If you get pulled over for a DUI in Maryland, it’s natural to worry about the potential consequences. Will you lose your driver’s license? Could it affect your employment? Will you have to go to jail?
It’s important to understand the potential sentences you could face if convicted of DUI charges. However, a conviction is not guaranteed just because you were arrested. For instance, if the police made mistakes while administering a breath test, the charges could eventually be dropped. In the meantime, it’s helpful to understand the possible ramifications.
The sentence for a first offense
To begin with, DUI penalties become more severe with subsequent offenses. If you are convicted of a first offense, the penalties could include:
- 12 points on your driving record
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Jail time of up to one year
- License revocation for six months
It’s worth noting that most first-offense convictions don’t result in the maximum penalties. For instance, while spending a year in jail is possible, it’s not common.
Penalties for subsequent offenses
If you are convicted of a subsequent offense, the penalties are more severe:
- A fine of up to $2,000
- Jail time of up to two years
- A mandatory minimum jail sentence of five days
- License revocation for up to one year (double the revocation period for a first offense)
If both convictions occur within five years of one another, additional penalties may apply. You will be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. This device prevents the car from starting unless you pass a breath test. You may also need to attend an alcohol abuse program.
Your legal defense options
As noted above, not all arrests result in convictions, and police often make mistakes. If you are facing DUI charges, it’s crucial to understand your legal defense options.