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CDL holders

Commercial Driver DUI/DWI Cases: The Impact on CDL Holders in Maryland

As a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder, your livelihood depends on your ability to operate a vehicle. In Maryland, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Impaired) conviction can have devastating consequences, not only for your career but also for your personal life. Understanding the unique legal standards and penalties CDL holders face is essential to protecting your future.

CDL Holders Are Held to Stricter Standards

CDL holders are held to higher standards than non-commercial drivers. While the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for most drivers in Maryland is 0.08%, CDL holders are considered over the limit with a BAC of 0.04%. This stricter threshold applies even if the driver is operating a personal vehicle at the time of the offense. Additionally, any DUI/DWI offense is reported to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and can lead to immediate consequences for your CDL, regardless of whether you were on or off duty.

What Are the Immediate Consequences of a DUI or DWI?

A DUI/DWI conviction can result in severe penalties for CDL holders in Maryland:

  1. License Disqualification: For a first offense, CDL holders typically face a one-year disqualification from operating commercial vehicles. If the offense involves the transportation of hazardous materials, the disqualification period increases to three years. A second offense often leads to a lifetime CDL disqualification, though reinstatement may be possible after 10 years in certain cases.
  2. Employment Challenges: Most employers in the transportation industry have zero-tolerance policies for DUI/DWI convictions. Even if reinstatement is possible, finding employment as a commercial driver with a DUI/DWI on your record can be extremely challenging.
  3. Personal Vehicle Impact: DUI/DWI penalties also apply to your standard driver’s license, which could lead to additional fines, points on your license, or mandatory participation in alcohol education programs.

Is There Hope?

Yes, CDL holders are held to the same standard as everyone else—innocent until proven guilty. If you are able to avoid a conviction, you can mitigate most of the damage to your career. If you’ve been charged with a DUI/DWI in Maryland, it’s crucial to act quickly:

  1. Consult an Experienced Attorney: A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights, explore possible defenses, and negotiate for reduced charges or penalties. Some of the most common defenses include challenging the validity of the traffic stop, disputing BAC test results, or proving procedural errors during your arrest.
  2. Consider a Plea Bargain: In some cases, your attorney may negotiate for a lesser charge, such as reckless driving, which may carry less severe consequences for your CDL.
  3. Rehabilitation Programs: Voluntarily enrolling in an alcohol education or rehabilitation program can demonstrate your commitment to improving your behavior and may influence sentencing outcomes.

How Can You Protect Your CDL?

The best way to protect your CDL is to avoid any and all situations that could lead to a DUI/DWI charge. All CDL holders should:

  • Plan Ahead: Use a designated driver or ride-sharing service if you plan to consume alcohol. Remember that the BAC standard you are held to is stricter, so a couple of drinks could leave you with permanent consequences.
  • Know the Limits: Understand how alcohol affects your body and avoid any amount of drinking if you are not able to sober up for an extended period of time before driving.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Legal Needs

If you are pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

field sobriety tests

Field Sobriety Tests in Maryland: What You Need to Know

The holiday season is here, which means that many police departments are conducting checkpoints to prevent drunk driving. The increase in drivers hitting the roads after indulging too much at holiday parties also means that many officers are more aggressive in pulling drivers over who may be driving under the influence or driving erratically. If you are pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence, you may be asked to participate in field sobriety tests. While these tests can seem intimidating, understanding how they work and what your rights are can help you keep a cool head.

What Are Field Sobriety Tests?

Field sobriety tests are small, simple tasks that are designed to give police officers an indication of whether or not a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs. The three most common tests that you might encounter in Maryland are:

  1. The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test: This test evaluates involuntary eye movements when the driver follows a moving object, such as a pen or flashlight. The officer will watch for wobbles or jerks in your eyes as you follow the object from side to side.
  2. The Walk-and-Turn Test: The driver will be instructed to walk in a heel-to-toe straight line, turn around, and return. The instructions are considered part of the test, as the driver starting the test before hearing the instructions can be a red flag for intoxication.
  3. The One-Leg Stand Test: For this test, the driver must balance on one leg for about 30 seconds without swaying, using their arms for balance, or putting their foot down.

