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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.

Assault is a serious criminal offense that can have serious legal consequences if you are convicted. If you are facing charges for assault in Maryland, it’s important to understand what the state considers assault. In Maryland, assault is broken down into different degrees, each of which has specific definitions and penalties. What should you know about the definitions of assault in Maryland?

What Is Assault?

In the broadest terms, assault in Maryland is defined as causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another person. Notably, assault also includes acts that create a reasonable fear of imminent bodily harm. This means that you don’t necessarily have to ever make physical contact with someone to be charged and convicted of assault. There are two main types of assault in the state, which are known as first-degree and second-degree assault.

First-Degree Assault in Maryland

First-degree assault is the more serious charge of the two, and it involves intentionally causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury to another person. It also covers assaults committed with a firearm, regardless of whether a serious injury occurs. Under Maryland law, serious physical injury is defined as an injury that creates a severe risk of death or that causes permanent or serious disfigurement, loss, or impairment of a body part.

If you are convicted of first-degree assault in Maryland, it is considered a felony, and you can face up to 25 years in prison. Because first-degree assault is such a serious charge that carries lifelong consequences, it is crucial to have an experienced attorney to navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Second-Degree Assault in Maryland

Second-degree assault covers a broader range of things than first-degree assault, and it includes unlawful physical contact and acts intended to cause fear of imminent harm. Unlike first-degree assault, second-degree assault does not require the intent to cause serious physical injury or the use of a firearm.

Second-degree assault is a misdemeanor charge, so it is less severe than first-degree assault. It carries a penalty of fines of up to $2,500 and up to 10 years in prison. It is important to note that second-degree assault can be increased to a felony charge if you assault specific protected individuals, like police officers.

Why Legal Representation Is So Important

If you are facing charges for assault in Maryland, it can be a terrifying experience. If you are convicted of a felony or even a misdemeanor, it can impact your personal life, your employment opportunities, and your freedom. It is essential to seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the nuances of Maryland’s assault laws, like Mobley & Brown, LLP. An attorney can provide you with critical guidance, protect your rights, and develop a defense strategy that is tailored to your case.

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

If you are involved in either side of an assault 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.

Every year, there are over 100,000 car accidents in the state of Maryland. In fact, so far this year, there have been 265 fatalities. Thankfully, understanding the common causes of car accidents and learning how to avoid them can help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. What are the most common causes of car accidents in Maryland, and how can you avoid them?

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in Maryland. Distractions come in many forms, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the AC, changing the song on the radio, and even talking to passengers. Anything that takes your attention off of the road is a distraction.

How can you avoid distracted driving?

• Use hands-free devices or keep your phone out of reach while driving to avoid the temptation of checking your phone.
• Concentrate on the road and avoid multitasking.
• Set your GPS and adjust climate controls before you start driving.

Speeding

Speeding is a significant factor in many car accidents. Drivers who go over the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions have less time to react to hazards, so they are more likely to be in an accident.

To avoid speed-related accidents:

• Stick to posted speed limits at all times, even if that means driving in the rightmost lane.
• Reduce speed in adverse weather, heavy traffic, or poor road conditions.
• Allow extra time for your trip to avoid the temptation to speed.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving behaviors, like tailgating, weaving through traffic, and road rage, often lead to accidents. These behaviors increase the risk of collisions and can provoke dangerous responses from other drivers.

To avoid aggressive driving:

• Keep your emotions in check and avoid aggressive responses to other drivers.
• Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination without feeling rushed if you encounter traffic or delays.

Weather Conditions

Maryland’s diverse weather can create hazardous driving conditions surprisingly fast. Rain, snow, ice, and fog all reduce visibility and traction, which naturally increases the likelihood of accidents.

While you can’t control the weather, you can try to avoid accidents during bad weather conditions:

• Before traveling, check the weather forecast and road conditions. If there is going to be severe weather, try to travel at another time of day.
• Reduce your speed to maintain control in poor weather. If you are driving significantly under the speed limit, turn on your hazards so that other drivers can notice your slower speed.
• Ensure your vehicle is equipped with appropriate tires and that your windshield wipers are in good condition.

Fatigue

Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Fatigue impairs reaction times, attention, and decision-making skills, which leads to a higher risk of accidents.

To avoid driving while fatigued:

• Always get enough sleep and ensure you are well-rested before driving.
• On long trips, take regular breaks to rest and refresh.
• If possible, avoid driving late at night when fatigue is more likely to set in.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Personal Injury Law Needs

If you are involved in a car accident 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.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can come with significant legal, social, and personal consequences. In Maryland, the ramifications of repeat DUI convictions are particularly severe as part of the state’s commitment to decreasing impaired driving and reducing traffic accidents and fatalities. Understanding the potential consequences of subsequent DUI convictions is important for first-time DUI offenders, as the consequences increase with each offense.

