DUI/DWI Recent Legal Changes in Maryland

What recent changes have been made to our state’s DUI/DWI laws in Maryland?

Recent changes to the DUI/DWI laws in Maryland include:

1. Increased Penalties for Repeat Offenders – Those convicted of a 2nd DUl/DWI offense within 5 years of the first offense will face harsher penalties, including longer license suspensions and higher fines.

2. Ignition Interlock Requirements – Offenders with a BAC of .15 or higher are required to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicle for a minimum of 45 days.

3. Increased Penalties For High BACs – Offenders with a BAC of .15 or higher will face an increased fine and a 1-year license suspension, even on a first offense.

4. Zero Tolerance For Minors – Maryland now has a zero tolerance policy for minors driving under the influence. Anyone under 21 who is caught driving with a BAC of .02 or higher will have their license suspended for at least 6 months.

Have there been updates to the legal BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) limit in Maryland?

Yes, in October 2019, Maryland’s legal BAC limit was lowered from 0.08 to 0.05. This change was made in an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes and fatalities on the state’s roads.

How have penalties for first-time DUI offenders changed in recent years in Maryland?

In recent years, the penalties for first-time DUI offenders in Maryland have become harsher. A conviction of DUI/DWI now carries a sentence of up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a mandatory minimum six-month license suspension. Additionally, first-time offenders are now required to attend an alcohol education program for at least 12 hours and may be required to install an ignition interlock device.

Are there new ignition interlock device (IID) requirements or policies in Maryland?

Yes. As of October 1, 2019, all first-time DUI/DWI offenders are required to install an IID in their vehicles. The IID must be used for a period of at least 6 months and must be installed at an approved installation facility. Additionally, any driver who has been convicted of two or more DUIs must use an IID for at least 12 months. Drivers who fail to comply with the IID requirements may face penalties such as fines, suspension of their license, and/or jail time.

Have there been changes to the process of DUI checkpoints and stops in Maryland?

Yes, there have been changes to the process of DUI checkpoints and stops in Maryland. As of October 1, 2017, the Maryland General Assembly enacted a number of changes to the DUI laws in the state, including reducing the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit from 0.08 to 0.07 for drivers 21 years of age and older, increasing the penalties for DUI offenses, and prohibiting law enforcement from conducting DUI checkpoints without approval from the relevant jurisdiction’s chief law enforcement officer. Additionally, law enforcement must provide notice to the public of any upcoming DUI checkpoints.

What impact have recent legal changes had on DUI/DWI sentencing in Maryland?

Recent legal changes in Maryland have had a significant impact on DUI/DWI sentencing. The maximum penalty for a first-time DUI/DWI conviction was increased from one year to two years in 2015, and a new law was passed in 2017 that created stricter penalties for drivers with higher blood alcohol levels. Maryland also has an ignition interlock device program, which requires offenders to have a breathalyzer device installed in their car as a condition of their license reinstatement. Additionally, all offenders will be required to attend an alcohol education program and complete community service.

Are there new diversion or treatment programs for DUI offenders in Maryland?

Yes, there are new diversion and treatment programs for DUI offenders in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has developed the Maryland Impaired Driving Treatment Program (MDIDTP) to provide comprehensive assessment and treatment services to individuals convicted of DUI/DWI offenses. The program offers a variety of services, including an assessment, individual counseling, group counseling, DUI classes and educational programs, and referral services. The MDIDTP is a voluntary program and is available in all Maryland counties.

Has the process for DUI/DWI testing or blood draws been modified in Maryland?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration has temporarily suspended routine breath alcohol tests for suspected inebriated drivers. However, blood draws for suspected impaired drivers are still being conducted in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Have recent changes affected the availability of plea bargains in DUI cases in Maryland?

No, recent changes have not affected the availability of plea bargains in DUI cases in Maryland. Plea bargains are still available and are still used as a way to resolve DUI cases in Maryland. Plea bargains are a common practice in criminal cases, and DUI cases are no exception.

Are there specific changes in DUI laws for underage drivers in Maryland?

Yes, there are specific changes in DUI laws for underage drivers in Maryland. Under Maryland law, a driver under 21 years of age with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02 or higher is considered to be driving under the influence (DUI). The legal consequences for a DUI conviction are more severe for a driver under the age of 21 than for an adult. Additionally, drivers under 21 found driving with any amount of alcohol in their system face a license suspension up to 180 days and may be required to complete an alcohol education program.

Have there been updates to DUI laws regarding marijuana or other drugs in Maryland?

Yes. In April 2019, Governor Larry Hogan signed into law the Ignition Interlock Program, which requires that those convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol must install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle in order to be able to drive. The law states that if a driver is found to have 5 nanograms or more of THC in their system, they will be considered impaired and charged with a DUI. Additionally, in 2021, Maryland implemented a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21 who are found to have any amount of alcohol or drugs in their system.

What changes have been made to DUI penalties for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders in Maryland?

In Maryland, the penalties for DUI convictions involving CDL holders are now more strict than ever. First-time offenders may now face a 6-month suspension of their CDL and a $1,000 fine, with a second offense resulting in a one-year suspension and a $2,000 fine. In addition, drivers can be disqualified from operating a commercial vehicle for up to three years for a felony conviction and even longer for certain repeat offenses. Furthermore, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration can also require CDL holders to take an additional skills test before they are allowed to drive again. Finally, the state will also impose increased insurance requirements and may require the driver to complete an alcohol or drug abuse program.

