DUI & DWI

In Maryland, there are laws which make it a crime to drive either under the influence of alcohol (DUI) or while impaired by alcohol (DWI).  The differences are subtle, and the laws on both are complicated.

The distinction in Maryland between DUI and DWI is generally one of degree.  DUI, the more serious of the two, involves a person whose coordination has been substantially impaired due to the consumption of alcohol.  DWI, the lesser of the two, involves a person whose coordination has been impaired to some extent, albeit not substantially.  Evidence that the person has been “drinking and driving” alone is not enough to convict someone of these charges.  The evidence must show that the consumption of alcohol affected the person’s ability to operate a vehicle.

The penalties upon conviction can be severe.  Moreover, the initial question of whether someone driving a car is under the influence of alcohol or driving while impaired by alcohol is often answered by a police officer trained in alcohol detection and enforcement. So what usually begins as a routine traffic stop by a police officer, can turn into an arrest and several traffic tickets. The penalty can result in a suspended driving license, the imposition of an ignition interlock system, and jail, if the officer believes after administering field sobriety tests that the driver should be charged with DUI or DWI.  Our criminal defense attorneys help people facing DUI and DWI charges in Maryland with thorough, vigorous, aggressive criminal defense representation.