Penalties and Fines

DUI laws in Maryland have harsh penalties for repeat DUI convictions. Your first DUI can be punished by fines of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail. However, the penalties increase substantially for future DUI convictions. A second DUI conviction can lead to fines of up to $2,000 and up to two years in jail. For a third or subsequent conviction, fines can reach $3,000, and the offender may face up to three years in jail. Because these penalties are so serious, working with an attorney immediately is especially important if you’ve already been convicted of a DUI.

License and Driving Consequences

One of the most immediate and impactful consequences of repeat DUI convictions in Maryland is the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. For a second DUI conviction, your license can be suspended for a year. A third or subsequent conviction can lead to an 18-month suspension. The state can also decide to permanently revoke your driving privileges. Being unable to drive can be a serious inconvenience and make it harder to maintain employment, fulfill family obligations, or perform daily tasks.

Additionally, once you can drive again, you will be required to have an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed in your car. Before you are able to start your car, you will need to complete and pass a breathalyzer test. If any alcohol is detected, your car will not start. Trying to circumvent the device will lead to further penalties.

Consequences Outside of the Courtroom

Maryland will penalize you in a variety of ways after multiple DUI convictions, but there can be other unanticipated consequences that come from outside of the legal system. A repeat DUI conviction can make it much harder to find and maintain employment. Many employers conduct background checks, and a record of multiple DUI convictions is a red flag. Certain types of work, particularly those requiring driving as part of the job, will not hire individuals with any criminal history, including DUIs or other traffic offenses.

Additionally, repeat DUI convictions can also lead to significantly higher auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies view DUI offenders as high-risk drivers, so the cost of your coverage can increase dramatically following a conviction. In fact, some insurers may refuse to provide coverage entirely. As the state of Maryland requires drivers to maintain an active insurance policy, being unable to obtain coverage can stop you from driving.

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

If you are concerned about your DUI charges, 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.

Domestic violence is a serious issue that impacts countless individuals and families across Maryland. Every year, there are thousands of protective orders issued to men and women throughout the state as a result of domestic violence. Unfortunately, many myths and misconceptions surround this topic, which can hinder victims from getting the help they need. What are the truths behind the myths about domestic violence in Maryland?

Domestic Violence Is Only Physical

A common misconception about domestic violence in Maryland is that domestic violence is solely physical abuse. In reality, domestic violence encompasses a range of abusive behaviors, including emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. Emotional abuse, which includes things like threats, intimidation, and isolation, can be just as damaging as physical abuse. Financial abuse, including controlling access to money or sabotaging employment, can trap victims in abusive relationships due to financial dependency. If you are a victim of any type of abuse, you may have a domestic violence case.

Domestic Violence Only Impacts Women

While it is true that a significant number of domestic violence victims in Maryland are women, men can also be victims of domestic violence. In fact, Maryland considers domestic violence the mistreatment of intimate partners or family members, so it can include children.

Abuse can occur in any relationship, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Men often face additional barriers to receiving help due to societal stigma and the misconception that men cannot be victims of domestic violence. Both men and women are protected from domestic violence by the law.

Domestic Violence Has to Be Reported Immediately

Another myth that holds back many domestic violence victims is the misconception that abuse has to be reported immediately or nothing will be done. In reality, there are many reasons why victims wait to report abuse, including fear, shame, and concerns about not being believed. Trauma can also impact your ability to recall events, so you might not realize that you are in an abusive situation for a long time. It is important to understand that delayed reporting does not invalidate the experience or severity of domestic abuse. There is no statute of limitations for felonies in Maryland, which means that first-degree assaults can be reported years after they occur.

Domestic Violence Is Not Serious Unless There Are Visible Injuries

Some victims worry that the justice system will not take their claims seriously if they don’t have visible or serious injuries. Working with an attorney is a good way to ensure that you get the protection and justice that you deserve. Abuse can be severe and life-threatening even without visible injuries. Psychological and sexual abuse can leave permanent scars, even if they can’t always be seen from the outside. Furthermore, some physical abuse may not leave obvious marks but can still cause significant harm. Maryland takes domestic violence seriously.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Domestic Violence Law Needs

If you are concerned about abuse that you are experiencing in your home, 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.

When dealing with a personal injury case, it’s important to consider the statute of limitations that determines how long you have to move forward with your case. A statute of limitations sets a specific time frame within which you or the injured party needs to file a lawsuit. What is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Maryland, and how can you get justice?

The General Rule: Three Years

In Maryland, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the injury, with a few exceptions that we will cover. For example, if you are in a car accident on May 5, 2024, you will have until May 5, 2027 to file a lawsuit. The clock starts ticking on the day that the injury happened, not when you realize that your injury is worse than you thought. Confusion over the date that the statute of limitations begins often leads to people not getting the justice that they deserve.

