Maryland DUI Lawyers Blog

A Delaware woman is facing several charges after an incident that left her car in a canal. Twenty-three year old Taylor Cole Vanderhook drove her vehicle into the water near 54th Street in Ocean City, a little after 2 a.m. early Monday morning. She is said to have drove through the parking lot of Macky's Bayside Grill before nudging a pontoon boat in the lot and continuing on into the canal behind Chauncey's Surf Shop. Though she was lucky to have been rescued by a witness, she will be in Ocean City District Court with her Maryland DUI attorney on December 16.

Chris Sullivan, general manager of the nearby Yang's Palace restaurant, was staying in an apartment above the restaurant that night. He said he heard her rimless wheel scraping pavement and looked out the window in time to see Ms. Vanderhook's Camry drive into the water. Being hailed a hero, Sullivan ran outside to lend assistance. He found Vanderhook sitting calmly in the car not making any effort to get out. Sullivan is said to have grabbed a wooden plank and busted the rear windshield for her to escape. Vanderhook didn't immediately exit the vehicle instead allegedly telling Sullivan that she was "going to kill him" for breaking her car. Even after being pulled from the water, she is reported to have asked where her car was, seeming confused and disoriented. Ironically, Vanderhook called Sullivan a drunk before leaving the scene. Police later found her at a bus stop on Coastal Highway.

After being arrested, on the ride to the police station, the arresting officer reports that Vanderhook offered several bribes to be let out, increasing her offers from $20 to $200 for her release. She now faces charges of bribery, reckless driving, failure to provide identification, driving under the influence, and driving while intoxicated. This isn't the first time Vanderhook was caught driving drunk--court records indicated a 2007 drunk driving conviction. As for Sullivan, he will be honored with a police award for outstanding service.

This article is provided by The Law Offices of David Benowitz,representing clients in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. For more information, please visit our Virginia DUI Lawyer and DC DWI Lawyer websites.

When a person is convicted of a DUI and sentenced to jail, a Maryland DUI attorney will attempt to get the defendant the lightest sentence possible. However, in a neighboring state, one man convicted of a DUI didn't seem to think the best case scenario was a good deal after all. His issue wasn't with the length of his sentence, but with the initial reasons behind his month-long detainment.

When Arturo Carlos Santiago was arrested on suspicion of DUI in 2009, police determined that he had outstanding warrants in Washington DC and Maryland. Santiago waived extradition to Maryland, and he argued with police that he did not, in fact, have any warrants in DC.

He was telling the truth.

The Washington DC warrant had been withdrawn. In the meantime, Santiago spent 47 days in jail for the Maryland warrant and his pending DUI trial. When the trial came, Santiago pleaded guilty to DUI, and the judge sentence him to time served for the DUI conviction. Santiago was extradited to Maryland two days later. Upon his arrival in Maryland, authorities realized that the warrant on which Santiago had been held was not, in fact, for Arturo Carlos Santiago, but for someone else entirely--a man named Jose Hernandez. Santiago was released.

Upon his release, Santiago filed a civil suit claiming wrongful imprisonment on the grounds that he was held for warrants that did not pertain to him. A federal judge dismissed the suit, ruling that Santiago's DUI plea agreement to time served credited his entire incarceration to the DUI offense. Therefore, she ruled, the initial reason for his confinement was moot. The judge deemed that Santiago served 47 days in jail for DUI, and regardless of the fact that the initial basis for his confinement was an erroneous Maryland warrant, his sentence was just.

This article is presented by The Law Offices of David Benowitz, a criminal and DUI defense firm serving Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia. For more information, please visit our DC DWI Lawyer or Virginia DUI Lawyer websites.

A charity fundraiser turned deadly when an SUV veered into a line of motorcycles riding in memory of a Windham police officer. A motorcycle passenger was killed and two drivers injured when a Chevy Blazer struck them, sending them into a guardrail. One of the injured victims was treated and released from a local hospital; the other was airlifted in critical condition to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

The driver of the SUV, Randall Stewart, 46, was alleged to be driving while intoxicated at the time of the accident. Numerous area police departments received word of his Chevy Blazer driving erratically before the crash. Officers participating in the Knight Ride charity motorcycle event noticed Stewart's vehicle and tried to get him to slow down; however, before they could do so, Stewart swerved into the opposite lane and struck two motorcycles. Police at the scene noted that Stewart seemed markedly impaired, saying that he "couldn't stand up straight" and "he couldn't put together a coherent sentence."

