What Is DUI Per Se in Maryland?
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a weighty offense that carries significant legal consequences. In Maryland, DUI laws aim to maintain road safety and protect motorists from the dangers associated with impaired driving. One crucial aspect of DUI enforcement is the concept of DUI per se, which establishes the legal limits for blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Under the influence of alcohol per se means having a BAC of 0.08 or more at the time of testing as measured by grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.
If you are charged with a DUI per se, speak with an experienced traffic violations lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub. We can help fight the severe penalties of a conviction, including long-lasting consequences on your personal and professional life. We help you understand your legal options and develop defense strategies tailored to your specific case.
Understanding DUI Per Se in Maryland
In Maryland, a DUI per se refers to a situation where a driver is considered intoxicated based on their blood alcohol concentration alone, regardless of their actual level of impairment. The legal limit for BAC is .08% for adult drivers over 21 operating a passenger vehicle. For commercial drivers, the limit is reduced to .04%. Additionally, for drivers under 21, any detectable alcohol can result in a DUI charge.
The concept of DUI per se simplifies the enforcement process by providing law enforcement officers with a clear standard to determine whether a driver is legally intoxicated. If a driver’s BAC level exceeds the prescribed limit, they can be assessed and charged with a DUI offense even if their driving behavior or impairment may not have been visibly evident.
Consequences of a DUI Per Se Conviction
Being convicted of a DUI per se offense in Maryland can have severe consequences, including the following:
- Criminal penalties: A DUI per se conviction can result in fines, probation, mandatory participation in an alcohol treatment program, and even jail time, depending on the circumstances and prior convictions.
- License suspension: A DUI per se conviction can lead to a driver’s license suspension. The length of license suspension varies depending on prior convictions and other factors determined by the MVA.
- Ignition Interlock Program: Individuals convicted of DUI offenses are required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. This device measures BAC before allowing the vehicle to start.
- Increased insurance rates: Conviction may also lead to significantly increased insurance rates or even the cancellation of insurance policies.
A traffic violations lawyer possesses in-depth knowledge of Maryland’s DUI laws, including the intricacies of DUI per se. We understand the potential defenses and challenges associated with these cases and have helped countless clients fight their charges.
At The Law Office of Hillel Traub, we protect your rights and strive to obtain the best possible outcome to diminish or expunge potential penalties.
Contact an Experienced DUI Per Se Lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub
When facing a DUI per se charge in Maryland, enlisting the help of a skilled traffic violations lawyer at The Law Office of Hillel Traub is essential. With our experienced guidance and resources, we can make a significant difference in building a strong defense and navigating the legal process on your behalf. As a former lawyer for the MVA with over 30 years of experience, Attorney Hillel Traub offers tailored legal representation based on your specific circumstances and fights for a favorable resolution.
Schedule a complimentary consultation today by calling (410) 580-1100 or filling out a contact form.