Beginning October 1, 2016, Maryland drivers face harsher penalties for drunk driving offenses.
If you have been charged with any kind of drunk driving offense, speak to a Maryland criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
About Noah’s Law
State lawmakers passed a tough new drunk driving bill on the last day of their 90-day spring 2016 legislative session. Named “Noah’s Law” for police officer Noah Leotta, who was just 24 years old when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver in 2015, the new law takes effect October 1, 2016.
Under the new law, a broader range of motorists convicted of a drunk driving offense must use an ignition interlock device. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the new law is the toughest ignition interlock bill in the country.
Ignition Interlock under the New Law
Once the law takes effect, any driver convicted of the following offenses must use an ignition interlock device:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Driving while impaired (DWI) while transporting a minor under age 16
- Homicide or life-threatening injury by motor vehicle with driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated
For a first conviction, drivers must participate in the ignition interlock program for six months. This jumps to one year for a second offense.
For third and subsequent offenses, drivers must participate in the ignition interlock program for three years. Drivers who refuse a chemical test who are later convicted of DWI must participate in the program for one year.
Longer Administrative Suspension Periods
Additionally, Noah’s Law increases the administrative license suspension periods for impaired driving as follows:
|
BAC .08 to .14 |
BAC .15 or higher |
Chemical Test Refusal |
||||
|
Current Law |
Noah’s Law |
Current Law |
Noah’s Law |
Current Law |
Noah’s Law |
|
| First Offense |
45 days |
180 days |
90 days |
180 days |
120 days |
270 days |
| Second Offense and Higher |
90 days |
180 days |
180 days |
270 days |
1 year |
2 years |
What Is an Ignition Interlock Device?
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, every state in the country has passed some kind of ignition interlock device law. An ignition interlock device is a lot like a breathalyzer, except it is integrated into a vehicle.
Like the name indicates, an ignition interlock system locks a car’s ignition if a driver blows into the device with a certain amount of alcohol in his or her body. This temporarily prevents the person from driving.
The system also keeps track of each time an individual blows into the device. In addition to keeping drunk drivers off the road, ignition interlock devices allow people to keep their driving privileges – something that also helps individuals stay in the workforce after a drunk driving conviction.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), studies of ignition interlock device programs show the devices reduce subsequent drunk driving arrests.
In an analysis of 15 scientific studies of ignition interlock systems, the CDC saw a 67 percent decrease in repeat DUI offenses.
The CDC also reports that drunk drivers caused nearly 10,000 deaths in 2014, which accounts for one-third of all fatal traffic deaths in the U.S. It also translates to one alcohol-related traffic death every 53 minutes.
Speak to a Maryland DUI Defense Lawyer about Your Case
Drunk driving charges are scary. Suddenly, a roadside stop has hurt your reputation, compromised your freedom, and possibly even put your job in jeopardy.
If you’re facing any kind of drunk driving charge, you can’t afford to forego experienced criminal defense. Contact to a knowledgeable Maryland DUI defense lawyer about your case right away.
