With the holiday season here, parties abound in our area. Some of these parties have alcohol, so people who are going to drink must ensure that they have a plan to get home when the festivities are finished. As many Maryland residents know, police presence around the holiday season is sometimes increased. This means that taking a chance trying to make it home on your own after drinking isn't really a good idea.
Being caught drinking and driving has harsh penalties. The penalties for drunk driving depend on a variety of factors. One of those factors is what charge you are facing.
If your blood alcohol content is .07, you might be charged with a DWI. A DWI results in eight points being added against your license. The same is true if you fail a field sobriety test and the officer decides to charge you with a DWI.
If your BAC is .08 percent or higher, you will be charged with a DUI. This adds 12 points against your license, which instantly revokes your driving privileges. That is only the beginning of the story when you are facing a DUI.
On top of losing your driving privileges, you will also face fines and possible jail time. The fine for a DWI starts at $500, and the fine for a DUI starts at $1,000.
The best defense against drunk driving charges is actually preventing the charges by not driving after drinking alcohol this holiday season. If you are charged with a DUI or DWI, you should learn about your rights to present a defense.
Source: DMV.org, "DUI & DWI in Maryland" Dec. 16, 2014