While those three tests are the most common, some other tests can be performed, like asking the driver to recite the alphabet.

Do You Have to Perform Field Sobriety Tests?

In Maryland, field sobriety tests are voluntary, which means that you are not legally required to perform them. Unlike refusing to take a breathalyzer test, Maryland does not impose any automatic legal penalties for refusing to take a field sobriety test. However, declining any of these tests may raise suspicions and could lead to an arrest if the officer believes other signs indicate impairment

What Happens If You Fail a Field Sobriety Test?

Failing a field sobriety test does not automatically mean you will be convicted of a DUI. It can, however, give the police officer probable cause to arrest you and conduct further testing, like a breathalyzer or blood test. It is crucial to consult with an experienced Maryland DUI attorney to understand your options and build a strong defense.

Are Field Sobriety Tests Reliable?

While field sobriety tests are widely used, they are not foolproof. Studies show they have various degrees of accuracy, with the horizontal gaze nystagmus test boasting a 77% rate of accuracy and the one-leg stand test considered only 65% accurate. A variety of factors like medical conditions, fatigue, nervousness, and uneven surfaces can significantly impact performance on field sobriety tests, even for people who are completely sober.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Legal Needs

If you are pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

expungement in Maryland

Expungement in Maryland: Clearing Your Criminal Record

A criminal record can cast a long shadow over your life, limiting access to employment opportunities, housing, and education. Even minor offenses from many years ago can create challenges depending on what field of employment you’re looking to enter. In Maryland, however, you may be eligible for a fresh start through a legal process known as expungement. By clearing your criminal record, expungement offers the chance to rebuild your future free from the stigma of past mistakes.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is the removal of certain criminal records from public access. When a record is expunged, it’s like the offense never happened. With expungement in Maryland, the record is either destroyed or sealed and you are not required to disclose the expunged offense in most situations. Expungement can apply to a wide range of records, including arrests, charges, and in some cases, convictions. While expungement can’t erase the past, it can remove some of the barriers that criminal records often create.

Do You Qualify for Expungement in Maryland?

The law outlines specific conditions under which someone can seek expungement in Maryland. Eligibility depends on the type of offense, the outcome of the case, and the amount of time that has passed. For example, charges that were dismissed, dropped, or resulted in a finding of not guilty are often eligible for expungement. Probation before judgment (PBJ) cases are eligible once the probation period has been completed, provided the offense is not one that bars expungement like a DUI. Additionally, minor misdemeanor convictions may qualify after a set waiting period, and offenses that have been decriminalized, such as the possession of small amounts of marijuana, can be expunged.

What Are the Benefits of Expungement?

There are huge practical and emotional benefits of expungement in Maryland. Without the weight of a visible criminal history, you can approach employment opportunities with renewed confidence. For example, job seekers often face background checks as part of the hiring process. A criminal record can result in automatic disqualification, even for roles unrelated to the offense. Expungement removes this obstacle, which levels the playing field for employment. Similarly, landlords sometimes deny housing applications based on criminal records. Expungement ensures that your past mistakes won’t interfere with your future any longer.

Why Should You Work With an Attorney for Expungement in Maryland?

Navigating the legal system can be daunting, particularly if you’re unsure of your eligibility for expungement in Maryland or how to file a petition. An experienced attorney can streamline the process, ensure that your petition is complete, and walk you through the submission process. With professional guidance, you can maximize your chances of successfully clearing your record.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Legal Needs

If you are interested in expungement in Maryland, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

personal injury lawsuit

Proving Negligence in a Maryland Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s actions, you may be entitled to compensation, and one of the ways to get it is through a personal injury lawsuit. However, successfully pursuing a claim requires more than just showing that you were hurt—you must prove that the other party was negligent. In Maryland, understanding how negligence is proven can help you navigate the complexities of your case and build a stronger claim.