Stewart admitted to police that he had taken a prescription painkiller earlier that morning, but denied consuming any alcohol. However, only 12 hours before the accident, Stewart was charged with class A misdemeanor DWI as a second offense under New Hampshire DWI laws. He was previously convicted of his first DWI in 2005.

While it is not unusual for a New Hampshire DWI lawyer to see repeat offenders, it is unusual that someone would be charged with the crime twice in less than 24 hours. Officers report that the first incident was "kind of a routine DWI." Stewart was arrested after motorists observed him driving erratically without headlights. After his arrest, Stewart was issued a summons to appear in court, and police officers drove him home. Several hours later, he was again charged with DWI after the accident that claimed the life of a 49-year-old woman. New Hampshire DWI laws stipulate that a DWI accident that causes serious injury is considered "aggravated DWI." As such, Stewart has been charged with negligent homicide, aggravated driving while intoxicated and two counts of felony reckless conduct. He is in police custody with bail set at $100,000.

Carl Snowden, the director of the Office of Civil Rights for the Maryland attorney general's office, was arrested and charged with DUI and other traffic offenses, including driving while impaired by alcohol, negligent driving, failure to obey traffic control devices, and failure to obey designated land directions. This is the third time since 2002 that Snowden finds himself needing the services of a Maryland DUI lawyer.

In 2002, Snowden was charged with DUI and convicted of the lesser charge of driving while impaired and related offenses. He was sentenced to a year's probation and received a $250 fine. He refused a breathalyzer test during that arrest, and his license was temporarily suspended. In 2005, he was again arrested and charged with driving under the influence and negligent driving. In his most recent incident on June 8, 2010, Snowden was arrested and charged with DUI after an officer noticed him driving erratically.

The arresting officer reported that he noticed Snowden's vehicle veering across the center line and straddling the shoulder several times shortly before 1:30 a.m. When the officer pulled Snowden over, he claims he detected the odor of alcohol. Snowden explained that he had only had one drink. The officer had Snowden perform three field sobriety tests and then arrested Snowden on suspicion of DUI. At the police station, a breathalyzer test showed his BAC to be .09, slightly above the legal limit of .08 for DUI and .07 for DWI.

Snowden is not the only public official to recently seek counsel from a Maryland DUI attorney after repeated DUI charges. David A. Jacobs, a lobbyist who has represented the Prince George's County Council and Sheriff's Department, was released in November of 2009 after serving 36 days in jail as required under the terms of his sentence for his seventh DUI conviction. In the accident which led to the conviction, Jacob's BAC was twice the legal limit for DUI, registering at .17.

After Jacobs' most recent DUI conviction, he received a sentence of 28 days in an inpatient alcohol treatment program. Maryland DUI lawyers know that repeated DUI arrests and convictions are may be an indication of alcoholism for which treatment, rather than jail time, is often the more suitable solution.

Maryland DUI lawyers have long known that the results of clinical and field sobriety tests are far from infallible. Lack of training of test administrators, subjectivity of tests, human error, and defective equipment can all impact the results of a field sobriety test, breath test, blood test, or urinalysis. The recent discovery of uncalibrated breathalyzer machines in the DC Metropolitan Police Department underscores DC DUI attorneys' assertions that the results of such a test should not be the sole factor in a DUI conviction.
Earlier this year, an independent consultant suspected that at least eight of the Department's ten Intoxilyzer machines were not calibrated correctly, giving inaccurate readings. The Intoxilyzers, which are larger than the field breathalyzer equipment, are housed at the police stations and administered after a person's arrest. While it was initially suspected that eight of the machines were not calibrated correctly, the investigation into the matter recently revealed that all ten of the Department's Intoxilyzer machines were defective. The machines, which have been in use since 2008, were reading blood alcohol concentration levels up to 20% higher than the person's actual BAC. These inaccurate results were responsible for nearly 400 DUI convictions. Half of those convicted under the flawed evidence served jail time of five days or more, and others saw fines, probation, suspension of their licenses, and criminal records as a result of their erroneous convictions. At least one lawsuit has been filed because of the wrongful convictions.
The DC case shows that breathalyzer results alone should not be the sole factor in determining guilt, a fact which Maryland DUI attorneys have repeatedly affirmed. While results from clinical sobriety tests have been said to be "scientific proof," human error and faulty equipment negate the ability of these tests to provide indisputably accurate evidence.

