Severe Punishment for Baltimore Driving Under the Influence Conviction

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According to a Baltimore CBS September 2017 report, a driver involved in a Route 50 crash in Anne Arundel County had four times the legal limit of alcohol in her system. Maryland State Police released new details in the fatal wrong way car accident that killed two people in July of 2017. Police now claim the at-fault driver, a 31-year-old female, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

She was allegedly driving the wrong way when she hit another vehicle head-on, killing herself and the other driver. The crash also injured two other people in another vehicle.

Police could not initially determine why the female driver allegedly drove on the wrong side of the road. The new report of alcohol in her bloodstream does shed new light on the investigation.

The July car accident was one of many deadly accident on Route 50.

DUI is Prohibited in Baltimore Under the Statute 21-902

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or DUI, is illegal in Baltimore. It is illegal to have 0.08% or more alcohol in a driver’s blood system when operating a motor vehicle.

Penalties for DUI in Baltimore

The punishment for having a blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, at or higher than 0.08% depends on the offense. A DUI offenses range from a first to third offense. The penalties are:

  • First DUI offense: Jail time for up to one year, life suspension for six months and a $1,000 fine. 12 points are added to the driving record.
  • Second DUI offense: Mandatory minimum five days jail time, $2,000 fine revoked license for a year and ignition interlock device installed to restore the license.
  • Third DUI offense: About three years in prison, $3,000 fine and loss of license for 18 months

 DUI and Driving While Intoxicated are not the Same Crime in Baltimore

In Baltimore, DUI and driving while intoxicated, or DWI, are separate crimes. They both involve being under the influence of alcohol. However, driving while intoxicated only takes a 0.07% BAC or lower. This means a driver could be below the legal limit in Baltimore and be arrested for driving under the influence.

Penalties for DWI in Baltimore

The penalties for DWI are less than DUI. However, it is still a harsh crime. The penalties include:

  • First DWI offense: Fine of $500, up to 60 days in jail. A 60-day suspended license and eight points added to the driver’s record
  • Second DWI offense: A year in jail, license suspension of 120 days and $500 fine
  • Third DWI offense: A year in jail and license suspension for one year

Hassan, Hassan & Tuchman, PA will Help You with Your DUI or DWI Charge in Baltimore

 

You have been charged with either DUI or DWI. You need tough legal representation to prove your innocence. Contact us.