What Is Negligence in Maryland Personal Injury Cases?

Negligence occurs when a person or entity fails to exercise reasonable care and it results in harm to someone else. Reasonable care refers to the level of caution that an ordinary person would exercise in similar circumstances. To prove negligence in Maryland, you must establish four key elements.

Duty of Care

Duty of care is the idea that the defendant had a duty to act or not act in a specific way to prevent harm. For example, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and stop at stop signs and red lights. Not doing so is a violation of their duty.

Breach of Duty

Next, breach of duty occurs when the other party fails to meet their duty of care by acting carelessly, recklessly, or not acting at all. Examples of breach of duty include texting while driving and causing an accident or deliberately ignoring a spill that leads to a slip-and-fall injury.

Causation

To show causation, you’ll need to demonstrate that the defendant’s breach of duty led to your injuries or the accident.

Damages

Finally, you need some type of damages for any personal injury lawsuit. You must show that you faced losses, like medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Maryland’s Contributory Negligence Rule

Maryland follows a contributory negligence standard, which can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Under this rule, if you are found even 1% at fault for your injury, you cannot recover damages from the other party. For example, if you were injured in a car accident but were speeding at the time, the defendant could argue that your speeding contributed to the crash. Because of this challenging and strict standard, it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can build a strong case and counter any claims of shared fault.

How Can You Prove Negligence in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Building a compelling personal injury case requires gathering evidence to demonstrate the four elements of negligence we reviewed above. Some of the most common types of evidence include:

  • Accident Reports: Police reports or incident reports can provide details about the circumstances of the accident.
  • Photographs and Videos: Images or footage of the accident scene, weather conditions, or injuries can demonstrate how the defendant’s actions caused harm.
  • Eyewitness Testimony: Statements from individuals who witnessed the incident can support your account of events.
  • Medical Records: Documentation of your injuries and treatment helps establish the extent of your damages.
  • Expert Testimony: Professionals, such as accident reconstructionists or medical experts, can provide specialized insight into how the defendant’s actions caused your injury.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Legal Needs

If you are injured in Maryland and looking to explore a personal injury lawsuit, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

rights during an arrest

Understanding Your Rights During an Arrest in Maryland

If you find yourself facing arrest in Maryland, it’s important to understand your rights. Regardless of the reason why you are being arrested, knowing what rights protect you during an arrest can significantly impact the outcome of your case. What are your rights during an arrest in Maryland?

You Have the Right to Remain Silent

When most people think about rights during arrest, they think about the right to remain silent. It’s often mentioned on television and in movies, but what does it actually mean? Under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you are protected from self-incrimination. Because anything you say can be used against you in court, your right to not answer questions can help you avoid self-incrimination.

However, it’s important to note that you need to invoke your right to remain silent. Simply remaining silent is not enough to protect you. You can also choose to invoke your rights after you’ve already begun answering questions. Additionally, make sure that you stay calm when invoking your rights and that you don’t resist arrest or act in an uncooperative fashion.

You Have the Right to Speak to an Attorney

In addition to the right to remain silent, you have the right to legal representation. This right is promised to you under the Sixth Amendment. Police may pressure you to answer questions and say that it will take a long time for your attorney to arrive. However, you are allowed to insist on contacting your attorney. It’s highly advisable to invoke your right to an attorney as soon as possible.

During any questioning, you have the right to have your attorney present. Once you request a lawyer, the police must stop asking you questions until your attorney arrives. Having legal representation can help you avoid saying something that could be harmful to your case and will help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

You Have the Right to Know the Charges Against You

When you’re arrested, you have the right to know why you’re being detained. The police must inform you of the charges against you. They cannot arrest you without probable cause, which means that they need sufficient evidence to believe that you have committed a crime. If the officers do not have probable cause, the arrest could be unlawful, and any evidence obtained during the arrest may be inadmissible in court.

