Archives for March 2022

The Consequences of a Repeat DUI/DWI Conviction in Maryland

Potential Penalties for Subsequent Drunk Driving Convictions

The Consequences of a Repeat DUI/DWI Conviction in MarylandIn Maryland, if you are arrested, charged with and convicted of driving while impaired (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI), and you have a previous conviction for the same offense within the last five years, there are two immediate consequences:

  • Your driving privileges will automatically be suspended for one year
  • At the completion of your suspension, you will be required to have an ignition interlock installed in your car for a period of one year

What Is an Ignition Interlock?

An ignition interlock requires that the submit to a blood alcohol test before your car will operate. When you have an ignition interlock installed, you must breathe into the device before you can start your car. If you test above the accepted level set on the device, your engine will not turn over.

AV-Rated Carroll County Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings over 30 years of proven experience to drunk driving defendants across the Baltimore metro area and the state of Maryland. He has received an AV-rating (the highest rating possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System from other members of the Maryland bar every year since 1988. Jonathan has been listed among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland listed by SuperLawyers and has been designated a Top-Rated Lawyer by The American Lawyer Magazine. He has holds Martindale-Hubbell’s Client Distinction Award, awarded to less than 4% of all attorneys listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s directory.

Over the past 30+ years, attorney Smith has successfully handled the defense of a wide range of criminal charges, including driving while impaired and driving under the influence. He knows how to protect your constitutional rights and will carefully investigate your case to confirm that police and prosecutors follow all required procedures when gathering evidence. He’ll aggressively question all potential witnesses, so that he can prepare and present the most persuasive arguments in your defense at trial.

Attorney Smith has been listed among the top 100 attorneys in Maryland by the National Trial Lawyers Association, a “by invitation only” professional organization. He holds a 10.0 (Superb) rating as a trial attorney from AVVO, as well as AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars.

Proven Maryland DUI/DWI Defense Lawyer

Contact our office by e-mail or call 410-740-0101 for an appointment. We represent criminal defendants in Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

The Potential Consequences of a First DUI/DWI Conviction in Maryland

The Penalties for First-Time Drunk Driving Offenders

The Potential Consequences of a First DUI/DWI Conviction in MarylandIn Maryland, when you have been pulled over and taken into custody for drinking and driving, you may be charged with driving while impaired (DWI), driving under the influence (DUI), or both. You can only be convicted of one of those offenses.

If your blood alcohol content is less than .08%, but you exhibit other signs of impairment, a police officer may book you for DWI. If your blood alcohol content is .08% or above, you can be charged with DUI.

For a first-time conviction of driving while impaired, the penalties include up to two months of incarceration and a maximum fine of $500. Your driving privileges may be suspended for up to six months (a year, if you are under the age of 21) and you will have 8 points added to your driving record. For an initial conviction for driving under the influence, you can expect to pay up to $1,000 in fines and serve up to a year in jail. Your license can be revoked for up to six months and you will accumulate 12 points on your driving record.

Proven Baltimore DUI/DWI Defense Attorney

For over three decades, attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has aggressively fought for the rights of criminal defendants across Baltimore and throughout the state of Maryland, including many people facing prosecution for DWI or DUI. SuperLawyers lists him among the top 100 lawyers in Maryland and The American Lawyer Magazine has also named him a Top-Rated Lawyer.

Jonathan has received an AV-rating (the highest possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System every year since 1988. He has also earned Martindale-Hubbell’s coveted Client Distinction Award, given to less than 4% of all attorneys in Maryland. He enjoys a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a trial lawyer from AVVO and has also earned AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars.

A highly respected trial attorney, Jonathan brings an extensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure to every case, as well as considerable experience successfully handling a wide range of criminal matters. He knows how to effectively gather and preserve evidence and will take all necessary measures to ensure that law enforcement officers did not violate your constitutional rights.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in the Greater Baltimore Area

At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we fight for the rights of criminal defendants throughout Baltimore County and the surrounding communities. Contact us online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.

ADDRESS :

  • Jonathan Scott Smith 10490 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 200 ,Columbia, MD 21044-4960

  • Call for consultation 410-740-0101