Public intoxication laws vary according to state. In Maryland, drinking alcoholic beverages in a public place is illegal and may result in fines of as much as $100, up to 90 days in jail, or a combination of the two. Since fighting the charges on your own might prove difficult, obtaining the assistance of a qualified Maryland criminal defense lawyer is generally a wise move to make. What is public intoxication? Public intoxication laws in [...]

In Maryland, alcohol education classes typically mean educational programs or courses designed to provide individuals with information and skills related to alcohol use, abuse, and its consequences. These classes are often offered as part of the state's efforts to address issues related to alcohol abuse, impaired driving, and public safety. Who attends alcohol education classes in Maryland? Alcohol education classes are typically attended by individuals who are required to complete them as part of a [...]

Here in Maryland, DUIs and DWIs are misdemeanors. This does not mean you shouldn’t take these charges very, very seriously – especially if you are facing a second or third offense. Understanding the potential consequences, and jail time, is important if you have been charged with a drunk driving offense. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Maryland is against the law. There are two types of drinking and driving offenses in our [...]

In most cases, DUI offenses by themselves are misdemeanors. DUIs may become felonies if additional circumstances add to the severity of the offense, such as if someone is killed. Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, there are often defenses. The police may not be able to prove that you were intoxicated or under the influence of drugs at the time of the offense. Breath tests and blood tests may not be admissible [...]

Finding out that your child is facing a DUI charge is a stressful situation for any parent. Regardless of their age, if this is your child’s first criminal charge, they are likely reeling from the incident. From future implications to social stigma, this event can have a significant impact on their self-image during key developmental years. As a parent, your child needs your support and guidance during this challenging time, even though frustration is an [...]

Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are a tool used by authorities in preventing drunk driving incidents and improving road safety. However, certain misconceptions and myths surrounding IIDs can hinder their acceptance and effectiveness. If you are facing using an IID in your vehicle, it is important to understand the truth behind what they are, in order to allow one to work most effectively for you. Today’s blog aims to dispel some common myths and promote a [...]

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Maryland, and it can come with serious consequences as well. Apart from legal troubles and hefty fines, a DUI conviction can also have a significant impact on your car insurance rates. After a driver has been caught with at least an .08% blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) level while behind the wheel, many insurance companies will deem them a risk—and being seen as a risk can negatively [...]

Dealing with a DUI charge can be an extremely stressful experience. One mistake of getting behind the wheel after a few drinks can cost you months of legal troubles—and maybe even your freedom. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were 11,654 people killed in car crashes where at least 1 driver was intoxicated in 2020. With numbers this high, it is no wonder why law enforcement has been cracking down on [...]

Last December, some police got a call about a suspected drunk driver. They did find an erratic driver, and what they would do next would change the driver’s life – and for the better. However, this isn’t a story of someone with an alcohol dependency hitting rock bottom. In fact, it’s a story of someone having a medical episode behind the wheel and the police officers who realized she needed assistance. Good Morning America (GMA) [...]

In Maryland, lawmakers and families are trying to close a “loophole” in the state’s DUI law. They want to close this loophole because they do not believe their family members who were killed in drunk driving accidents received the justice they deserved, and they say that closing the loophole will save lives. The reason why these families believe that there is a loophole is because drivers who receive probation before judgment (PBJ) can avoid getting [...]