Noah’s Law Signed into Law by Governor Hogan, Will Take Effect October 1st

           Noah’s Law is new DUI legislation that was aptly named for Officer Noah Leotta, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver while initiating a traffic stop.  It was later revealed that the man who struck and killed Officer Leotta had several prior dui arrests, yet was still able to drive.  Governor Hogan, last Thursday, officially signed this bill into law.

Maryland’s DUI laws are known to be quite lenient, especially for first time offenders.  Many states have moved in the direction of requiring ignition interlock devices for all DUI offenders.  There is no such requirement in Maryland.  Currently, if a driver refuses the chemical breath test or takes the test and the BAC is 0.15 or more, the only option the driver has if he or she wants to continue driving is to participate in the ignition interlock program for a one year period.

Noah’s Law will become law starting October 1, 2016, and any person arrested for DUI on or after that date will be subject to stricter penalties, including participation in the ignition interlock program.  First time offenders and subsequent offenders will all be required to install an interlock device in their car in order to continue driving.  “I was proud to strongly support Noah’s Law, and I want to thank everyone involved who helped get it passed,” said Governor Hogan.  Lawmakers are hoping that with this new law that drivers in the future will think twice about driving drunk so as to avoid facing much more severe penalties.

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/