A police officer may pull you over if he/she
suspects that you are driving under the influence of or are impaired by
alcohol. Violating simple traffic laws
usually leads to this suspicion (i.e. speeding, crossing over center line,
driving on the shoulder).
After
you are pulled over, the police officer will likely ask you to perform various
field sobriety tests and conduct a breathalyzer test. If you refuse to take the breathalyzer, the
police officer will confiscate your Maryland driver’s license and give you a
paper temporary license that is valid for 45 days. On the 46th day, your driving
privileges are suspended for 12 days for a first offense and 1 year for a
second or subsequent offense.
Those
drivers that refuse the test have very limited options in trying to get
restricted driving privileges. A driver
can either accept the 120 day (or 1 year) suspension, which means no driving
whatsoever, or they can participate in the ignition interlock program for a 1
year period.
A
driver charged with DUI/DWI in Maryland is left with more options in situations
where they take the breathalyzer test, especially for first-time offenders.
If you or a family member has been charged with DUI or DWI in
Maryland and would like a free legal consultation or if you would like more
information on DUI or DWI please feel free to contact our office at
(301) 854-9000 and schedule an appointment at our office in Laurel or throughout Maryland, or visit us on the web at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Criminal-Defense/DWI-DUI/
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