Maryland has stringent laws against drunk driving, and penalties to match. Individuals convicted of a first offense for driving under the influence (with a blood-alcohol concentration of at least 0.08 percent) can face up to a year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
Police officers must usually obtain a warrant to order a blood draw, says high court
Most Maryland residents are likely familiar with the protections afforded by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Amendment provides that we should be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. In most cases, law enforcement officers must obtain a warrant to perform a search or seizure.
Comedian admits to driving drunk during traffic stop
Readers in the Greenbelt may know Kevin Hart best for his stand-up comedy routines and appearances in movies. More recently, however, he didn't make headlines for landing a new on-screen role, but for being arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.
Using diet cocktail mixers could increase your risk of DUI charges
When you go out on the town with friends, are you considered a "lightweight" or a "heavy hitter"? In other words, how much alcohol does it take to impair you to a dangerous or illegal level?
Many Maryland drivers are investing in their own breathalyzers
Last week, we wrote that Super Bowl weekend was a busy time for law enforcement officers in Maryland. The Ravens' participation in and winning of the Super Bowl no doubt sparked a lot of partying.
Super Bowl DUI arrest rate in Maryland was higher than last year
Well, we did it! The home team, our very own Baltimore Ravens, took the championship last weekend. Many Maryland fans have been in a celebratory mood for the last week.
Maryland police plan extra DUI enforcement for Super Bowl Weekend
Maryland residents have a lot to celebrate this weekend. Spirits will be high for the next few days as we all prepare to cheer on the Ravens in the Super Bowl. But as in previous years, we feel it's important to remind readers that Super Bowl weekend is also a dangerous one, both physically and legally.
Warrantless BAC case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court
States throughout the nation regularly institute periods of "no refusal" during which those stopped under suspicion of drunk driving cannot refuse blood or breath tests by law. However, these periods are limited by various state laws and circumstances, because allowing for forcible blood and breath testing constitutes unreasonable search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment.
The broad benefits of DUI courts
Recent evidence suggests that broad application of specialized courts are helping to reduce recidivism, lower accident rates and help offenders make better choices in the future. In particular, those who are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) and whose offenses are addressed by special DUI courts are experiencing significant benefits from the treatment programs that these courts offer.
Police are required to announce sobriety checkpoint operations
During the holiday season, law enforcement agencies around the country tend to boost patrol numbers aimed at holding drunk drivers accountable for their illegal actions. These patrols can park virtually anywhere as they watch for erratic driving behavior. However, if law enforcement wants to set up a sobriety checkpoint in order to catch a greater number of motorists suspected of driving under the influence, they must announce their plans to do so.