You Have the Right to Medical Attention

If you are injured in an accident right before your arrest or during an arrest, or you have a medical condition that requires treatment, you have the right to receive medical attention. Maryland law enforcement officers are required to ensure that you are safe and that your medical needs are met. If you require medical care, you should request it immediately, as it is one of your rights during an arrest.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Having a lawyer by your side after an arrest can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. An experienced attorney will ensure that your rights are respected and can challenge any improper conduct by law enforcement. They can also work to negotiate a fair resolution to your case, whether through plea negotiation or fighting the charges in court.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Legal Needs

If you are arrested in Maryland, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

attorney-client privilege

Myths About Attorney-Client Privilege in Maryland

Attorney-client privilege is a critical part of the legal system, as it provides clients with assurance that their communications with their attorneys are confidential. However, misconceptions about attorney-client privilege are very common and can lead some people to not have the strongest case possible presented in court. Understanding the truths behind the myths can help you navigate legal issues more confidently and protect your rights.

Myth 1: Everything You Say to Your Attorney Is Protected

While attorney-client privilege does protect most communications between a lawyer and their client, not everything you share is covered. One key exception to attorney-client privilege is the crime-fraud exception. If you talk to your attorney about something with the intent of committing or covering up a crime or fraud, your communications are not considered privileged. This is to help prevent the misuse of legal advice for illegal purposes. For example, if you tell your lawyer that you were drinking the night of a car accident, that confession is protected. However, if you tell your attorney that you plan on robbing a bank next week, that is not protected.

In the state of Maryland, if an attorney thinks that a client is using their services to commit or prepare to commit a crime, they may be obligated to disclose the information or risk facing criminal charges and disciplinary sanctions themselves.

Myth 2: Only Written Communication Is Protected

Attorney-client privilege is not limited to written communications—it also covers oral conversations, emails, phone calls, and other forms of communication between a client and their lawyer, as long as the discussion is related to seeking or providing legal advice. For example, if you have an in-person meeting with your lawyer to talk about the details of your case, the information shared in that meeting is generally protected. In the same vein, if you communicate with your attorney over email, that exchange is covered by attorney-client privilege, providing it pertains to legal advice.

Myth 3: Attorney-Client Privilege Covers Physical Evidence

One common misconception is that attorney-client privilege extends to physical evidence of a crime. In reality, the privilege applies to communication, not to objects or physical evidence. If you hand over physical evidence, such as a weapon or a document related to a crime, your attorney may have a legal obligation to disclose or turn over that evidence to authorities. However, discussions about evidence or instructions on how to handle it are typically protected under attorney-client privilege. For example, if you tell your lawyer how a piece of evidence relates to your case, that conversation is privileged. It’s important to distinguish between physical evidence and confidential discussions about it.

Myth 4: Attorney-Client Privilege Is Permanent

While attorney-client privilege generally lasts beyond the end of the attorney-client relationship, it is not always absolute. In certain situations, the privilege can be waived or lost. For example, if a client shares privileged information with others outside the attorney-client relationship, they may have effectively waived their right to confidentiality. This is why it’s crucial for clients to refrain from discussing their legal matters with people who are not part of their legal team. In Maryland, the privilege may also be waived if a client claims ineffective assistance of counsel. In such cases, communications that would typically be protected may be disclosed as evidence in court to determine whether the attorney fulfilled their obligations.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Legal Needs

If you are arrested in Maryland, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

choose the right lawyer

How to Choose the Right Lawyer in Maryland for Your Legal Needs

Choosing the right lawyer in Maryland for your legal needs is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Whether you are dealing with a personal injury case, business law issue, or DUI defense case, finding a lawyer who has the right skills and experience is essential. What factors should you consider to help you choose the right lawyer in Maryland?

Think About Your Legal Needs

The first step in choosing the right lawyer is to understand the type of legal representation you need. Different lawyers specialize in different areas of the law, so it’s important to find someone with expertise relevant to your case. For example, if you’re dealing with a car accident claim, you’ll need a personal injury lawyer. If you are dealing with a business contract dispute, you don’t want to go to someone who exclusively works in family law. Hiring a lawyer with a deep understanding of the legal area you need assistance with will improve your chances of getting a favorable outcome.