Maryland DUI lawyers are no strangers to tales of bizarre incidents, and the recent case of a man police alleged to be drunk, high, and having sex while driving is no exception. The Maryland man plead guilty to DUI charges resulting from an accident last year that seriously injured his girlfriend. According to police, William Michael Watson, Jr., 25, was driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana while having sex with his girlfriend when he crashed his truck last September.

Watson pleaded guilty to DUI and aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence in the accident that severed his girlfriend's foot, caused her leg to be amputated below the knee, and left her with serious neck injuries. The guilty plea came as part of a plea agreement, an arrangement between a Maryland DUI attorney and the prosecution to ensure the best possible outcome to the case. Watson's plea agreement allowed for the dismissal of other charges against him, including speeding and driving without a license and insurance.

According to charging documents, Watson lost control of his pickup on a rainy night, striking an embankment and causing the truck to flip. A passerby came upon the scene and called police, noting that the girlfriend was pinned beneath the truck and naked from the waist down. The witness reported that Watson was crawling out of a window of the truck with his pants "around his ankles." Watson's girlfriend told police that prior to the crash, he had been drinking beer "one right after another." Watson admitted to police that he had also smoked marijuana prior to the accident, and that he and his girlfriend had been having sex "for a while" before crashing.

While not every DUI arrest involves so many elements that could lead to an accident, most Maryland DUI lawyers have seen their share of strange cases. In this particular case, any number of things could have caused the wreck: rain, speed, DUI, or sex while driving.

A Maryland DUI lawyer may encounter a variety of intriguing DUI cases. A recent event involving alleged DUI charges and a moped is an example of one of these interesting cases. A 37-year-old Maryland man was arrested recently on DUI charges after police spotted him allegedly weaving dangerously through traffic on a moped. Jesse W. Duffy, of Earleville, was initially noticed by police when he left the Sea Spot Shopping Center on May 15th at 11:45 pm. Police say Duffy drove over a sidewalk, and at that time, law enforcement officials made their first attempt to stop the suspect from continuing to operate his moped. Officers attempted to stop him, but he turned off the Coastal Highway and headed north on King Charles Avenue toward Rehoboth Beach.

Dewey Beach police Sgt. Clifford Dempsey says that when officers located Duffy again, he was "driving back and forth from the northbound to the southbound shoulders." Police say the suspect nearly collided with a car heading southbound and that they attempted to stop him again.

Police say they continued to pursue until he crashed into a hedgerow at the intersection, falling from the moped. Police at that time attempted to arrest Duffy, who struggled to evade arrest before he was finally apprehended. He was taken to Beebe Medical Center, and is said to have resisted a blood alcohol test. Duffy was charged with Failure to stop at the Command of a Police Officer (a felony), Resisting Arrest (a felony), a third DUI offense, Disorderly Conduct and 6 miscellaneous traffic offenses. He is being held at Sussex County Correctional on $4250 bail.

In the event you are pulled over for a suspected DUI or DWI, it is recommended that you politely but firmly assert your rights under law. Duffy will likely want an experienced Maryland DUI lawyer or Maryland criminal lawyer to help him prepare for the felony and misdemeanor charges he faces.

Drunk driving offenses carry deep penalties including jail time, loss of driving privileges, and heavy fines. Every Maryland DUI lawyer knows that the consequences of driving under the influence or driving while impaired can be devastating to those convicted. No matter the consequences, however, there continue to be repeat DUI offenders.

Earlier this year, a Maryland delegate from Prince George County introduced a bill to require those with repeated Maryland DUI convictions to have a special license plate. The bill would have required yellow plates that stated, "DUI," for five years for any person convicted of driving under the influence three or more times. Those obligated to have the special DUI plates would have to pay $500 for these plates.

The idea of specialized license plates for people convicted of certain crimes is not new. For example, people convicted of sex crimes often must obtain "Sex Offender" plates as a requirement for registered sex offenders. DUI plates have been proposed in the past, but have failed to gain the approval of Maryland's legislators.

