspension, second-time offenders receive a 90-day suspension, and third-time offenders have their license revoked. If a driver’s blood alcohol level is at 0.15 or above, the suspension time will be doubled.

Driving while impaired by drugs, alcohol, and/or controlled dangerous substances (DWI) is considered a misdemeanor. First-time offenders are penalized with fines of up to $500 and the possibility of up to two months in jail. As with DUI offenses, penalties increase with multiple offenses.

What Happens After My Arrest?

We understand that getting arrested on a DUI or DWI charge can be humiliating. And if it’s your first offense, you may be wondering what to expect. That’s where we, as experienced Kent County Driving While Impaired lawyers, come to the rescue:

  •  We’ll review your situation and explain the possible outcomes.
  • We’ll help you fight for your rights and for the best outcome possible.
  • We’ll help you get the help you need,
  • We’ll be right by your side throughout your hearing and trial.

Your Personal DUI Attorney

Before you apply for representation to the Public Defender, talk to a Kent County Driving While Impaired lawyer who has experience working DWI cases. We’re here to help you achieve the best outcome under the circumstances by personalizing your defense in a way that accommodates your unique needs.  Our team is standing by to help, so contact us right away to schedule your initial consultation at no cost to you.