It is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol in every state, and Maryland is no different. There are serious penalties if you get one DUI charge, but if you get a second DUI in Maryland, the penalties can increase significantly. What happens if you get a second DUI in Maryland, and how can you enlist experienced legal help?
The Look-Back Period
First, you should know that Maryland has a “look-back period” that it uses when determining penalties for a DUI. The look-back period is the time between your first and second DUI in Maryland, and it will be used to increase or decrease the penalty that you receive. If you have another DUI within five years of your first, the penalties will increase. If you took probation before judgment (PBJ), you can only have one every ten years, so you could also be ineligible from that avenue of dealing with your DUI.
What Happens After Your Second DUI in Maryland?
When you get a second DUI in Maryland, the state can use subsequent offender penalties to increase the consequences you will face. The maximum penalty you can receive for a second DUI is a $2,000 fine, up to two years in jail and a one-year suspension of your license. With the help of a lawyer, you can present the best case possible and reduce the likelihood that you will have the maximum penalties.
If you have a conviction for DUI, there will be points on your driver’s license and the conviction on your record. If your license is suspended, you will not be able to receive a work permit in Maryland for five years, as the state does not give permits to those with prior alcohol convictions or license suspensions within the past five years.
Why You Need a DUI Attorney in Maryland
After your second DUI in Maryland, you are at a dramatically increased risk of experiencing serious penalties. Prosecutors will have increased interest in your case, which is sometimes not the case with first-time offenders. We encourage you to reach out to an experienced DUI attorney, like the team at Mobley and Brown, LLP, to prepare the strongest case possible.
Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP to Be Your DUI Attorney in Maryland
If you are searching for the right DUI attorney in Maryland and unsure where to turn, contact Mobley and Brown, LLP today. Our experienced legal team will work with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.