This most recent attempt at DUI plates for those with multiple DUI convictions also failed to pass. Legislators could find no evidence that such a technique would actually reduce Maryland DUI convictions or prevent repeat offenses. While proponents of the DUI license plates stated that people "need to know who is sharing the road with them," such plates were deemed unnecessary, as all drivers should practice defensive driving. In fact, distracted driving is more prevalent than the 2,029 drivers who would have been required to have DUI plates had the bill passed.

A Maryland DUI defense attorney knows that the legal consequences of a DUI conviction are severe enough without the additional penalty of shaming a driver through a license plate. The social stigma of a criminal record from a DUI conviction alone is often enough for lasting implications. Those facing Maryland DUI charges must seek immediate counsel from a competent defense lawyer to challenge the charges against them and help protect their freedom and driving privileges.

Being arrested for a Maryland DUI charge can change lives forever, and possibly affect one's job and ability to support themselves. City employees, especially police officers, are held to high professional standard. However, if an officer busts a fellow cop for driving under the influence of alcohol within the city they work, the suspect's job is immediately on the line. Experienced Maryland DUI lawyers will undoubtedly witness similar examples of this throughout their career, much like a recent incident, where prosecutors are accusing a Prince George's County cop of causing a car accident while driving drunk.

In January 2010, off-duty officer Darin Rush was driving an unmarked police car westbound on Route 202. When he tried to merge on to Central Avenue, he lost control of his vehicle and the car rolled over. The crash severely damaged the cop cruiser and an emergency medical crew took Rush immediately the hospital. Although Major Andrew Ellis told the public that there was "probable cause to believe that [Rush] was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol," he declined to mention what evidence they have in support of that accusation.

As a result of the DUI charges, Rush was suspended from the police force with pay in the week after the incident. An internal investigation within the police department is ongoing in preparation for trial scheduled on April 19th, 2010. Ellis maintained that law enforcement officials have "no hesitation" when holding their own officers or those from other agencies accountable for drinking and driving. "We hold our employees to a higher standard. Our officer was in our police car, and the officer's car flipped. That's egregious. That's not something that we're going to let go without following the full extent of the law," he said.

As seen by the example of Darin Rush, being charged with drunk driving in the State of Maryland can permanently alter lives, especially police officers. Conviction of a DUI charge can ruin a personal and professional reputation permanently, and could result in the loss of driving privileges, fines, or even jail time. Therefore, you will need a trustworthy and hard-working Maryland DUI attorney to devise the best defense. Years of experience, combined with the highest quality legal advice and legal representation, can help ensure that your case has a positive outcome.

As the legal career of a dedicated Maryland DUI lawyer revolves around representing people who have been charged with Driving While Intoxicated, it is important to make the public aware of any new changes in state legislation that could potentially affect these cases. Recently introduced legislation would mandate that all individuals convicted of a DUI install an interlock ignition system into their vehicle as part of their sentence.

The interlock technology forces a motorist to blow into a breathalyzer system that would prevent the car from starting if the results registered over the legal limit. However, amendments were added allowing an exemption from this requirement for defendants who received probation before judgment in their DUI case.

Before the legislation can become law it must pass through the Maryland House of Representatives. And, as of last Friday, the bill remained in the House Judiciary Committee for deliberation. The group in charge of reviewing the bill is currently debating proposals only requiring those with blood alcohol content results registering between .12 and .15 to have the interlock system. Although these figures are well above the legal driving limit in the State of Maryland, the proposed changes would create a new category of "one sip over the line," making it easier for those convicted of a DUI to regain their personal liberties and freedoms after fulfilling their sentence.

Being accused of driving while intoxicated is a difficult and strenuous process for anyone to go through, regardless of the circumstances. As seen by the new bill being debated by the Maryland legislature, DUI and DWI charges can have life-changing and permanent consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, probation, fines, and/or jail time. For the highest quality legal advice and legal representation, it is vital to contact a hard-working and experienced Maryland DUI attorney immediately. Doing so can also help ensure the most positive outcome for your case.

Practicing law in a metropolitan area, it is common for an experienced Maryland DUI lawyer to represent a number of celebrities or famous individuals who have been accused of driving while intoxicated charges. Just because a person is in the public eye, does not mean that they will not be punished if caught drinking and driving, particularly if they have multiple violations against them. In a recent case with similar circumstances, a former reality television star was caught by police drinking and driving for his second alcohol-related infraction in the past month.

