DUI and DWI cases are serious matters that can have a lasting impact on your life. If you’ve been charged with DUI or DWI in Prince George County, MD, it’s essential to seek legal representation immediately.
An experienced Prince George County DUI/DWI lawyer can help you build a defense and protect your rights. Jezic & Moyse has years of experience defending clients in court and can fully assist your case.
Difference Between a DUI and a DWI
Drunk driving charges are often referred to as either DUI or DWI. Drunk driving and driving after consuming other inebriating substances are two separate offenses in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Intoxicated driving and drugged driving can both be referred to as DUIs. The type of drug doesn’t necessarily matter. The drug may be illegal, over-the-counter, or prescribed. Maryland law prohibits you from driving if any type of drug, or a combination of drugs and alcohol, impairs your ability to drive a vehicle safely.
When a law enforcement officer believes you are too impaired to drive, they can charge you with DUI or DWI. Several factors can contribute to impairment, including drug use, alcohol consumption, sleepiness, etc.
Acts Resulting in DUI/DWI
A driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of at least 0.08% is prohibited from getting behind the wheel in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
The penalties for driving with a BAC over 0.15% can also increase in many states. Blood, urine, or breath tests are typically used to determine blood alcohol content.
Many states allow you to be charged with drunk driving even if your car isn’t moving when you’re in the driver’s seat. If you’re driving a watercraft, moped, motorized scooter, bicycle, or lawnmower, you might even be charged with DUI or DWI.
Consequences of refusing or failing an alcohol test
A police officer will confiscate your driver’s license in Maryland if you refuse blood alcohol or drug test or take a test and fail it. A temporary license will be issued to you, and a case will be prepared for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Commercial driver’s license holders will have their licenses suspended by the MVA and may also have their driving privileges revoked.
Penalties for DUI/DWI in Prince George’s County, MD
License suspension and limited driving privileges during suspension for violating alcohol-impaired driving are penalized with:
- 180 days administrative license suspension for .08 or higher BAC, for the first offense
- The opportunity to avoid a suspension period with the Ignition Interlock System.
A driver’s license restriction may also be imposed, prohibiting the operation of a vehicle after any amount of alcohol consumption. You are automatically subject to the “Under 21 Alcohol Restriction” on your license if you are under 21.
The Motor Vehicle Administration or the courts can place additional restrictions if you are charged with a second or subsequent impaired driving offense. If an officer suspects that you are driving under the influence of alcohol, you will be required to submit to a chemical test. You will be subject to additional sanctions for refusing to take the test after a prior refusal or if you test positive for alcohol at any level, in violation of an alcohol restriction.
Dedicated to Defending Your Rights & Helping You Get Back on Track
You’ve been charged with a DUI/DWI and are unsure what to do. You don’t want to end up in jail, but you also don’t want to pay fines or lose your license. With over years of experience as an attorney specializing in DUI/DWI cases, Jezic & Moyse know how to help my clients avoid the worst-case scenario.
Our goal is always to keep my clients from having their licenses suspended or revoked and keep them out of jail if possible. If arrested for a DUI/DWI, schedule a consultation today so we can discuss your case and find the best solution!