Maryland changed its DUI laws on October 1, 2024, with new requirements for ignition interlock devices and the ability to expunge some DUI charges. Here is a rundown of the changes. Mandatory ignition interlocks A new provision of “Noah’s Law” recently became effective, closing what many considered a dangerous loophole in Maryland’s DUI legislation. Noah’s Law is named after Officer Noah Leotta, a Montgomery County police officer who was killed by a drunk driver while on [...]

Many people are unaware that they can receive a DUI (driving under the influence) for taking prescription drugs if that medication affects their driving capabilities. In Bowie, Dunkirk, and across Maryland, such accusations are considered serious crimes, often leading to some of the most challenging legal battles. The good news is that a professional drug DUI attorney knows the laws surrounding these issues and what the prosecutor must prove for the charges to hold up. [...]

Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are a staple in roadside DUI investigations. These standardized tests, consisting of the horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand, aim to assess a driver's physical coordination and mental state. Ideally, these tests provide officers with probable cause to suspect alcohol impairment. However, this overlooked element often gets sidelined: the significant influence of medical conditions on FST performance. This can lead to misinterpretations and potentially wrongful DUI arrests in Bowie and [...]

Many Maryland drivers are charged and convicted of driving under the influence in another state. They are likely to have a number of questions when that happens. These questions may arise if a driver is: Convicted of a DUI in another state and then subsequently charged with a DUI in Maryland Convicted of a DUI in Maryland and then charged with a DUI in another state Applies for a Maryland driver’s license after the DUI [...]

Noah’s Law is a Maryland drunk driving law that requires that anyone who is convicted of certain alcohol-related driving offenses must install and use an ignition interlock device system (IID). The law, formally titled “The Drunk Driving Reduction Act Of 2016,” is named after Noah Leotta, a 24-year-old police officer, who was struck and killed by a drunk driver at a sobriety checkpoint. The requirement of Noah’s Law to install and use an IID applies [...]

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are serious criminal charges. If you are found guilty, you will likely be imprisoned, fined, lose your right to drive, and face other consequences. You may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle. An IID tests your breath before and while you’re driving for evidence of alcohol. A DUI or DWI can even affect your ability to work or find [...]

Public intoxication laws vary according to state. In Maryland, drinking alcoholic beverages in a public place is illegal and may result in fines of as much as $100, up to 90 days in jail, or a combination of the two. Since fighting the charges on your own might prove difficult, obtaining the assistance of a qualified Maryland criminal defense lawyer is generally a wise move to make. What is public intoxication? Public intoxication laws in [...]

In Maryland, alcohol education classes typically mean educational programs or courses designed to provide individuals with information and skills related to alcohol use, abuse, and its consequences. These classes are often offered as part of the state's efforts to address issues related to alcohol abuse, impaired driving, and public safety. Who attends alcohol education classes in Maryland? Alcohol education classes are typically attended by individuals who are required to complete them as part of a [...]

Here in Maryland, DUIs and DWIs are misdemeanors. This does not mean you shouldn’t take these charges very, very seriously – especially if you are facing a second or third offense. Understanding the potential consequences, and jail time, is important if you have been charged with a drunk driving offense. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Maryland is against the law. There are two types of drinking and driving offenses in our [...]

In most cases, DUI offenses by themselves are misdemeanors. DUIs may become felonies if additional circumstances add to the severity of the offense, such as if someone is killed. Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, there are often defenses. The police may not be able to prove that you were intoxicated or under the influence of drugs at the time of the offense. Breath tests and blood tests may not be admissible [...]