What is the Maryland DWI law ?

If you are arrested for DWI in Maryland, you have to encounter two separate cases, namely the administrative driver's license action and a court case.

Talking about administrative driver’s license action, you can lose your driving privileges. On the other hand, if the DWI is proved during court case, you have to face severe jail term as well as various financial penalties.

When booked under DWI in Maryland, it is quite important that you apply for a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration hearing ten days from the date of arrest. If you don’t do that, your driving license is going to be suspended. You have to pay a fee of $125 for this hearing. Another thing that you should do when arrested for DWI is to contact a Maryland DWI lawyer immediately.

Not any Maryland DWI lawyer will do, so it is quite pivotal that you opt for a lawyer who has expertise in dealing with DWI cases in Maryland. Also take into consideration the track record and qualification of the lawyer. If you are a bit tight on budget, shop around and compare fees first from at least five or six lawyers.

The law enforcement officer in Maryland can arrest you for DWI if the blood alcohol concentration level in your body is found to be .08 or more. If you do not cooperate with the law enforcement officer in terms of giving breath test, you can face serious consequences. First and foremost, your refusal will be used as evidence against you in the court hearing. Secondly, you will be immediately arrested on account of DWI. In case if you do cooperate with the law enforcement officer you can skip jail term.

When booked under Maryland DWI law, your driving license can be suspended for around 45 days and you can be fine $1,000. For a first offense DWI, you have to face a one-year jail term. If it is your second DWI offense, fine increases to $2,000. Jail term also increases to two years if it is your second DWI offense. A Maryland DWI conviction will lead to inclusion of 12 points in your driving license.