Drunk driving is always bad, but laws distinguish between a simple DUI and drunk driving that is much more serious. Maryland aggravated DUI law picks up where the simple penalties leave off: from fines, court costs, and mandatory ignition interlock requirements to incarceration, probation, and other consequences.
Maryland aggravated DUI penalties occur when an offender:
- Drives under the influence with a child passenger present.
- Causes injury or death to another as a result of the DUI.
- Has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 percent or higher.
- Is a habitual DUI offender.
In many cases a first-offense DUI in which the driver has a BAC of .15 percent or higher results in the most restrictive penalties, even if no injuries or property damage occurs. All DUI offenses have a mandatory interlock requirement, but the requirement can be extended for a longer time due to aggravating circumstances.
If there is a child passenger present at the time of a DUI, even with a low BAC, the driver will face Maryland aggravated DUI charges. On top of that, the driver could also be charged with child endangerment. Habitual DUI offenders face aggravated charges simply because of their inability or refusal to drive sober, despite previous convictions and consequences.
Things can always be worse until they actually are at their worst. A DUI is nothing to blow off and making a choice to get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking puts lives at risk each day. The legal consequences for a Maryland aggravated DUI are nothing in comparison to the real-world reality of causing someone’s death. As frustrating as it can be to find a safe ride home when drinking, the alternative is nothing less than asking for a lifetime of aggravation, regret, and possible loss of freedom.
Radhika
Hi so my husband was charged with DUI last Nov 13, 2016 with a BAC result of 0.19. We live in Baltimore, Maryland. On Feb 2017, he installed ignition interlock device on his car for a year. So I guess that will be removed on this February 2018. On March 2017, he was put on probation for 1 year. We are trying to move to Cincinnati, Ohio after his probation finishes this March 2018. He has a restricted driver’s license now. I was wondering when will DMV of Maryland will remove that restrictions from his license??? Does he need to go to DMV to get in removed once he removes ignition interlock device??? Also will Cincinnati give him a valid driver’s license once we move??
Does he still need to install ignition interlock device on the car when we move??? Please answer thanks!!!
Charles Hickman
This question should be brought to the Maryland DMV, who would have the proper information to answer. Thank you.