Exceptions to the 3-Year Statute of Limitations

While the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years, there are some notable exceptions.

The Discovery of Harm Rule

In some cases, an injury might not be immediately discoverable. For example, if you are exposed to a toxic substance that you didn’t know was dangerous and only notice an injury years later, the statute of limitations might be extended. This is often known as the discovery of harm rule. Because of this rule, the statute of limitations actually starts when the injured party knew or reasonably should have known about their injury and the connection between the injury and the accident.

Minors

Another important exception to the personal injury statute of limitations involves minors. In Maryland, if someone under 18 suffers a personal injury, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until they reach 18. As a result, injured minors will have until three years from their 18^th birthday (the day before they turn 21) to file a lawsuit. This important exception is designed to help protect child victims.

Why Do You Have to Act Within the Statute of Limitations?

While the statute of limitations might seem like it harms victims, it is designed to protect their rights and the rights of those who might be accused of causing an injury. The three-year period ensures that evidence remains intact and that witnesses’ memories are fresh, which can significantly impact the outcome of a case. It also encourages the timely resolution of any disputes. Finally, it offers a sense of security for all parties involved, as legal actions cannot go on forever.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Personal Injury Law Needs

If you are concerned about an injury you received or an accident that you were in, 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.

Maryland takes DUIs very seriously. As a result, there are harsh penalties levied for a DUI conviction, whether it is your first one or your third. Working with an attorney is essential to minimize the damages that you experience. What types of restrictions might be placed on your ability to drive in the state after your conviction?

DUIs in Maryland

Every year in Maryland, there are many accidents involving people who are driving under the influence. Sadly, in the past five years alone, almost 800 people have been killed in these accidents—approximately one-third of all fatalities related to car accidents in the state. Maryland takes driving while intoxicated very seriously, and there are special checkpoints and patrols throughout the roadways. The State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort troopers specifically focus on impaired driving, and they have taken over 4,000 impaired drivers off of the streets in the past decade.

What Happens If You’re Convicted?

If you receive a DUI conviction, you will be dealing with criminal penalties and additional sanctions on your license. The penalties that you deal with will depend on how many (if any) convictions you’ve had before. Your criminal penalties can include:

• First-Time Offenders: You will receive a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.
• Second-Time Offenders: You will face up to a $2,000 fine and up to two years in jail.

Your driving penalties will include:

• First-Time Offenders: 12 points will be added to your driving record and you may have your license revoked for up to six months.
• Second-Time Offenders: 12 points will be added to your driving record and you may have your license taken away for up to a year.

If you have two convictions in a five-year period, there is a mandatory one-year period that your license will be suspended. Additionally, you will have to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program. In some cases, you may be offered the opportunity to opt into the Ignition Interlock Program for a year instead of having your license suspended and your ability to drive taken away.

Why an Attorney Is So Important

While there are serious consequences for any DUI conviction in Maryland, working with an attorney can help minimize the most serious impacts on your life, like license suspension and jail time. Your attorney will work on your behalf and help ensure that your one-time mistake does not permanently harm your career or life.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your DUI Case

If you have experienced a DUI charge, 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.

Car insurance coverage is not just a legal requirement in Maryland—it’s an important way to protect yourself and everyone else on the road. While liability insurance is mandatory in most states, many Maryland drivers choose collision insurance and comprehensive insurance to further protect themselves. Why is getting full car insurance coverage so important?

The Basics of Car Insurance Coverage

Maryland law requires motorists to maintain at least the minimum coverage level for bodily injury liability (30K per individual / 60K per accident), property damage liability (15K per accident), and underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage (30K per individual / 60K per accident). However, there are many other types of coverage that you should consider for increased protection. The basic types of policies include:

• Liability Insurance: This helps protect you in an accident, and it can include bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. These help cover the cost of medical expenses or property damage claims that the other party makes in an accident where it is your fault.
• Uninsured Motorist Insurance: This coverage helps give you financial protection if you or your property are harmed by someone who is driving without any insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage also includes those who do not have sufficient insurance to cover your claim.
• Comprehensive or Collision Coverage: This type of coverage is required by most lenders if you don’t own your car outright, and it helps cover losses due to the damage or loss of your vehicle. Collision coverage is designed to cover the cost of repairs or make you whole on the value of your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage will pay for damage to your vehicle that happens due to something other than an accident, like theft or vandalism.

Some insurance companies also offer optional add-ons, like towing coverage.

