Summary
In Maryland, there are two main charges related to impaired driving – DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while impaired). This post explores the key differences between a DUI and DWI conviction in Maryland, along with their penalties and impact.
What is Worse in Maryland: DUI or DWI?
If you’re facing charges for impaired driving in Maryland, you may be wondering about the difference between a DUI and DWI, and which is more serious. While both involve alcohol and operating a vehicle, the differentiation comes in the level of impairment. Here’s a closer look at Maryland’s DUI vs DWI laws.
What is a DUI in Maryland?
A DUI, or driving under the influence, is the more serious charge when it comes to impaired driving offenses in Maryland. To be charged with a DUI, you must have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
For commercial vehicle drivers and those transporting minors, a DUI can be issued at a lower 0.04% BAC level. Overall, a DUI indicates that your alcohol levels exceeded the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle in Maryland.
What is a DWI in Maryland?
On the other hand, a DWI stands for driving while impaired. It’s a lesser charge compared to a DUI, but still has significant consequences. In Maryland, you can be charged with a DWI if your BAC registers between 0.04% and 0.07%.
Even without an official BAC test, police can charge you with a DWI in Maryland if they determine through field sobriety and other tests that your driving was impaired to some degree by alcohol consumption.
The Consequences: DUI vs DWI Penalties
While a DWI is technically a less serious offense than a DUI in Maryland, both come with harsh penalties that should not be taken lightly. Here’s a quick overview of some potential consequences:
DUI Penalties
- First Offense: Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine, license revocation for 6-12 months
- Second Offense: Up to 2 years in jail, $2,000 fine, license revocation for 9-12 months
- Third Offense: Up to 5 years in jail, $3,000 fine, license revocation for 12-24 months
- Ignition interlock device required
DWI Penalties
- First Offense: Up to 2 months in jail, $500 fine, 6-12 month license suspension
- Second Offense: Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000 fine, 9-12 month license suspension
- Third Offense: Up to 3 years in jail, $3,000 fine, 12-24 month license suspension
Enhanced penalties apply in both cases if there are heightened BAC levels (0.15%+) or minors in the vehicle. For any DUI or DWI, you’ll also face increased insurance rates, potential job impacts, and more.
Which is Worse Long-Term?
In terms of immediate penalties, a DUI conviction is clearly more severe with higher potential fines and jail sentences compared to a DWI in Maryland. However, both offenses carry lasting consequences that can impact your life for years.
A DUI or DWI conviction will remain on your driving record, which means higher insurance rates, potential job impacts (especially for commercial drivers), travel limitations, and more. Repeat offenses quickly escalate to felony charges as well.
From a practical standpoint, having multiple offenses of either a DUI or DWI on your record can lead to significant cumulative impacts on your finances, employment prospects, driving ability, and overall life situation. It’s best to avoid putting yourself in a position of any impaired driving allegations.
Mitigating a DUI or DWI in Maryland
If you find yourself facing DUI or DWI charges in Maryland, it’s critical to explore your legal options and fight the charges if possible. An experienced DUI lawyer can analyze your case and potentially negotiate for lesser charges or penalties if viable.
However, it’s always best to avoid this situation entirely by having a dedicated sober driver or alternate transportation if you plan to consume any alcohol. Maryland has strict laws for good reason – impaired driving puts lives at risk.
The Verdict
Ultimately, while a DWI is technically a “lesser” offense than a DUI in Maryland based on official BAC levels, both should be taken extremely seriously. A DUI conviction will come with harsher immediate penalties, but the long-term impacts of a DWI rap sheet can still be devastating.
Your best bet is to never put yourself in a situation of potential impaired driving. However, if you do find yourself facing charges, understand that you’ll need quality legal defense regardless of whether it’s a DUI or DWI accusation. Both can have major consequences under Maryland’s laws.
When it comes to drinking and driving in Maryland, it’s universally better to be safe than sorry. The state has made its stance clear – impaired driving infractions at any level will be dealt with strictly through charges, penalties, and lasting impacts.
