DWI and DUI Defense in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Howard County, MD

While DUI and DWI are synonymous in most states, that is not the case in Maryland, which does draw a distinction between Driving While Impaired (DWI) and Driving Under the Influence (DUI). You will be charged with a DWI if your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is .07 percent; and you will be charged with a DUI if your BAC is .08 percent or higher. Although both Maryland DWI and Maryland DUI carry stiff penalties for a conviction, the conviction of a DUI carries more harsh penalties.

The following are the parameters of the penalties if you are convicted of a DWI in Maryland:

DWI First Arrest Conviction

• Up to 2 months in jail (6 months if transporting a minor)
• Up to $500 fine ($1000 if transporting a minor)
• Minimum 6 months suspended drivers license

DWI Second Arrest Conviction

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Up to $500 fine ($2000 if transporting a minor)
• Minimum 1 year suspended drivers license

The following are the parameters of the penalties if you are convicted of a DUI in Maryland:

DUI First Arrest Conviction

• Up to 1 year in jail (2 years if transporting a minor)
• Up to $1000 fine ($2000 if transporting a minor)
• Minimum 6 months suspended drivers license

DUI Second Arrest Conviction

• Up to 2 year in jail (3 years if transporting a minor)
• Up to $2000 fine ($3000 if transporting a minor)
• Minimum 1 year suspended drivers license (if within 5 years of previous DUI conviction)

DUI Third (and Subsequent) Arrest Conviction(s)

• Up to 3 year in jail (4 years if transporting a minor)
• Up to $3000 fine ($4000 if transporting a minor)
• Minimum 18 months suspended drivers license

DUI and DWI charges are serious in Maryland. If is important to retain a skilled criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible after being charged with a DUI or DWI, or other alcohol or drug related charge, in Maryland

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated former criminal prosecutor, with over 30 years of courtroom experience. He has handled thousands of drunk driving cases. You can see what many satisfied clients have to say about the job he did for them. In addition, you can check the results in real cases he has handled.

Contact Our Office

To schedule an appointment, contact us online or call us at 410-740-0101. Put the skill and experience of a former prosecutor to work for you. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith represents clients in criminal defense matters, DUI / DWI, MVA Hearings, traffic offenses, domestic violence and child abuse charges throughout Maryland, including the cities of Columbia, Clarksville, Sykesville, Fulton, Elkridge, Frederick, Mt. Airy, Ellicott City, Laurel, Westminster, and Baltimore. Lawyer Smith also provides experienced legal representation for clients in Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Prince Georges (Prince George) County, Howard County and Montgomery County, MD.