Blog: DUI/DWI

Do You Need to Attend a MVA Hearing After a DUI Arrest in Maryland?

Jun 2, 2025

If you've recently faced a The short answer? You don’t have to request an Let’s break it all down. What Is an MVA Hearing? An MVA hearing is an administrative proceeding held by the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), not a criminal court. Its purpose is to determine whether your driver’s license should be suspended following a DUI arrest in Maryland—not whether you're guilty of a crime. Why It Happens When you’re...

Could a Medical Condition or Diet Trigger a False BAC Reading During a DUI Stop?

May 27, 2025

Picture this Believe it or not, At Why Breath Tests Aren’t Foolproof Breath‑testing devices estimate your BAC by measuring alcohol molecules exhaled from your lungs. The alcohol detected came from deep‑lung air, not your mouth or stomach. Everyone’s body processes alcohol the same way. No other substances in your breath can mimic alcohol’s chemical signature. Those are big assumptions. Variations in physiology, health conditions, diet, and even the testing procedure itself can...

DUI or DWI? Understanding the Differences in Maryland and Why It Matters

Apr 30, 2025

If you’ve been pulled over for suspected drunk or impaired driving in Maryland, you may hear the terms What Is DUI in Maryland? DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence, and it’s the more serious of the two charges. In Maryland, a driver can be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. The charge indicates that the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle is significantly impaired by alcohol...

Maryland DUI vs. DC DUI: Key Differences Explained

Apr 28, 2025

When drivers are arrested for Common Elements of Impaired Driving in Maryland and D.C. The laws of Impairment in DC and Maryland isn’t just about numbers. Maryland’s laws also cover impairment by drugs and "combination" impairment — which can include both alcohol and drugs. Officers look for signs like erratic driving, slurred speech, or failed sobriety tests. Authorities must have a good reason to stop you in both jurisdictions. Both areas have ...

DUI or DWI in Maryland: Which is Worse?

Apr 23, 2025

Facing a What's The Difference Between a DUI and DWI in Maryland? The main difference lies in the driver's level of intoxication and impairment. A DUI is one of the most severe offenses under Maryland law related to impaired driving. It applies when a driver’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. Maryland enforces this limit strictly, and drivers registered at or above this level are presumed to be under the influence, regardless of...

How DUI & DWI Penalties Increase in Maryland: Enhancement Rules Explained

Apr 21, 2025

If you've been charged with impaired driving in Maryland, it's important to understand the potential punishment you may face, especially if you have prior convictions. Maryland law imposes stricter penalties (enhanced penalties) on individuals with previous Driving Under the Influence ( Read on to learn more about increased penalties for drunk or drugged driving in the state of Maryland, when they apply, and the maximum penalties the state can impose under these circumstances. What is an Enhancement...

What Happens If You Refuse to Take a Breathalyzer Test in Maryland?

Mar 26, 2025

If you're stopped by police for suspicion of drunk driving, you can refuse to take a Implied Consent Maryland's implied consent law means that by driving on Maryland's roads, you agree to submit to chemical tests—breath, blood, or urine—if an officer has reasonable grounds to suspect impairment. This means that a police officer can detain you and conduct tests when the officer believes that reasonable grounds exist that you are driving or attempting to drive a...

Top 5 Mistakes People Make After a DUI Arrest—and How to Avoid Them

Mar 4, 2025

A This article is designed to help you understand the most common mistakes individuals make after a DUI arrest and provides practical advice on how to avoid them. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of your next steps, these insights can help you make informed decisions and protect your rights during this difficult time. 1. Speaking Instead of Staying Silent After a DUI arrest, you have the right to remain silent, but many people...

Why is the Ignition Interlock Required Even After a PBJ?

Feb 27, 2025

In Maryland, probation before judgment (PBJ) is a favorable outcome for individuals charged with driving under the influence ( Read on to learn why the IID is required even after you receive probation before judgment. Legal Loophole Eliminated Over the past five years in the Old Line State, almost 800 people have been killed by impaired drivers. This is nearly one-third of all roadway fatalities. In addition, about 15,000 people have been injured by drug and...

First DUI Offense? Here's What You Need to Know About Maryland's Penalties and Defenses

Feb 4, 2025

Understanding Maryland DUI Laws for First-Time Offenders Facing a What Constitutes a DUI in Maryland? In Maryland, DUI charges typically arise from a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For drivers under 21, the legal BAC limit is 0.02% under Maryland’s zero-tolerance policy. Additionally, a BAC of 0.04% or higher can result in charges for commercial drivers. A DUI conviction can result not only from alcohol but also from impairment due to...