The Difference Between A DWI & DUI In Maryland
Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are criminal offenses in Maryland. Both offenses center around drunk driving yet have differing legal consequences. In some situations, the driver may be initially charged with a DWI and DUI. The prosecution will pursue a DWI charge if there is no breath result or if the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is lower than .07%. If the driver’s BAC is .08% or higher, the prosecution will likely proceed with a DUI. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a DWI or DUI in Maryland, contact our Frederick DUI defense lawyers for a consultation. Depending on the nature of the case, our Frederick, Maryland defense attorney may be able to have the DUI reduced to a DWI, or completed dismissed.
Please contact our Frederick DUI defense lawyers immediately. They serve the Frederick, Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Laurel, College Park areas.
Maryland DWI Laws Overview
A DWI is the lesser offense of a DUI. As mentioned above, a DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated. A driver may be charged with a DWI if his/her BAC is between .04 – .07%. For a first-time offender, the driver may face up to two-months in jail and be required to pay a fee of $500. In addition, the driver’s license will be suspended and up to 8 points may be added to his/her driving record. If the driver refused to take a chemical test pursuant to Maryland’s implied consent law, or failed the test, his/her driver’s license will be suspended as well.
Maryland DUI Laws Overview
A person is usually charged with a DUI if his/her BAC is .08% or higher. A DUI is a more serious crime in comparison to a DWI and results in harsher penalties and fines. For example, a first time offender may spend up to a year in jail and be required to pay a $1,000 fine. In addition, the driver will lose his/her driver’s license and have up to 12 points added to his/her
The Difference Between A DWI & DUI
As you can see above, the consequences for a DWI/DUI mostly center around a driver’s BAC. If a driver’s BAC is .08% or higher, he/she will likely be charged with a DUI. You should contact an experienced Maryland attorney immediately after being charged with a DWI/DUI. An experienced attorney can help reduce the charge due to the amount of proof required for the state to uphold either charge. Though a DWI is a lesser charge, it still carries severe penalties. A driver charged with a DUI may be able to plead down to a lesser offense and reduce the penalties/fines asserted against him/her.
Contact Our Frederick DUI Defense Lawyers
Contact our Frederick, Maryland DUI attorneys for more information about my drunk driving criminal defense legal services. Our Rockville MD DUI lawyers provide DWI/DUI criminal defense to residents of Maryland. As mentioned above, depending on the nature of your case, They may be able to have your DWI/DUI charge reduced or completely dismissed. Do not delay in contacting my law office.
