Our state of Maryland being a proud home and desirable vacation spot to millions, is the location of hundreds of DWI and DUI arrests every year. If arrested and charged with drunk driving, DWI or DUI, you should contact a Maryland DUI attorney who has the experience and client-focused approach to obtain satisfactory results in your case.
At the Elkton, Havre De Grace and Bel Air, Maryland, our team of Elkton DUI defense lawyers provide effective and creative DUI defense that seeks the best possible result for you. We proudly serve those accused of DUI and all other crimes in Cecil County, Harford County and Baltimore County, Maryland. This applies to both Maryland residents and non-Maryland residents facing DUI charges in Maryland.
Maryland Implied Consent Laws
If you are a licensed driver in Maryland and are unaware of the state’s implied consent law, your driving privileges could be at risk if you are ever arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). Here’s what you should know about the Maryland DUI Implied Consent law.
Although the term may not sound familiar, you were informed of the state’s implied consent requirement when you first applied for your driver’s license—and the very fact that you have a license means that you agreed to comply with the law.
So what exactly is implied consent? In simple terms, it means you agree to obey the state’s blood alcohol content (BAC) limit anytime you get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Like most states, Maryland law prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or more.
Under the state’s Implied Consent law, you also agree to allow law enforcement to administer a chemical test for the sole purpose of determining your BAC. If you refuse to submit to the test, your driving privileges will be suspended automatically as a result of your actions—and you will still be arrested for driving under the influence.
Assuming it’s the first time you’ve refused to perform a chemical test, the punishment for violating the Implied Consent Law includes a 120-day license suspension. However, if it is your second refusal, your driving privileges will be revoked for the next year. It is also important to know that, in addition to being charged for refusing to perform the test, you’ll face separate charges for DUI—and that means you will face separate penalties as well.
Don’t let one bad decision cost you your future. Although an Implied Consent violation can lead to a number of penalties—such as a fine, license suspension, and jail sentence, just to name a few—you may be able to avoid these consequences.
Non-Maryland Residents Facing DUI Charges In Maryland
Being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in the state of Maryland can be a very trying and complicated ordeal anyone can experience. If you are a resident of another state and are charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Maryland the situation can become even more problematic. The arrest can impact your driving privileges in Maryland as well as the state you reside in. A skilled Bel Air Maryland DUI lawyer can help you deal with all aspects of the arrest and explain all of your options to you.
Maryland is a very transient state. People come from all over the country to visit Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington D.C. Often times, while in Maryland for school, business or vacation a persons judgment may be impaired due to alcohol consumption and this can lead to being arrested for DUI or DWI. If this happens to you it is in your best interest to connect with a Havre De Grace DUI defense attorney.
Driving is a privilege in the United States. It is not a right as many people think. With that, the state that issues your drivers license owns your license and they have the ability to suspend or revoke it. If you are charged with a DUI in Maryland you can have your driving privileges suspended in Maryland. The state of Maryland does not have the authority to suspend your license in your home of record state. However, once Maryland relays the DUI conviction to your home state their Department of Motor Vehicles (or Motor Vehicle Administration) reserves the right to suspend your license.
Interstate Drivers License Compact
The severity and impact of your DUI charge on your driving privileges in your home state primarily depends on whether or not that state is party to Interstate Drivers License Compact (IDLC). The Interstate Drivers License Compact is an agreement between most states to share information about Drunk Driving charges, Drugged Driving charges, and other traffic offenses. However, if you reside in one of these states and are convicted of a DUI they have the right to suspend your license if they are aware of the conviction.
States Not Party to Interstate Drivers License Compact
The following states do not acknowledge the IDLC:
Wisconsin
Massachusetts
Georgia
Tennessee
Michigan
Creative Solutions and Effective Representation
Our Elkton Maryland DUI attorneys understand what is at stake when you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence.
- You could be facing license suspension or revocation.
- You could be facing expensive fines and insurance rates.
- You could be facing lost time from work.
- You could be facing jail time or probation.
You need a lawyer experienced at providing effective DUI defense, and who can seek opportunities for reduced or alternative sentencing and even expungement. At our Maryland offices in Elkton, Havre De Grace and Bel Air, we have helped numerous drivers find creative solutions in their DUI defense.
A Maryland DUI Attorney With a Broad Approach
Like many places along the Eastern Seaboard, our county sees millions of vehicles pass through it every year. With Interstate 95 and Route 40 being key arteries of traffic, along with commuters, visitors, travelers and tourists, we see countless Traffic Violations and DUI arrests. We have built over a 17-year reputation for helping local residents in the Cecil and Harford County area as well as visitors to our great vacation spots defend against DUI charges.
We take a broad approach to your DUI defense. While we always prepare for trial, we also seek alternative and diversionary options. Particularly for first-time offenders or those who’s former DUI occurred long ago, we could petition the court to have guilty verdicts stricken and seek alternatives such as alcohol treatment. Many times, we can even avoid the accumulation of points on your driving record or an increase to your insurance rates.
Our team of Rockville, Maryland DUI Defense lawyers work with you and for you to build a comprehensive defense. Please contact our Waldorf, Maryland DUI attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation and discuss how our experience and approach can work for you.