We’ve all been there – a night out, a few drinks, and maybe a lapse in judgment. Or perhaps you found yourself behind the wheel, needing to get somewhere, but without a valid license in hand. It’s easy to think, “It won’t happen to me,” or “I’ll just be extra careful.” But the reality is, that a single decision can lead to severe legal consequences. That’s why today we’re going to deal with some legal consequences of a DUI without a license.
Here are the topics we’ll cover today,
- What is a DUI
- Legal consequences of a DUI without a license
- Which is the best DUI lawyer in Maryland
With that said, let’s start with a short introduction to what a DUI is.
What is a DUI
A DUI, or Driving Under the Influence, is a criminal offense in Maryland that involves operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. In Maryland, you can be charged with a DUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. For drivers under 21, the legal limit is even lower at 0.02%. There’s also a related charge called DWI (Driving While Impaired), which can apply if your BAC is between 0.07% and 0.08% or if you show other signs of impairment.
The consequences of a DUI in Maryland are serious and increase with each offense. For a first-time DUI, you could face up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, a six-month license suspension, and 12 points on your license. Penalties get even tougher for repeat offenses, and aggravating factors, like having a minor in the car or a very high BAC, can make things even worse.
Legal Consequences of a DUI Without a License
Getting a DUI without a license in Maryland is a double whammy. Not only are you facing stiff penalties for DUI, but you’re also looking at additional charges and consequences for driving without a valid license. Here’s what you need to know about the legal fallout from a DUI without a license:
1. Criminal Charges and Penalties
- DUI Penalties: If you’re convicted of a DUI without a license, you’ll face all the standard DUI penalties. For a first offense, that means up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a six-month license suspension (if you ever get a license).
- Driving Without a License Penalties: Separately, driving without a license is a criminal misdemeanor in Maryland. For a first offense, you could get up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. A second offense bumps that up to one year in jail and another $500 fine.
- Aggravated Sentencing: When you’re charged with a DUI without a license, the court is likely to view your case more harshly. Judges often see this as a blatant disregard for the law, which can lead to stricter pretrial conditions, higher bail, and a more severe sentence if convicted.
2. Additional Legal Consequences
- Multiple Citations: You’ll receive separate citations for both DUI and driving without a license. Each carries its own penalties and points.
- Points on Your Record: Even if you don’t have a license, Maryland will add points to your driving record, making it harder to get a license in the future.
- License Suspension or Revocation: If you ever become eligible for a license, your ability to obtain one could be delayed or denied due to the points and convictions on your record.
- Higher Insurance Costs: If you eventually get a license, expect sky-high insurance premiums due to your criminal record and points.
3. Aggravating Factors
- Repeat Offenses: If this isn’t your first run-in with the law, penalties get worse. A second DUI without a license could mean up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine for the DUI, plus another year in jail for the license offense.
- Other Charges: If you were driving without insurance or on a suspended/revoked license, you could face even more charges, each with its own set of penalties.
- Impact on Bail and Pretrial Supervision: Courts may impose stricter bail conditions or require more intensive supervision while you await trial if you’re charged with a DUI without a license.
4. Long-Term Consequences
- Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction for a DUI without a license will stay on your record for years, affecting job prospects, housing, and more.
- Difficulty Getting a License: With points and convictions stacking up, getting a license in the future becomes much more complicated.
- Possible Vehicle Confiscation: In some cases, Maryland law allows for vehicle confiscation, especially for repeat offenders or those with aggravated circumstances.
Judges and prosecutors tend to see a DUI without a license as a sign that someone is willing to break the law repeatedly and put others at risk. This perception can make it harder to negotiate a plea deal or receive leniency at sentencing. The combination of driving under the influence and lacking a legal right to drive is viewed as especially reckless.
If you’re facing a DUI without a license, you need experienced legal representation immediately. The stakes are high, and the legal system in Maryland is tough on these offenses. A skilled DUI lawyer can sometimes negotiate for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal in certain circumstances.
Which is the Best DUI Lawyer in Maryland?
When it comes to defending a DUI without a license in Maryland, Scheuerman Law stands out as the top choice. As part of the Scheuerman Law team, here’s why you should consider us for your case:
- Extensive Experience: Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined legal experience handling DUI and related criminal cases throughout Maryland.
- Aggressive Defense: We never back down from a challenge and fight tirelessly for our clients, both in and out of court.
- Personalized Strategy: Every case is unique. We meticulously prepare and tailor our defense to your specific circumstances, maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.
- Proven Track Record: We have a solid history of successful jury trials and favorable resolutions in DUI cases, including those involving a DUI without a license.
- Comprehensive Support: From the moment you contact us, we offer free consultations, affordable rates, and relentless preparation for your defense.
- Community Commitment: Our attorneys are dedicated to serving the Maryland community, both inside and outside the courtroom.
- Multilingual Services: We offer services in Spanish and have the resources to support clients from diverse backgrounds.
- Thorough Case Analysis: We dig deep into every detail, whether it’s the arrest procedure, breathalyzer accuracy, or the legality of the traffic stop, to find any opportunity for defense.
- Negotiation Skills: Our team has the experience and relationships necessary to negotiate with prosecutors for reduced penalties or alternative sentencing.
- Supportive Guidance: We guide you through every step of the process, keeping you informed and empowered to make the best decisions for your future.
At Scheuerman Law, we understand how overwhelming a DUI without a license charge can be. Our commitment is to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. Don’t face these serious charges alone—reach out to us for the aggressive, compassionate, and experienced representation you deserve.So, if you or someone you know is dealing with a DUI without a license in Maryland, remember: the legal consequences are severe, but you don’t have to navigate them by yourself. Scheuerman Law is here to help you fight for the best possible outcome. Schedule an appointment for a free consultation today by contacting us at 443-888-2062, and let us fight for the best possible outcome in your DUI case. If you want to learn more about any DUI issues then we’ve got you covered with 10 legal facts you should know about the drunk tank jail.