"The Hills" reality television star Jason Wahler, 23, was pulled over by law enforcement officials on March 19th. Immediately police officers noticed signs of intoxication--the car and his breath smelled of alcohol, and Wahler was slurring his words. After performing a number of sobriety tests, a breathalyzer test registered his blood alcohol content at 0.19 percent, over double the legal limit of 0.08. Wahler was taken into custody for DUI charges, just a week after another altercation on March 11th, in which Wahler was arrested abroad for getting into a bar fight. If convicted of driving while intoxicated charges, the former reality television star faces up to six months in prison.

Wahler has stated in interviews that he was "very, very ashamed of everything," in reference to his most recent DUI bust and drunken bar fight. However, this is not his first time being accused of drunk driving charges. In one year, the former television personality was arrested four times, in four different states, all on alcohol-related violations. Additionally, Wahler has made stints in rehab and has been a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. According to "The Hills" star, he fell out of contact with his AA sponsor while working on movies and relapsed back into his alcoholism. He also maintained that he returned to meetings this week, and will continue to attend and participate actively.

Facing driving while intoxicated charges is a difficult and overwhelming process for anyone to go through, regardless of celebrity status. As seen by the example of Jason Wahler, repeated convictions of drunk driving charges will have life-changing consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. To prevent your personal liberties and freedoms from being taken away, it is essential to seek counsel of a hard-working Maryland DUI attorney immediately. Doing so can not only provide the best legal advice and legal representation, but also help ensure the most successful outcome for your case.

During the legal career of an experienced Maryland DUI lawyer, it is common to represent a number of individuals who have been accused of driving while intoxicated charges, either because they were pulled over by police, or because they caused an accident. Perhaps the most tragic of all are drunk driving accidents, as they have life-changing consequences for all involved, both the intoxicated motorist and the passengers in both vehicles. The circumstances are similar for a recent case, in which a Maryland man was arrested by law enforcement officials for vehicular manslaughter, among other charges.

According to Maryland State Police, Gerald D. Barnett, 56, was driving a pickup truck on Blue Ball Road when he struck a man that was loading a moped into the trunk of his vehicle. The man hit, forty-five year-old Christopher Larson, was killed instantly. Barnett fled the scene, and left his vehicle a short distance from the crash site. When law enforcement officials found Barnett, it instantly clear that he was intoxicated--it is alleged that his blood alcohol content that evening was 0.19, over twice the legal limit. He was brought to a local hospital to be treated for minor injuries, and then was released with pending Maryland DUI charges.

However, law enforcement officials did not arrest Barnett until Monday afternoon as he attempted to return to the country as the passenger in a vehicle stopped at Customs Border Patrol for routine inspection. He was immediately arrested on various charges including negligent motor vehicle homicide while impaired by alcohol and failure to stop and render assistance to an injured person. In addition, Maryland State Police contend that he is wanted on two other driving while intoxicated charges, as well as being a fugitive from justice. Until his extradition proceedings, Barnett is waiting without bail at the Metro-Jefferson Public Safety Building in Watertown.

Facing charges of driving while intoxicated can be a difficult and overwhelming process for anyone to go through, regardless if the individual was just arrested or taken into custody following an accident. Conviction of driving while intoxicated charges will have life-altering consequences including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working and aggressive Maryland DUI attorney immediately. Doing so can help ensure the best protection of your personal liberties and freedoms.

During the legal career of an experienced Maryland DUI lawyer, it is common to represent a number of individuals who have been accused of drunk driving charges, but received multiple sentences. In order to be considered a "repeat offender" by the court, a person would have to be charged in two separate occasions. This definition was recently reinforced by a Maryland court that ruled an individual could not be punished as a repeat offender for two violations of law that occurred at the same time.

Just over two years ago, Eric Washington was pulled over by law enforcement officials for driving erratically--he was weaving between lanes, and made an improper turn. Immediately, the police officer noticed a strong smell of alcohol on his breath, and that Washington's voice was slurring. A number of sobriety tests were administered, including a breathalyzer test. Washington failed all of them, and registered a blood alcohol content level of 0.25, or three times the legal limit. Police arrested him on Maryland DUI charges, as well as driving with a BAC over the limit.

