What You Need to Know About Maryland DUI Records and Your Public Criminal Record
DUI Records is a database of arrests in Maryland. Learn more about how can these records can affect your life and how you can explore your legal options.
What Are the Maryland DUI Records?
The Maryland DUI records are a database of people who have been convicted of driving under the influence in Maryland. The database is divided by convictions made before July 1, 2017, and those made after July 1, 2017.
According to the Public Information Act, the Maryland DUI records are publicly available to anyone who wants to see them. They can be searched by name or date through the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System.
What Is Included in the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System?
In addition to the specific criminal act, a public criminal record includes the following information about an individual:
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Full name
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Social Security number
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Driver’s license number
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Date of birth
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Physical description
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Photograph
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Pending charges.
DUIs are serious crimes in the U.S. and can wreak havoc on your life. A DUI infraction will remain on your public criminal record for a minimum of five years.
However, it can remain on your record for much longer if you were convicted of a DUI during the commission of another crime (such as domestic violence) or under certain conditions.
To avoid a DUI conviction or to remove an arrest or conviction from your public criminal record, consider retaining the services of an experienced Maryland DUI Lawyer like Morgan E. Leigh of Scrofano Law.
Attorneys can access various databases and archives to help you, such as the police department’s case records for your case, the Maryland State Archives, and other Maryland judiciary resources.
What Is a DUI in Maryland?
The state of Maryland has strict driving laws and penalties. It is essential to know the difference between a DUI and a DWI in Maryland to avoid the penalties for each offense.
A DWI is an offense that is punishable by:
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Fines from $500-$2500
- Probation
- Loss of license.
Those are the penalties for the first conviction. For subsequent convictions, you can face up to one year in prison and fines of $1,000-$5,000.
A DUI, on the other hand, is an offense that is punishable by up to 90 days in jail, fines, probation, and loss of license. If you are arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even prescription or over-the-counter medication, you should consult an experienced attorney.
Do Maryland DUI Arrests Appear on Your Public Record?
A DUI arrest is a severe offense, and it can create a significant setback in your life. You may find yourself dealing with legal charges, court dates, and fines to pay.
You may be wondering if the DUI arrest will show up on your public record.
The answer to this question is yes. Every time a background check is conducted, a DUI arrest will show up on your public record at least seven years after the incident.
If you are convicted of the crime, it will show up for ten years from the date of conviction. If you have multiple DUIs, that time is extended by five years for each subsequent offense.
With such steep consequences, it is wise to talk to a skilled attorney if you are arrested for driving under the influence.
How Do You Look Up Public Records of DUIs in Maryland?
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration is a central repository for all the public records of drivers, including driving records, vehicle registrations, and driver’s licenses.
You can request a copy of your driving record by mail or in person. The MVA will provide you with a certified copy of paper records within 15 days of receipt of the request.
The District Court and Circuit Courts Records are open to public access at the courthouse and electronically.
At the clerk’s office, let the clerk know the case record you want to access. The clerk could find the paper records by using the names of the involved individuals if you don’t have the case number.
You can also request a copy of court papers, but there is a fee for copies. You may also access the records electronically through the Maryland Judiciary Resources.
How Long Do Maryland DUI Records Last?
The length of time that a DUI conviction record remains accessible to public view varies depending on the state.
The State of Maryland maintains records of all DUI arrests for ten years, and then your record will be removed or expunged from the system. Once removed, you will not be able to access it.
In Maryland, a DUI charge will remain on your criminal record for ten years from the date of conviction unless you hire a lawyer and take steps to have it removed.
How Do You Get a Maryland DUI Conviction Expunged?
The criminal records from a DUI conviction can have severe consequences for your life. It can affect your job prospects, how others perceive you, and even how you feel about yourself or how you conduct yourself. You may want to get a Maryland DUI conviction expunged for these reasons.
If you are convicted of a DUI in Maryland, it will stay on your court records for quite a while unless you take action to get it deleted. If you want to get your Maryland criminal records cleared, contact a Maryland Criminal Lawyer like Morgan E. Leigh of Scrofano Law for professional advice and representation.
What Is the Hicks Rule in Maryland?
Personal injury suits are complex, and their inclusion in a DUI case complicates such a case.
The Hicks rule is a legal doctrine that states that the statute of limitations for a personal injury suit runs from when the injury is discovered or should have reasonably been discovered.
Your attorney would have access to all the relevant documents to defend you from a personal injury suit. Examples are:
- Case records
- Death records
- Land records
- Police records
- Property records.
If you’re facing charges for driving while intoxicated, speak with a Bethesda DUI Attorney for advice and advocacy, especially if you were involved in an accident and believe that you did nothing wrong.