Are there new reporting requirements for DUI/DWI convictions to other states in Maryland?

No, there are no new reporting requirements for DUI/DWI convictions in Maryland. DUI/DWI convictions in the state of Maryland will still be reported to other states through the National Driver Register.

How have recent changes impacted the use of body cameras or dashcams during DUI stops in Maryland?

Recent changes in Maryland have had a major impact on the use of body cameras or dashcams during DUI stops. In May 2020, Governor Hogan signed into law Senate Bill 8, which requires all law enforcement officers in Maryland to wear body cameras while conducting DUI stops. The new law also requires officers to record the entire duration of the stop, including any interactions with the driver and any field sobriety tests that are conducted. This law is aimed at increasing transparency and accountability for officers during DUI stops, and providing a more accurate record of events for legal proceedings. The law went into effect on October 1, 2020. Dashcams are also widely used during DUI stops in Maryland, as they provide additional evidence of the stop and can be used to corroborate statements made by officers and drivers.

Have there been changes to DUI laws related to accidents causing injury or death in Maryland?

Yes, Maryland has passed stricter DUI laws related to accidents causing injury or death. These stricter laws went into effect in October 2017, and they include increased fines for drivers convicted of DUI causing injury or death, as well as mandatory jail sentences for those convicted of DUI causing serious injury or death. Drivers convicted of DUI causing serious injury or death could face up to three years in prison.

Are there new policies or laws regarding DUI expungement or record sealing in Maryland?

Yes, there are new policies and laws regarding DUI expungement or record sealing in Maryland. The Maryland legislature recently passed a law allowing individuals with a DUI conviction to petition for an expungement if they have successfully completed any sentence imposed within the last five years. Additionally, individuals with a DUI conviction may now petition for a record sealing if they have completed their sentence more than five years ago.

Have recent legal changes affected DUI insurance rates in Maryland?

Yes, recent legal changes have impacted DUI insurance rates in Maryland. In 2020, the Maryland Insurance Administration made changes to its drunk driving insurance regulations, which required all companies to offer an additional level of coverage called a “DUI Surcharge.” This surcharge is designed to protect drivers from the increased costs associated with a DUI or DWI conviction, and the coverage is paid for by those who are convicted of driving under the influence. The surcharge can range from 5% – 25% depending on the type of offense and number of convictions. Additionally, some insurers may also increase premiums for those convicted of DUI or DWI offenses.

What changes have been made to DUI/DWI court processes and procedures in Maryland?

In Maryland, changes to DUI/DWI court processes and procedures have included:

1. Expanding the definition of “substance abuse” to include marijuana, as well as the implementation of a treatment program for marijuana-related offenses.

2. Increasing fines and penalties for repeat DUI/DWI offenses, including longer jail sentences.

3. Establishing an Ignition Interlock Program as an alternative sentencing option for certain DUI/DWI offenders, which requires the offender to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle and breath into it in order to start the vehicle.

4. Establishing a Restricted Driver Program for offenders who agree to comply with certain conditions such as abstaining from alcohol and drug use, attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and submitting to random drug tests.

5. Establishing a “No Refusal Weekend” program, which requires that all DUI/DWI suspects submit to a breath test when requested by law enforcement.

Are there additional resources or diversion programs for individuals with substance abuse issues in Maryland?

Yes, there are several additional resources and diversion programs for individuals with substance abuse issues in Maryland. These include:

-Maryland Network of Care – This network provides a comprehensive listing of resources for individuals with substance use issues in Maryland. It includes links to treatment services, support groups, housing assistance programs, legal resources, and much more.

-Maryland Addiction Recovery Center – This center provides residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment programs for those in need. Services include individual and group therapy, relapse prevention, and vocational training.

-Maryland Opioid Treatment Program – This program offers medication assisted treatment using methadone or buprenorphine for those struggling with opioid addiction. It also provides counseling and other support services.

-Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene – The state health department provides prevention and intervention services for individuals at risk of developing substance use disorders. It also provides access to opioid treatment programs, targeted outreach services, and other resources.

-Maryland Legal Aid’s Drug Addiction Diversion Program – This program provides legal assistance to individuals struggling with addiction by helping them to enter into diversion programs instead of being prosecuted for drug-related crimes.

What is the process for staying informed about ongoing and future changes in DUI/DWI laws in Maryland?

1. Check for updates to the state’s DUI/DWI laws on the official website of the Motor Vehicle Administration of Maryland (MVA). The MVA publishes changes to the state’s DUI/DWI laws as soon as they are passed by the state legislature.

2. Follow any news reports or press releases from the MVA or other government agencies.

3. Subscribe to newsletters, magazines, and blogs that focus on DUI/DWI laws in Maryland and other states.

4. Sign up for email alerts that inform you about changes in DUI/DWI laws in Maryland and other states.

5. Set up a Google Alert for changes in DUI/DWI laws in Maryland so that you can receive regular updates on any new developments.

6. Attend any seminars, conferences, or other events related to DUI/DWI laws in Maryland and other states.

7. Follow the Twitter accounts of the MVA and other government agencies, as well as any local law enforcement agencies for updates on DUI/DWI laws in Maryland.