Although both of these charges stemmed from one specific incident, the trial court treated the second charge as a "repeat offense." This would ultimately make Washington's punishment for the crime double, as the sentences would run consecutively, instead of at the same time.

On appeal, Washington's Maryland DUI attorney argued that it was unfair to punish each charge as separate incidents. The Maryland Court of Appeals agreed, using the "rule of lenity" as justification. Under Maryland State Law, "The policy behind the rule is that the Court will not interpret a... criminal statute so as to increase the penalty that it places on an individual, when such an interpretation can be based on no more than a guess as to what (legislature) intended." As there was no available evidence showing that the Maryland General Assembly intended to punish offenders twice in same instance, it was decided that the rule of lenity applied in Washington's case. Therefore, as a result of his Maryland DUI charges, he will serve approximately two years in prison instead of five--cutting his prison sentence in half.

Facing charges of driving while intoxicated is a difficult enough, let alone to be wrongfully considered a "repeat offender." Seeking legal counsel can help provide answers to the questions that an accused individual will undoubtedly have regarding their case. Conviction of a Maryland DUI will have life-changing consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working Maryland DUI lawyer immediately.

Practicing law in a metropolitan area, it is common for an experienced Maryland DUI lawyer to see a number of cases where professional athletes have been accused of driving while intoxicated charges. Cases handled are much like that of Redskins cornerback Byron Westbrook, who was recently arrested while driving drunk in the State of Maryland. Although it is unknown at this time whether he will face any disciplinary action with the National Football Association, the professional athlete is currently facing Maryland DUI charges as a result of the arrest.

While driving on Route 5 at Lakewood Place, a Charles County law enforcement deputy saw a Mercedes-Benz driven by Westbrook, 25, cross the center line many times and drive erratically. After pulling the vehicle over, the police officer immediately noted the smell of alcohol in the car and on Westbrook's breath. Immediately he administered several sobriety tests to the football player, while he ultimately failed. As a result, the Redskins cornerback was charged with driving while intoxicated, negligent driving, and failure to drive right of center.

While no official word has been announced, the General Manager of the Redskins assures the public that they take the matter very seriously--in an email he wrote, "We take these issues very seriously. Moving forward, we play to meet with Bryon and will continue to monitor the situation." Although Westbrook played fifteen games last season for the Redskins, it is unknown at this time what his future affiliation with the team will be.

Facing Maryland DUI charges is an overwhelming and difficult process, regardless of celebrity status. Conviction of a DUI will have life-altering consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best legal advice and legal representation, it is essential to contact a hard-working and trustworthy Maryland DUI attorney for a free consultation immediately.

Each day as a Maryland DUI lawyer, I represent individuals who have been accused of driving while intoxicated charges. Many of these people were arrested for driving drunk after being served a too many drinks at a nearby restaurant or bar. Therefore, a group of concerned residents believed that bartenders can take a more influential role in whether individuals under the influence get behind the wheel or not. Therefore, these they are demanding more training for those who serve alcohol, to help prevent drunk driving arrests, accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

A DUI task force has been formed with one main goal - educating both servers, bartenders, and drinkers of the dangers of alcohol consumption, as well as drinking and driving. Meetings for the drunk driving prevention task force began in early January. They hope that their efforts will mobilize the community as well as influence local legislation and law enforcement.

Research conducted by the DUI task force discovered that approximately one-third of all individuals arrested for driving under the influence got behind the wheel after leaving licensed establishment serving alcohol.

In order to fight this, the task force hopes to create guidelines for not only consuming alcohol responsibly, but serving it as well. Appropriate training would help servers and bartenders be more aware of intoxication, and help prevent patrons from overconsuming liquor. Employees would learn how to properly notify management of overly intoxicated individuals, as well as other techniques to keep people safe. The DUI task force has also recommended that restaurants and bars offer food specials, rather than drink specials to help discourage patrons from drinking. Because it has been challenging in the past to enforce state laws banning the service of alcohol to intoxicated persons, many servers and bartenders have had a difficult time "cutting off" willing customers. However, the coalition hopes that training the servers will help them easily handle a difficult situation.

Facing DUI charges can is a difficult process for anyone to go through. Conviction of a DUI can have life changing consequences, including the loss of driving privileges, fines, and/or jail time. For the best legal representation, seek the legal advice of a hard-working and experienced Maryland DUI attorney or Maryland criminal lawyer immediately.