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Maryland DUI / DWI Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: I was tipsy when I clipped a jaywalking pedestrian. Shouldn’t they get cited for jaywalking and causing a hazard instead

of me? I would've made it home fine otherwise.

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Aug 6, 2018

Were you charged with DUI? It doesn't matter if they were jaywalking. It may be that you're not guilty of failing to yield to a pedestrian crossing outside of the cross-walk, and it may also be that the pedestrian is contributorily negligent for his injuries, and it may even be none of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: Can you get a DUI if you are under the influence of something you have a prescription for?
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jul 27, 2018

Yes, driving under the influence of drugs. Just like alcohol you voluntarily consumed the drug, and either knew or should have known the effects. There are potential defenses based on facts not shared in your post.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: How long do you lose your license for a third DUI?
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jul 13, 2018

There are two bases to lose your driving privilege: first, if you refuse the breath test or test above the legal limit; second, upon conviction and assessment of points. Under the first scenario you can get the ignition interlock and still drive. Under the second, you may get revoked for up to 18... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: Will taking a plea deal lessen DUI penalties?
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jul 9, 2018

Pleading guilty, as opposed to being found guilty after trial, shows “acceptance of responsibility” which a judge can consider to be a positive factor in mitigation of any sentence. Further, in many cases, the prosecutor will offer to let you plead guilty to the lesser charge of Driving While... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: Are sobriety checkpoints legal in Maryland?
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jun 22, 2018

Yes, they are legal in Maryland and the Supreme Court has ruled that the safety considerations of removing drunk drivers from the roads outweigh the harm of random stops without probable cause.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: Hello - I want to find out if Maryland has passed legislation for expungement of dui conviction.

I was convicted of dui under the age of 21. It was a pbj conviction.

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jun 8, 2018

No, you cannot expunge a DUI PBJ disposition. A PBJ is not, by the way, a conviction, and the fact that you were granted the PBJ means you are not guilty of the DUI (even if you pled guilty or were found guilty after trial). It will, however, continue to show on a criminal background check as a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: Can you say no to a field sobriety test?
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jun 1, 2018

Yes, you are under no obligation to perform stupid human tricks—Er, field sobriety tests. However, once you are arrested and transported back to the police station and asked to take a breath test, your choice will have a significant impact on your driving privilege, so as the Knight Templar said... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: Can you get a DUI for marijuana?
Ryan Posey
Ryan Posey
answered on May 12, 2018

Yes.

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: Can you get an ignition interlock instead of a suspended license for DUI?
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Apr 20, 2018

Yes, if the basis for the suspension is alcohol related. This is a very general question, and review of the MVA suspension order would be necessary to properly advise you.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: I stole a car that was running and got in a accident this lady got hurt but dont think to bad causes they let me go plus

And I had a dui the night before and they released me

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Apr 1, 2018

Yeah, you need a lawyer. Better to stop posting any more details on this public forum. Felony theft of an automobile, aggravated by an accident with injury, and with a pending DUI from the night before, that’s got jail written all over it. You need to start preparing now for how to deal with... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: My son was convicted in VA 2nd DWI in 5 yrs - Susp period for license ends 4/9/18. Can he get his MD license back now?

He was md driver but both DWI's were in VA..none in MD. He met the VASAP requirements but will need to get the Northumberland office to send a release notice to the DMV or court..not sure. Court did not say he is required to have interlock system upon restoration of his driving privilege but... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 31, 2018

As soon as his privilege is reinstated in VA it should be reinstated in MD. If it is not, he can get proof of the reinstatement in VA and take it to the MD MVA. If he was convicted in VA of DUI, then MD may give notice of intent to suspend or revoke his MD license based on an out of state... View More

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: Can you get a DUI if you weren't driving while drunk? I was parked and asleep.
Thomas J. Maronick Jr
PREMIUM
Thomas J. Maronick Jr
answered on Mar 30, 2018

Sounds like an Atkinson case to me. I’ve won cases in similar situations when the evidence showed the car was being used for shelter and not transportation.

Of course - as every case is different and past success is not an indicator of any particular result in your case - it will depend...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: MVA charging me w/ accumulation of points 5 years after Circuit Court DWI conviction

Convicted of DWI on 02/02/2012 (MVA notified on 12/08/2017 and given 12 points). Did have 1 point added in 2013 for speeding. When the 12 points were added in 2017 from the 2011 offense and 2012 conviction, notice of revocation of license issued by MVA. Going to administrative hearing but is there... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 9, 2018

What is the reason for the delay in the notification of the DUI conviction? Ordinarily, upon conviction, the MVA is notified and the points go on fairly quickly, within days or weeks. I have had clients who were charged in one year, but failed to appear on the charges and they remained... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: Hi, My daughter moved to MN, got a job there. Still had MD license. Got DWI, rcvd probation. MD phone hearing today

Lady gave her 12 points! and said she could appeal. She explained she was already tried in MN court, on probation, 90 day suspension, went to all classes. Got MN license as requested by MN. Help please. She has spent close to $ 7000 already. Any suggestions? thanks so much

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Feb 22, 2018

Yes, you have 30 days to appeal to the circuit court. I would need to know the MD Transportation Code sections the MVA used to impose the 12 points and any revocation or suspension. Did she end up with a conviction on the DUI in MN? And if so, was there any evidence of the specific MN statute... View More

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: Do you have to do a breathalyzer test if a cop stops you?
Ryan Posey
Ryan Posey
answered on Feb 9, 2018

No, you can always refuse the PBT. Just know that doing so will result in the suspension of your license. Talk to an attorney about ways to mitigate this with the MVA.

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1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: Husband had dui 12 yrs ago, took class and given unsupervised probation for a year judge said no record after that

Now being asked if EVER charged with anything on a form, should he put that down? A record search shows no results for him

Thomas J. Maronick Jr
PREMIUM
Thomas J. Maronick Jr
answered on Jan 16, 2018

MD says you can be asked about convictions not arrests. Don’t answer about arrests. Leave that blank unless he’s applying for a certain type of job where that can be required such as a police officer

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: If i refuse to take a breath test, what happens?
Bennett James Wills
Bennett James Wills
answered on Jan 5, 2018

You will face an automatic suspension of your license. But you would have the option to have an administrative hearing. If you have been charged with a DUI consult local counsel for your best options.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: Can you be convicted of a dui for just failing field sobriety test not urine blood or any other test? I

Found drugs but I only failed field sobriety test no urine blood or anything.

Ryan Posey
Ryan Posey
answered on Jan 1, 2018

Could you be convicted? Yes, it is still possible. However the less evidence the State has the more difficult it is to convict you. What drugs were found would be of particular importance in your case. Also whether by "failed field sobriety" you mean the regular test or the DRE examination.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: Do you go jail for a first time DUI?
Bennett James Wills
Bennett James Wills
answered on Dec 18, 2017

Not necessarily. Depends on many factors including the circumstances of the DUI, whether there was an accident or injuries, whether the state offer you a plea, etc. You would be wise to consult local counsel if you have been charged to best determine your options.

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI for Maryland on
Q: Are there any repercussions for refusing to take a chemical test?
Thomas J. Maronick Jr
PREMIUM
Thomas J. Maronick Jr
answered on Nov 7, 2017

Yes: IF reasonable grounds for the stop were show and the refusal wasn't based on something impermissible like the officer telling you to sign a form and you could leave, then this is likely a case where your license is automatically suspended based on the refusal. If you have a CDL, you will... View More

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