The Difference Between a Maryland DUI and DWI

There is a difference between DUI and DWI if you arehowever, it's possible you could participate in an ignition
arrested for drunk driving in the State of Maryland. Ifinterlock program after 45 days of your suspension.
you take a breath test and your blood alcoholA third and any future Maryland DUI can bring a jail
concentration (BAC) is.08, you'll be arrested for asentence of up to three years, and fines of up to
Maryland DUI (Driving Under the Influence). If your BAC$3,000. But if you were transporting a minor in your
is.07, you will be arrested for a DWI (Driving Whilevehicle, the jail sentence can increase to up to four
Impaired).years, and the fines can increase to up to $4,000.
The consequences of your first DUI include up to oneEither instance will suspend your license for a minimum
year in jail, and up to $1,000 in fines. But if you wereof 18 months.
transporting a minor at the time of your arrest, the jailThe punishments are different for DUI vs. DWI; a DWI
sentence can extend for a period of up to two years,penalty is less severe. Your first DWI can bring up to
and you can face up to $2,000 in fines. In either event,two months in jail, and a fine of up to $500. But if a
you can have your driver's license suspended for aminor was in your vehicle, the jail sentence can
minimum of six months.increase to up to six months, and the fines can
If this is your second DUI in Maryland, you can beincrease to $1,000. Either event brings a possible
sentenced for up to two years in jail, and be fined upsix-month suspension of your license.
to $2,000. However, if you had a minor in your vehicle,A second DWI can bring up to one year in jail, a fine of
the jail sentence can increase to up to three years,up to $500, and your license can be suspended for a
and the fines can increase to up to $3,000. If theminimum of one year. If you were transporting a minor,
second offense occurs within five years of your firsthowever, the fine can increase to up to $2,000.
offense, your license can be suspended for one year;