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Drunk driving or DUI is one of the most common offenses committed. The authorities don’t always catch the offenders, so it’s difficult to estimate the extent of those driving under the influence. One thing is clear, though: the number of drunk driving arrests is on the rise. In Maryland alone, nearly half of all impaired driving accidents take place in the Baltimore area.
Due to the increasing concern regarding DUI and the dangers it brings, the lawmakers are pushing for harder penalties than the ones offenders currently face. In fact, engine interlock has recently become mandatory in some instances.
What Are The Penalties for DUI in Baltimore?
The real answer is that it depends. The police consider a variety of factors before determining the penalties for DUI. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. First Time Offenders
It doesn’t matter if it is your first DUI in Baltimore county offense. You could still be charged the maximum penalty, which is one year in jail, a $1.000 fine and additionally, 12 points on your license. However, that’s the worst-case scenario, and it’s quite rare.
In most instances, if it’s your first offense, then you might only get 60 days in jail, only 8 points on your license and a fine of $500.
Yet again, the penalties vary based on the particularities of your case. For instance, DUI while having a minor in the car might lead to harsher penalties than if you were alone or accompanied by other adults. The same stays true if you were involved in an accident that resulted in someone’s injury or death.
One of the peculiarities of DUI is that although it is classified as a significant traffic offense, even multiple convictions will not leave you with a criminal record. But that doesn’t mean there are no consequences. There will always be a record of your case, so it might still affect you at some point.
2. Second or Third Time Offender
If it is your second or, even worse, third offense, then you might face a maximum sentence of 2 or 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $2-3,000. Any prior conviction could lead to additional punishment established in court. The penalties could increase if you were also involved in an accident and injured others or damaged property.
3. Minor in the Vehicle
It doesn’t matter if it is your first or second offense. DUI with a minor in the car will undoubtedly call for harsh penalties. The court will use child endangerment as an argument to ask for punishment.
For instance, if as a first-time offender you would usually get 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, if you had a minor in the vehicle with you, then you might face up to a year in prison and a $1000 fine.
It will be very difficult for any attorney to prove your point since the situation becomes more complex and certainly hurts your case.
4. DUI Checkpoints
Whether or not you cause an accident, getting caught at a checkpoint could still get you in trouble. That proves how seriously Baltimore takes DUI and that you can get penalized even without causing trouble. DUI is indeed not only a reckless and dangerous behavior that can endanger the lives of others but a real epidemics in Baltimore. So, checkpoints are a common occurrence, and the police are relentless with DUI offenders.
Lawmakers in Baltimore intend to take drunk driving laws to a new level. For instance, one proposal is to start charging DUI as a felony with a 10-year maximum jail sentence and a possible $10,000 fine, if you are not a first time offender or have no prior convictions. So, drive responsibly and take a taxi or call a friend to pick you up if you’ve been drinking.
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This content is sponsored by Ben Obirek.
Photo: Shutterstock