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How to deal with the administrative consequences of a DUI

Are you facing charges for driving under the influence? You know you can expect to face criminal penalties for doing so if convicted. Do you know about the administrative consequences typically tied to a DUI?

If you fail or refuse sobriety testing, Maryland police are likely to arrest you on the spot. At the same time as your arrest or upon your release, you’ll receive an Officer’s Certification and Order of Suspension and an Advice of Rights form. These documents provide a lot of valuable information that you should read carefully.

What information does the Officer’s Certification and Order of Suspension include?

First, it gives some details about your arrest. Second, it provides information about license suspension. Third, it acts as a temporary driver’s license if the officer confiscated your official license. Fourth, it gives details about the Ignition Interlock Program. Finally, fifth, it provides information about scheduling an administrative hearing where you’ll have the opportunity to fight to keep your driving privileges.

What information does the Advice of Rights form offer?

This document goes over administrative sanctions concerning your driving privileges. It also gives information about potential penalties. If you refused testing, you must indicate that on this document. Once filled out, you and the arresting officer have to date and sign the form.

After your arrest…

After your arrest, you do not have a lot of time to sit and dwell on what happened. Acting fast in order to keep your driving privileges is a must. You only have 10 days following your arrest to request an administrative hearing if you wish to keep your license from suspension before the date of your hearing. Your request must:

  • Be in written form
  • Mailed to the Office of Administrative Hearings
  • Include the filing fee
  • Postmarked no more than 30 days of receiving the order of suspension

Unless there is a reason to dismiss the charges against you, license suspension is standard following a DUI arrest. The length of time your license suspension will last depends on several factors, including:

  • Blood alcohol content
  • Test refusal
  • Type of license/vehicle — commercial or private

License suspensions range from 180 days to lifetime revocation.

Be ready to fight

Depending on the details of your case, fighting the charges against you may be possible. If the court cannot dismiss your case, it may be possible to take steps to minimize any consequences associated with a conviction. When it comes to the administrative side of things, it may also be possible to avoid or mitigate any penalties. You just have to be ready to defend yourself. Thankfully, that is not something you have to do alone.

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