Consider Experience

Another key factor in choosing the right lawyer is their experience and track record. Experienced lawyers are often better equipped to handle complex legal issues and know how to navigate the intricacies of the legal system in Maryland. When interviewing potential lawyers, ask about their years of practice, the types of cases they handle, and if they’ve had success with cases like yours. By focusing on lawyers who have a proven track record, you can choose the right lawyer for your needs with greater confidence.

Evaluate Their Reputation and Reviews

It’s easier than ever to research lawyers and read reviews from past clients. When trying to choose the right lawyer, look for those who have a solid reputation in the legal community and positive client reviews. Additionally, consider asking the attorneys you are considering for references or testimonials. Firsthand experiences can be valuable and provide insights that online reviews may not capture. A lawyer with a good reputation is more likely to treat your case with the care and attention it deserves.

Examine Their Communication Style

Effective communication between you and your lawyer is critical. When you choose the right lawyer, you want someone who not only understands the law but can also explain complex legal concepts to you in plain language. During your initial consultations, pay attention to how well the lawyer listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and explains your options. Clear and open communication is essential throughout the legal process. If a lawyer is difficult to reach, doesn’t respond promptly, or avoids answering your questions, it may be a red flag that they aren’t the right fit for you.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Legal Needs

If you are involved in any legal case in Maryland, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

underage DUI

What Are the Consequences of an Underage DUI in Maryland?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime in Maryland, and the state levies serious consequences against anyone convicted of a DUI. Because the state has a strict zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving, young drivers who are driving under the influence can face legal and personal repercussions that have long-lasting effects on their lives. What are the consequences that you should know?

What Does Maryland’s Zero-Tolerance Law Mean?

The legal drinking age in Maryland is 21, meaning that anyone under that age found with any amount of alcohol is breaking the law. The state has a zero-tolerance law for underage drinking and driving or underage DUI. Any detectable amount of alcohol, even as low as 0.02% blood alcohol concentration (BAC), can lead to DUI charges for underage drivers. This threshold is significantly lower than the 0.08% BAC limit for drivers who are 21 or older.

The zero-tolerance law is designed to discourage underage drinking and driving by imposing strict penalties on young drivers who violate it. Even if an underage driver has had a single beer, they can still be charged with a DUI if their BAC is above the limit.

What Are the Legal Consequences of an Underage DUI?

The penalties for an underage DUI in Maryland are severe, as they are intended not only to punish the offender but also to serve as a deterrent. You will be subject to the same legal penalties for your DUI as an adult over the age of 21, including a $1,000 fine and up to 12 months in jail. However, you will also face a six-month suspension of your driver’s license if you are under the age of 21.

Once you are given your driving privileges back, you will probably be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. This device will make you pass a breathalyzer test before the car will start. These devices come with a cost, and they can also be an added hassle, but they are designed to teach young drivers a lesson to avoid future DUIs.

What Are the Other Consequences of an Underage DUI?

Beyond the legal penalties, an underage DUI or DWI can have significant personal and social consequences. A DUI conviction as a minor could jeopardize your access to scholarships or even lead to your college acceptance being rescinded. Some schools have strict policies regarding student conduct, and your conviction will be taken seriously.

Auto insurance premiums also typically increase sharply after an underage DUI conviction. Some insurance companies may even refuse to renew a policy, forcing you to find coverage through a high-risk insurer, which can be extremely expensive. Additionally, being convicted of a DUI can carry a social stigma that affects your relationships with family, friends, and peers. The negative perception associated with drunk driving can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your DUI Defense Law Needs

If you are involved in an underage DUI case in Maryland, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

wrongful death claims

Wrongful Death Claims in Maryland: Seeking Justice for Your Loved One

Losing a loved one can be incredibly painful, and it is even more challenging when their death is the result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. In Maryland, wrongful death claims provide a legal avenue for families to get justice and compensation for their loss. Understanding the possibilities and limitations of these claims is essential to ensure that your loved one’s legacy is honored.

