Maryland Underage DUI Penalties

While drunk driving charges could be stressful for anyone to face, Maryland underage DUI penalties could be particularly overwhelming for minors. Since the potential penalties range greatly given the specific circumstances, it is advised that defendants reach out to an accomplished defense lawyer. A well-versed DUI attorney could provide the guidance and work toward a positive resolution of the charges.

Underage DUI Penalties

An underage DUI conviction in Maryland typically has the same penalties as a regular DUI. Drunk driving has a maximum penalty of one year in jail and $1,000 fine. While there is no specific statute or enhancement for underage DUIs, there is a different legal limit. If someone is over 21, they could drive legally as long as they are not impaired and as long as their blood alcohol level is below 0.08 percent.

There is zero tolerance if someone is under 21. For example, a 19-year-old who is driving with 0.01 blood alcohol content is breaking the law, whether or not they are actually impaired. If a person is under 21 and charged with a DUI, there is an automatic suspension on their license which usually lasts a period of six months.

Process for Obtaining a Restricted License

Similar to an over-21 DUI, a person may be eligible to have a restricted license, which is a license that allows them to drive under very specific circumstances. These circumstances range from commuting for employment or to school. Given the nature of their case and the nature of the allegation, a person may be required to have an ignition interlock system installed in their vehicle. This system would require them to provide an alcohol-free breath sample to start the engine and periodically after the car has been driven.

Impact of a DUI on Employment and Education

If a person has a conviction for DUI in Maryland, the conviction will appear on their criminal record. They may have to report the DUI on job, college, or graduate school applications. Most employers and educational institutions, especially for a young person with a DUI, are interested in how the person responds to the conviction. While they would be concerned about the fact that the person was convicted, the conviction may not preclude their acceptance for a job or acceptance to an educational institution.

This depends on how the person responded to the DUI, their conduct and the actions they took after. If the person demonstrated that the issue and the situation was taken seriously through certain actions, the conviction on their record, may not be instrumental in the individual’s pursuit of their education or employment and would simply an obstacle.

Alternatives to Jail For Underage DUI Defendants

An attorney may be able to negotiate alternative penalties and help the accused avoid jail time. For most people charged with a first-time DUI offense, it is very unlikely they would be sentenced to jail time. One common alternative to a jail sentence is a sentence of probation. The court and the prosecutor could also require community service or counseling sessions. Given the person’s situation, they may wish to attend an intensive alcohol outpatient program, substance abuse program, or even an inpatient program.

There could be some sort of plan to address the underlying issues that may have led to the charge if necessary. If the defendant complies with those conditions, the court may agree to dismiss the charges or may agree to rule a verdict of probation before judgment. This does not prevent them from most employment applications or school applications.

Requirements for Qualifying Alternative Sentences

For probation before judgment, the only specific statutory qualification is that the person has not received probation before judgment for a DUI charge within the last ten years. Other than that, there are no specific requirements, and it is up to a prosecutor’s discretion. Prosecutors would look at the person’s criminal records to see if they have other types of offenses on their record. They would want to look at the person’s background to see if they are working or trying to find work, if they are in school, or if they are seeking educational opportunities.

Additionally, prosecutors may want to know what kind of family support they have, how the person presents themselves, and what their own interests are, and what their goals are. Communicating through the attorney, the prosecutor would take all this into consideration and determine what options they wish to offer the defendant.

Learn More About Maryland Underage DUI Penalties

For help minimizing the damage of Maryland underage DUI penalties on your life, reach out to an attorney. A hard-working defense lawyer could review your case and explain how prosecutors, judges, and juries might react to the allegations. A criminal attorney could also inform you about how a charge or a conviction could impact your driver’s license and what options you may have to preserve their driving rights. Call today to understand your legal options.