Planta & Satin Attorneys at Law in Rockville, MD

If you have been charged with driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, this is a very serious offense. This charge can result in serious penalties and a criminal record that will follow you. It is vital that you consult with an experienced drunk driving lawyer in Rockville, MD during this difficult time.

Contact Planta & Satin today if you are in need of a drunk driving lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland who understands the intricacies of these complex laws. Call 301-762-1000 to arrange a consultation.

What Is the Difference Between a DUI and DWI in Maryland?

Drunk driving charges are divided into two separate categories: DUI and DWI. The charge an individual receives will depend upon the level of intoxication.

  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

As explained in our Criminal Law FAQs, a DUI is the more severe of the two charges, and is given to individuals with blood alcohol concentrations of .08 or greater.

  • Driving While Impaired (DWI)

The lesser charge is a DWI. In Maryland, a driver can be presumptively charged with being impaired with a blood alcohol concentration of .07. It is possible to have this rebut this.

It is important to note that you can receive criminal charges if a police officer finds you to be driving while impaired due to legal or illegal drugs.

Penalties for Drunk Driving in Montgomery County, MD

The penalties for drunk driving in Maryland vary considerably depending upon many different factors, including:

  • Whether the charge is a DUI or DWI
  • The number of prior convictions of the driver
  • Damages or injuries caused by the driver

Depending upon these and other circumstances surrounding the crime, at the end of the trial, a judge may order the driver to pay a fine and/or serve jail time. Penalties for drunk driving in Maryland can include anything from a $500 fine to serving multiple years in jail.  In addition, if convicted, the Motor Vehicle Administration may suspend or revoke the drivers’ license.

Maryland Driver’s License Point System

When you are charged with a drunk driving crime in Maryland, points go onto your driving record. If you are charged with a DWI, 8 points are put onto your license, which means you are eligible to have your license suspended. A DUI charge comes with 12 points, which makes you eligible to have your license revoked. Points stay on your license for two years.

Protect Your Rights by Consulting with a Maryland Drunk Driving Lawyer

Planta & Satin, LLC, is proud to represent clients throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia, including, but not limited to the following areas:

  • Wheaton-Glenmont, MD
  • Bethesda, Chevy Chase MD
  • College Park, MD
  • Hagerstown, MD
  • Rockville, MD
  • Gaithersburg, MD
  • Landover, MD
  • Frederick, MD
  • Germantown, MD
  • Wheaton, MD
  • Silver Spring, MD
  • North Potomac, MD
  • Derwood, MD
  • Takoma Park, MD
  • Montgomery County, MD

As the penalties for drunk driving can potentially be quite severe, you do not want to take a risk and try defending yourself without experienced and knowledgeable legal representation.

What many people do not realize is that some driving under the influence charges are challenging for the prosecution to prove. You may also have been charged with a crime that is more severe than the actions you actually committed. Because the ramifications of this case will affect your future, it is vital that you have a strong legal defense.

Your Rockville, Maryland drunk driving lawyer can help you to understand your rights and your options. You obviously want to receive the best outcome possible when you have to go to court for DWI or DUI charges in Maryland. Calling Planta & Satin is a step in the right direction.