You probably don't need anyone to tell you that DWI Laws are strictly enforced. You can be charged with a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) if your breath test indicates a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or more. If your breath shows .04% to .07%, you can be charged with the lesser offense of Driving While Impaired (DWI). These are two convictions you want to avoid. Regardless of what the actual charge is, any DWI-related offense can ruin an otherwise-good driving record.
In Maryland, a drinking-related offense can permanently tarnish a clean driving record and affect your life in many ways:
• Increase in car insurance premiums • Employers will have access to your driving record
People with a DUI or DWI on their driving record have, in some cases, petitioned the court to have their record expunged after ten years, but this may not happen in your case. In fact, due to how seriously Maryland takes it DWI offenses, having this expunged from your record probably will not happen.
Insurance Rates Following a DWI
After your automobile insurance company is notified that you have been convicted of a DUI or DWI, your rates will increase substantially, if it does not get cancelled altogether. If one insurance company cancels you, you can certainly expect that others will not be thrilled to sign you on, either.
After being convicted of a DUI or DWI, you will be required to file what is called an SR-22 form to get what is called Maryland SR-DD insurance, which is required for a period of three years after a drunk driving conviction and can be very expensive. If your insurance policy lapses for any reason (or is cancelled), your insurance company will notify the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles, and your license will be suspended until you find a new insurance company who will cover you and then you will file a new SR-22 form.
Effect on Employment
If you are required to drive as part of your career or job, you DUI & DWI Conviction will, in some cases, place your job in serious jeopardy, especially since your license will be suspended. If you have a Commercial Driver's License, the trouble is even compounded because the penalties for a DUI with a CDL are even more serious.
Some jobs that are difficult to maintain or get following a DUI or DWI conviction include:
• Child care work • Healthcare work • Government work • Law enforcement
I would say that others should learn the lesson from them who has been charged under DWI.
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