("CCD") MARYLAND CANNABIS (MARIJUANA), CARS AND DUIs: "BEST 10 DUI & DWI ATTORNEY"

www.CharlesJeromeWare.com.  "Here to make a difference."

A. MARIJUANA USE IN MARYLAND, 2014

On October 1st, 2014, possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana in Maryland became a civil offense.  It has been decriminalized in the state, but not legalized.  Previously, those caught by law enforcement with less than 10 grams of cannabis could be charged with a criminal offense.  Now, they will receive a civil citation similar to a traffic ticket.  Civil citation penalties include $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and $500 for a third offense.  Three-time offenders and teenage first-time offenders may be required to attend a drug education program.

Although Maryland has not decriminalized possession of paraphernalia, it is not expected that state prosecutors will vigorously pursue this offense separately.  It is anticipated that Maryland will decriminalize possession of paraphernalia in 2015. 

B. MARYLAND CARS, 2014

Maryland cars (drivers) are now required to move over into an open lane away from tow trucks attending to roadside emergencies, or to slow down to a "reasonable" and "Prudent" speed that is "safe", just as they have been required to do when approaching police and other emergency vehicles stopped on the road side.

Additionally, another new law creates added penalties for drivers who cause accidents resulting in death or serious injury while texting (text messaging) or talking on hand-held cell phones.  Offenders of this new law face penalties of up to a year in jail and a fine of $5,000.

C. MARIJUANA DUIs
​

Maryland drunk driving laws are strict and complex.  It is very important that you contact us as soon as possible after you are arrested for drunk driving.
After a DUI arrest, you have only 10 days from the date of the arrest to request a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) hearing with the office of administrative hearings and pay $150 to the Maryland State Treasurer. If a person is arrested for drunk driving or DUI and fails to request the hearing on time, their license will be suspended automatically.
In Maryland the blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) for a DUI (driving under the influence)arrest is .08 or higher. A blood alcohol concentration level of .07 will result in a DWI (driving while impaired) arrest.
Maryland DUI

• Minimum drivers license suspension of 45 days.
• Punishment of up to $1000 and 1 year in jail for a first offense DUI.
• Punishment of up to $2000 and 2 year in jail for a second offense DUI.
• A DUI conviction will result in 12 points on your Maryland drivers license record.

Maryland DWI

• Drivers license suspension of up to 60 days.
• Punishment of up to $500 and 2 months in jail for a first offense DWI.
• Punishment of up to $500 and 1 year in jail for a second offense DWI.
• A DWI conviction will result in 8 points on your Maryland drivers license record.

If you hold an out of state license and are arrested for DUI or DWI, you will need to schedule a Maryland MVA hearing in order to protect your driving privileges. Maryland is a member of the Interstate Driver's License Compact, which shares information about all driver's license actions with other member states. There are 45 states that belong to this compact.
Self-representation is not a good idea for anyone charged with DUI or DWI in Maryland.  The laws prohibiting drinking and driving, though Transportation Article-based, carry criminal penalties.  Without legal representation, the defendant (driver) may be fined or put in jail.