The Benefits of Full Car Insurance Coverage in Maryland

1. Legal Compliance: Full car insurance coverage makes it easy to stay compliant with Maryland’s legal requirements.
2. Financial Protection: Comprehensive coverage is a great way to protect yourself from the steep financial burden of repairing or replacing your car in the event of non-crash incidents like theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.
3. Protect Your Car: Full car insurance coverage helps protect one of your biggest assets—your vehicle! By giving you financial protection against liabilities arising from accidents or damages caused by or to other drivers, you can rest assured that you won’t be financially devastated by an accident.
4. Peace of Mind: Having comprehensive insurance coverage offers peace of mind every time you get on the road. You can focus on driving without worrying about potential legal or financial issues if you’re involved in an accident.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Car Accident Case

If you have experienced a car accident, 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.

Driving alongside big trucks can be an intimidating experience for many motorists, regardless of their experience level. Large trucks have a dangerous combination of massive size and limited visibility. However, with a few defensive driving strategies, you can ensure your safety and that of others while sharing the road with large vehicles. Here are our best tips for driving defensively around big trucks.

Give Space on Turns

Big trucks require plenty of space to complete turns, and they often need to swing wider to accommodate their length. Be aware of truck turn signals and give them plenty of room to maneuver. Never try to squeeze in between a turning truck and the curb or attempt to pass on the inside while a truck is turning.

Maintain a Safe Distance

One of the biggest rules of driving defensively, especially around big trucks, is to maintain a safe following distance. Trucks have larger blind spots compared to passenger vehicles, which makes it difficult for truck drivers to see cars directly behind or beside them. Always stay at least four to six seconds behind a truck and allow for extra space when driving at high speeds or in poor weather. This distance gives you enough time to react to any sudden maneuvers or stops.

Avoid the Blind Spots

Big trucks have significant blind spots that are much larger than normal vehicles. These blind spots include the areas directly behind the truck, by the driver’s door, and towards the rear. To make sure that the truck driver can see you, you should avoid lingering in these blind spots. When driving defensively, accelerate or decelerate to maintain a safe position where the truck driver can see you in their mirrors.

Pass Quickly and With Purpose

When passing a big truck, you should do so carefully but also without hesitating. Signal your intentions early, check your mirrors, and ensure there’s enough space to complete the lane change without getting too close in front of the truck. Trucks have longer stopping distances, so you should allow enough space when driving defensively. Once you’ve passed, give the truck plenty of room before merging back into the lane.

Be Patient and Predictable

Patience and predictability are key when sharing the road with big trucks and driving defensively. Avoid rapid changes in your driving, like sudden lane changes, or tailgating. Bad driving behaviors radically increase the likelihood of an accident. Signal lane changes in advance, brake gradually, and maintain a consistent speed to allow trucks to anticipate your actions.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Car Accident Case

If you have experienced a car accident, 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.

As of 2022, ghost gun laws in Maryland require ghost guns to be formally registered with the state. This legislation was designed to make Marylanders safer, as ghost guns have been a growing problem. What are ghost guns, and what ghost gun laws do you need to follow as a Maryland firearm owner?

What Are Ghost Guns?

Ghost guns are also known as privately made firearms. These guns can be made at home using kits or through 3D printing. Because ghost guns are privately manufactured instead of through another company, they do not have serial numbers, which can make them totally untraceable. These gun kits are incredibly dangerous, as they can put guns into the hands of those who would not pass a background check, including domestic abusers and violent offenders.

Through implementing ghost gun legislation, lawmakers are taking one step towards making it harder for criminals to obtain unregistered guns. For example, one of the biggest manufacturers of ghost guns recovered in Baltimore was a company named Polymer80. This company marketed its gun kits to gun traffickers, minors, and criminals who would otherwise be unable to get guns. The city filed a lawsuit against the company in 2022 and just reached a $1.2 million settlement with the company that prevents Polymer80 from advertising or selling ghost guns in the state and requiring them to immediately cease all operations in Maryland. Thanks to these laws, municipalities are able to prosecute businesses and individuals who were previously harder to stop.

Maryland’s Ghost Gun Laws

Maryland’s ghost gun laws were put into effect on June 1, 2022, and they were designed to close the registration loophole that ghost guns previously benefitted from. Anyone who possessed non-serialized firearms, including ones that were not finished, was required to have them marked with a personal identification number before March 1, 2023. As of June 1, 2022, all new firearms that are purchased in kit form must be serialized, whether or not they are assembled.

The ghost gun laws in Maryland forbid the purchase, sale, offer to sell, or transfer of any ghost guns that do not have a serial number. If you are caught in possession of a firearm that does not have a serial number, you can be convicted of a misdemeanor and receive a $10,000 fine and/or five years of jail time. These penalties can stack on top of other potential criminal penalties, like illegal possession of a firearm.

Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your Case

If you are facing criminal charges, 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.