Scrofano Law PC: Your Maryland Underage DUI Lawyer
If you’ve been arrested for an underage DUI, a DUI lawyer might be able to help you. Call Scrofano Law, PC, for your consultation.
Maryland Underage DUI Attorney
Like many other states in the US, Maryland also has stringent laws regulating underage drinking, especially when it comes to driving under the influence (DUI).
In Maryland, it is illegal for someone under 21 to possess or consume alcoholic beverages. This means that if a person below the legal drinking age is found to possess alcohol or to have consumed alcohol, they can be charged with underage drinking.
The state also has a “zero tolerance” law, which makes it illegal for anyone under 21 to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% or higher.
If you are below the legal drinking age and have been charged with DUI in Maryland, it is essential to understand the laws and penalties surrounding underage drunk driving.
Additionally, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a knowledgeable Maryland underage DUI lawyer to help you navigate the legal system and defend your rights.
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. It is expressed as a percentage of alcohol in the blood by volume and is calculated in grams per 100 mL of blood. The BAC level is used by law enforcement to determine if a person is driving under the influence of alcohol.
In the United States, the legal limit of BAC for drivers aged 21 or older is 0.08%. The legal limit is lower for drivers under the age of 21 and is usually 0.02%. Maryland’s BAC limit for underage drinkers is 0.2%.
This is a strict liability law, which means that even if you were not impaired, you could still be charged with DUI if your BAC is above the legal limit.
It is important to note that a person’s blood alcohol content can be affected by several factors, including the amount of alcohol consumed, a person’s weight, and the amount of time that has passed since the alcohol was consumed.
Experienced DUI lawyers can put together a defense based on these considerations.
Maryland Underage DUI Laws
Underage DUI laws distinguish between minors (drivers under the age of 18) and drivers over the age of 18 but younger than 21. When an underage DUI occurs, the following can occur:
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If the motorist is 18 or older but younger than 21, they will be criminally charged. Their DUI case will be heard in criminal court, just like any other DUI case.
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A juvenile court hears DUI cases concerning drivers under 18.
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Regardless of the motorist’s age, they are subject to fines and penalties along with the imposition of restrictions and suspensions on their driver’s license.
Consider seeking the assistance of experienced underage DUI defense attorneys from Scrofano Law PC, who can help you in understanding fake ID laws and explain the intricacies of the law. They can also provide you with the guidance and representation you need to fight your charges.
Alcohol Restriction on License
You are not allowed to drive while having any amount of alcohol in your system if you have an alcohol restriction on your license.
The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) or the courts may impose restrictions on your license if you’ve previously committed an impaired driving offense. On the other hand, your driver’s license will automatically carry an “under 21 alcohol restriction” if you are below 21.
You must take a chemical test if you have an alcohol restriction placed on your license and an officer believes you could be driving under the influence. You will face further penalties if you refuse the test or test positive for alcohol at any level.
Penalties for Underage DUI in Maryland
Underage drinkers are subject to similar legal penalties for DUI as their adult counterparts, but they also face more significant administrative limitations imposed by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
You will likely face criminal penalties and sanctions on your license if found guilty of a DUI/DWI offense.
Underage Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Penalties
Factors such as your BAC level, whether you caused an accident, and your prior criminal record significantly affect the severity of penalties you may face.
First Offense
A first-offense DUI is punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to 1 year in jail. The MVA also awards 12 points to your driving record. In addition to this, you may also face a license revocation for up to 6 months.
Second Offense
A second offense DUI is punishable by a maximum fine of $2,000 and up to 2 years imprisonment. It is important to note that a second subsequent offense carries a 5-day mandatory jail time. The MVA also awards 12 points to your driving record. In addition to this, your license may be revoked for up to a year.
Underage Driving While Impaired (DWI) Penalties
First Offense
You may face up to a $500 fine and jail time for up to 2 months. 8 points are awarded to your driving record by the MVA, and your driving license is suspended for 1 year.
Second Offense
A subsequent offense carries a fine of up to $500 and a maximum of 1 year in jail. 8 points are awarded to your driving record by the MVA, and your driver’s license is suspended for 2 years.
Finding an experienced DUI lawyer for legal and administrative assistance may be a good idea if you or a family member has been arrested for underage drunk driving. You may contact Scrofano Law PC to review your Maryland DUI case and discuss strategies favorable to your unique case.
Get Legal Representation From Our Underage DUI Defense Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been charged with underage DUI in Maryland, it is crucial to take swift action and seek the help of a knowledgeable Maryland Underage DUI attorney. The consequences of a DUI conviction can be severe and have a lasting impact on your life.
However, with the help of an attorney, you can understand your rights and the potential consequences of your charges and work to build a solid defense to protect your interests.
At Scrofano Law PC, our dedicated team of underage DUI defense attorneys has a wealth of experience in helping individuals like you navigate the legal process and achieve an outcome suitable for their case.
Whether you are facing your first DUI/fake ID charge or have multiple convictions, we are here to help. Call Morgan E. Leigh of Scrofano Law for a free case evaluation.
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