If you’ve ever been pulled over by the police in Baltimore after having a few drinks, you may have heard the term “DWI” thrown around. However, many people don’t even know the answer to the question, “What is a DWI Charge?” Plus, how is it different from a DUI? That’s why today, we’ll be covering this very topic and explaining everything about it.
Here are the topics we’ll cover today,
- What is a DWI Charge
- Difference Between DWI & DUI
- Penalties for DWI in Baltimore
- The Impact of a DWI Charge
- Defending Against a DWI Charge
- The Importance of Legal Representation
- Why Choose Scheuerman Law for DWI in Baltimore
With that said, let’s start with an introduction.
What is a DWI?
In Baltimore and throughout Maryland, a DWI is considered a lesser offense than a DUI (Driving Under the Influence). According to Better Life Recovery, Approximately 1 Million individuals are arrested each year in the United States under charges of drunk driving.
A DWI charge typically occurs when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is between 0.07% and 0.08%. While this is below the legal limit for a DUI (0.08%), it still indicates a level of impairment that Maryland law considers dangerous for driving.
Difference Between DWI & DUI
The main difference between DWI and DUI lies in the level of impairment and the corresponding blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of the driver.
DWI (Driving While Impaired)
A DWI is a less severe charge, typically applied when a driver’s BAC is between 0.07% and 0.08%.
Example:
Sarah, weighing 140 pounds, goes out for dinner and has two glasses of wine over two hours. When driving home, she’s pulled over for a routine check. The breathalyzer shows her BAC is 0.07%. Despite feeling only slightly buzzed, Sarah is charged with a DWI.
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
A DUI is the more serious offense, applied when a driver’s BAC is 0.08% or higher.
Example:
Mike, weighing 160 pounds, celebrates his birthday with friends. He consumes five shots of liquor in two hours. Driving home, he swerves and is pulled over. His BAC is measured at 0.10%, resulting in a DUI charge.
Here are some key differences between DUI and DWI, which will, in turn, help you better understand the question of “What is a DWI charge?”
- BAC Levels:
- DWI: 0.07% – 0.08%
- DUI: 0.08% and above
- Severity of Impairment:
- In the DWI examples, the individuals felt less impaired, and their BAC was lower.
- In the DUI examples, the impairment was more severe, reflected in higher BAC levels and more noticeable driving issues.
- Legal Consequences:
- DWI charges typically result in lighter penalties.
- DUI charges carry harsher penalties due to the higher level of intoxication.
- Observable Behavior:
- DWI cases might involve subtle signs of impairment.
- DUI cases often involve more obvious signs like swerving or running a red light.
It’s crucial to note that even with a BAC below 0.07%, a driver can still be charged with a DWI if they show signs of impairment. The safest option is always to avoid driving after consuming any amount of alcohol.
Penalties for DWI in Baltimore
While a DWI is considered less serious than a DUI, it still carries significant penalties. For a first-time DWI offense in Baltimore, you could face:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- A fine of up to $500
- 8 points on your driving record
- A license suspension of up to 6 months
These penalties can increase for subsequent offenses or if there are aggravating factors, such as having a minor in the car at the time of the offense.
The Impact of a DWI Charge
A DWI charge can have far-reaching consequences beyond just legal penalties. Some potential impacts include:
- Employment Issues: Some employers may be hesitant to hire someone with a DWI on their record.
- Higher Insurance Rates: Your car insurance premiums are likely to increase significantly after a DWI conviction.
- Professional License Problems: Certain professions may require you to report a DWI conviction, which could affect your licensing.
- Travel Restrictions: A DWI conviction could make it more difficult to travel to certain countries.
Defending Against a DWI Charge
If you’re facing a DWI charge in Baltimore, it’s crucial to understand that you have rights and options. Here are some potential defense strategies:
- Challenging the Traffic Stop: If the officer didn’t have a valid reason to pull you over, the evidence against you might be thrown out.
- Questioning the Field Sobriety Tests: These tests can be subjective and affected by factors like physical conditions or nervousness.
- Disputing the Breathalyzer Results: Breathalyzers can sometimes give inaccurate readings due to various factors.
- Arguing for Alternative Sentencing: In some cases, especially for first-time offenders, it may be possible to negotiate alternative sentencing options like probation before judgment (PBJ).
The Importance of Legal Representation
If you’re facing a DWI charge in Baltimore, it’s crucial to seek legal representation. An experienced DWI attorney can:
- Help you understand the charges against you
- Explain your rights and options
- Develop a strong defense strategy
- Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
- Represent you in court
Remember, a DWI charge doesn’t automatically mean a conviction. With the right defense, it may be possible to have your charges reduced or even dismissed. That’s why if you’re ever stuck in this situation, give us a call.
Why Choose Scheuerman Law for DWI in Baltimore
Scheuerman Law is one of the best firms for DWI cases. Here’s why you should choose us as your representative.
- Experienced attorneys: We have handled many DUI cases in Baltimore.
- Personalized defense: We analyze every detail to find the best strategy for your case.
- Strong negotiation skills: We can reduce your charges or penalties.
- Courtroom success: We have a track record of winning cases and protecting clients’ rights.
Here’s how we can help you.
- Challenge breathalyzer results
- Question police procedures
- Argue for reduced penalties
- Represent you in court and negotiations
If you or a loved one has been charged with DWI in Baltimore, don’t wait. Contact Scheuerman Law today at 443-888-2062 for expert legal representation and a strong defense against a DWI.
