Drunk Driving
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DUI and DWI Laws in Maryland and DC
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense, and a criminal conviction can have serious consequences for your life. If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI offense in the Maryland or D.C. area, contact the seasoned legal team at The Law Office of Mike Rothman. We fight hard to uphold the constitutional rights of our clients, and our attorney’s DWI certification gives him the in-depth training he needs to challenge DWI/DUI arrests. When you need a criminal defense attorney to protect your rights, call 301-251-9660 for a free consultation.
What You Need to Know About DUI vs DWI
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In Maryland, there are two possible charges for drunk driving: DUI, which stands for driving under the influence; and DWI, which stands for driving while impaired. The difference lies in the degree to which a driver is intoxicated.
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If a driver is determined to have a blood alcohol content level of .07 percent, he or she may be charged with a DWI offense. Having a blood alcohol content level of .08 percent or higher can result in a DUI offense. However, the standards are different for drivers of commercial vehicles; they can be charged with a DWI for a blood alcohol content level of .04 to .07 percent, and with a DUI for a level of .07 percent or higher. A person in Maryland can be charged with a DUI and a DWI simultaneously, but can only be convicted of a single offense.
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In Washington D.C., you can be charged with a DUI for having a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, and .04 or higher if you are a driver of a commercial vehicle.
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There is a third drunk driving offense in Washington D.C. known as OWI, which stands for operating while impaired. You can be charged with this offense if you are found to have driven a vehicle “while impaired” by alcohol in any way, even if your blood alcohol content is lower than the legal limit.
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Both Maryland and Washington D.C. have zero tolerance policies for drivers under 21. If you are under 21, you can be charged with a drunk driving offense for having any amount of alcohol in your system.
Penalties for DUI and DWI
If you are convicted of either a DUI or a DWI in Maryland, you may face penalties such as a fine of $500-$1,000, suspension of your driving privileges for up to one year, and anywhere from 60 days to one year in jail. Penalties for a DUI or a DWI will increase depending on how many prior convictions are on your record.
Drunk Driving: Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense, and a criminal conviction can have serious consequences for your life. If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI offense in the Maryland or D.C. area, contact the seasoned legal team at The Law Office of Mike Rothman. Read More >>
Drug Crimes: Choosing a lawyer who strongly believes in your rights and is willing to fight to protect them can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. At the Law Office of Mike Rothman, located in Rockville, we offer aggressive representation to individuals facing marijuana possession and other drug charges in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Read More >>
Federal Crimes: Those convicted of a federal offense face potentially life-changing consequences, including incarceration, loss of freedoms, including the ability to travel, loss of one’s right to own a firearm, to name just a few. No matter the situation, we will protect the rights of our clients and provide them with the aggressive representation they require during these difficult and stressful times. Read More >>
Domestic Violence: Allegations of domestic violence are quite serious, and unfounded claims can have a significant impact on your life. An arrest will result in a temporary restraining order or civil protection order, as well as other immediate consequences. Our experienced defense attorney Mike Rothman can help you mitigate the impact of these charges and develop a defense strategy that suits your individual objectives. Read More >>
Sex Crimes: Simply being accused of such a sex crime can cause permanent damage to a reputation and result in other harmful consequences such as the loss of a job or a security clearance. If you need an aggressive criminal defense attorney to help defend against allegations of such activities, please contact today and tell us about your situation. Read More >>
White Collar Crimes: Many people underestimate the serious nature of these charges because they are nonviolent offenses, but a conviction can bring penalties and consequences that could alter the course of your life. At the Law Office of Mike Rothman, we provide our clients with a thoroughly prepared defense plan that allows them the best opportunity to fight back against the charges. Read More >>
Assault: These charges can arise out of various situations that may happen either in a private setting or in public. When investigating allegations of assault, law enforcement may not report the incident correctly or may make assumptions about the situation that can have a negative impact on you. Our defense attorney will thoroughly investigate your situation and develop a defense plan that allows you to effectively confront any criminal charges. Read More >>
Gun Possession: In the Second Amendment to the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution, Americans are guaranteed the right to keep and bear arms. Though the text is clearly stated, its meaning and interpretation are strongly contested. Law enforcement is not immune to this debate, so it should not be surprising that efforts to enforce laws regulating illegal gun possession sometimes infringe on the rights of innocent people. Read More >>
Traffic Violations: These are heavily prosecuted in the state of Maryland, require a court appearance, and are punishable by fines and even jail time. At The Law Office of Mike Rothman, we offer experienced and aggressive legal representation to individuals facing traffic violation charges. If you are facing a serious traffic violation in Maryland or the District of Columbia, we may be able to provide the legal services you need. Read More >>
Other Practice Areas: We can provide knowledgeable and straightforward guidance in Adherence with various regulations and laws for the operation of a business in Maryland, protection of your company’s intellectual property and proprietary information, as well as dispute resolution in infringement matters, and litigation and complications regarding regulatory compliance and the protection of your rights in these matters. Read More >>
If you are convicted of either a DUI or a DWI in Maryland, you may face penalties such as a fine of $500-$1,000, suspension of your driving privileges for up to one year, and anywhere from 60 days to one year in jail. Penalties for a DUI or a DWI will increase depending on how many prior convictions are on your record.
"Mike Rothman is the epitome of what a professional, intelligent and caring lawyer is.
He was able to do what all the other lawyers I hired said was impossible. He took the time to thoroughly explain each step to me and was not afraid to go head to head with the aggressive states attorney and judge in my case. If you are looking for a lawyer who knows our laws in detail and is willing to put the work in for you look no further. I'm so grateful to have met Mike. He is a wonderful person and has a made a huge impact on my life." - Sam Mirkin