If You’re on Vacation or a Permanent Resident, Contact a DWI Attorney in Cambridge, MD

A DWI offense is a very serious crime in Maryland. In October 2016, the penalty for a conviction was increased and an expansion of the Ignition Interlock Program was enacted. A conviction for this type of crime can hamper an individual’s ability to drive to work, school, or have the freedom they’re accustomed to. If someone tests above the legal limit of .08 or refuses the police request to take a chemical test for alcohol or drug use, they will immediately be issued an Order of Suspension and any other traffic citations necessary. An officer has the ability to confiscate a driver’s license and issue a 45-day temporary paper license.

A DWI attorney in Cambridge, MD should be the first call a driver makes when they’ve been arrested. After a conviction of a first time DUI offense, a driver faces up to a $1,000 fine and up to one year in prison. The court could add twelve points to a driver’s license and a suspension of twelve months. A second offense can result in a $2,000 fine and up to two years in prison, with a minimum of five days. Points and a license being revoked are the same as a first offense. A DWI first offense can be penalized up to a $500 fine and up to two months in jail with a six-month license suspension. A second offense can involve up to a $500 fine and one year in prison. Eight points will be assessed to a driver’s license with a suspension of nine to twelve months.

The Ignition Interlock Program requires drivers for the first incident to participate for six months. The second incident of a DWI or DUI requires a driver to participate for a year and a third or subsequent incident requires its use for three years. If someone refuses a chemical test, they will be required to participate in the program for one year. Reducing the penalties and building a strong defense begins with a DWI attorney in Cambridge, MD. Failing to hire one could result in a poor outcome to the case.

If you’ve been arrested for a DWI or DUI, protect your rights by contacting an Ocean City lawyer immediately.