What Is a Wrongful Death in Maryland?

In Maryland, wrongful death is considered a death that was caused by the wrongful act or negligence of another person or entity. Wrongful death claims can happen for a broad variety of accidents, including anything from medical malpractice to car collisions. Certain family members can file wrongful death claims to help recover damages. Because these cases are so complex, working with an experienced attorney is essential.

Who Can File Wrongful Death Claims in Maryland?

Only certain people are allowed to file wrongful death claims in Maryland, and the law defines them as:

  • Primary Beneficiaries: This category includes direct relatives of the deceased, including spouses, children, and parents. Primary beneficiaries are the ones who must file wrongful death claims before secondary beneficiaries.
  • Secondary Beneficiaries: If there are no surviving primary beneficiaries, secondary beneficiaries can file a claim. Secondary beneficiaries include people like siblings, cousins, and other relatives, as well as other relatives who were financially dependent on the deceased.

Friends and more distant relatives are not able to file wrongful death claims.

What Does Compensation Look Like in Wrongful Death Claims?

Nothing can bring back your loved one and take away the pain and anguish that you’ve experienced. However, the compensation awarded in a wrongful death claim is intended to provide financial relief to surviving family members and to help make things right for the emotional pain and suffering they have endured.

Compensation can include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include things like funeral costs, medical bills, loss of income, and the value of any services that the deceased person provided for the family, like childcare. Non-economic damages can be hard to put a number on, as they include your emotional pain and suffering and things like loss of companionship or loss of parental care.

Why Does Legal Representation Matter for Wrongful Death Claims?

When you are filing a wrongful death claim in Maryland, it is essential that you work with a skilled attorney. Your attorney will be able to help with many tough aspects of filing a claim, including investigating the case to establish liability, handling negotiations to ensure that you get the restitution that you deserve, and representing you in court if the case goes to trial. Many wrongful death claims can be resolved outside of court thanks to the hard work of attorneys behind the scenes, and we will do our best for you.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Wrongful Death Claim

If your loved one passed away and you are interested in exploring wrongful death claims, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.

ignition interlock program

Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Program: What You Should Know

Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Program is a crucial tool the state uses to help combat drunk driving. It prevents individuals who have been convicted of alcohol-related driving offenses from operating their vehicles while under the influence. This program mandates the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in the vehicles of certain offenders, which forces them to pass a breathalyzer test before the vehicle can start. What should you know about the program and how it works?

What Is an Ignition Interlock Device?

An ignition interlock device is essentially a breathalyzer connected to a vehicle’s ignition system. The driver must blow into the device, and if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above a pre-set limit, the vehicle will not start. The IID is part of Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Program, which is overseen by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

Who Participates in the Ignition Interlock Program?

All convicted drivers are not necessarily eligible to participate in Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Program. However, you may be required to participate in circumstances like:

  1. Being Convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Individuals convicted of a DUI offense are often required to install an IID.
  2. Refusal to Take a Breathalyzer Test: Those who refuse to take a breathalyzer test when pulled over by law enforcement may also be required to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program.
  3. High BAC Levels: Drivers with exceptionally high BAC levels at the time of arrest may be required to participate in this program.
  4. Repeat Offenders: Individuals with multiple alcohol-related offenses are typically asked to install an IID.

How Long Do You Need to Participate?

How long you’ll be required to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program will vary depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a repeat offense. The required period can range anywhere from six months to several years. The court or MVA will tell you the required duration when mandating the IID installation, and your attorney can explain any additional details that you may not understand.

How Do They Confirm Compliance?

Participants in Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Program are subject to strict compliance and monitoring protocols. The IID records data every time you try to start the vehicle, and the information that it transmits will be regularly reviewed by the MVA and/or the court. Any violations, such as attempting to start the vehicle with a BAC above the allowed limit or tampering with the device, can result in serious penalties, including extended participation in the program or additional legal consequences.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your DUI Defense Law Needs

If you are involved in a DWI or DUI case in Maryland, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.