Is a SR22 insurance needed if the person is a high risk driver? If so, what is the purpose of having SR22 insurance here in Maryland?

Ashlyn

Baltimore, MD

A SR22 insurance is a form or a policy rider that is essential for high risk motorists so that they can reinstate their driver’s license if it has been suspended or revoked. In Maryland, it is required by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a number of years, depending on the gravity of the violation. Once a car insurance carrier issues a SR22 insurance, it will guarantee the DMV that the driver carries at least the state-required auto liability insurance. The DMV will be informed if there would be a gap at the period of coverage for the SR22 insurance. If the policy is cancelled for any reason, further penalties will be applied and the driver’s license will again be suspended.

A number of things may cause someone to have their driver’s license suspended or revoked, thus having the need to get a SR22 insurance. This includes citations for driving under the influence (DUI), multiple minor moving infractions, multiple unpaid tickets, too many accidents in a short period of time, etc.

If a high risk driver is asked to get a SR22 insurance, he/she has to get minimum liability insurance for his/her automobile. If the person doesn’t own an automobile, he/she can buy non-owner liability insurance. Not all insurance companies offer SR22 insurance so the driver has to be at his/her best at shopping around if they need to find a SR22 insurance.

I was arrested for DUI in Maryland and what happened to me was so weird because I think no one actually saw me driving under the influence. I know I had a few drinks but I was driving fine and I wasn’t driving anymore at the time the officer came up to me so how can I be arrested for DUI?

Dale

Aspen Hill, MD

At some point, there could be several conditions this can happen. The officer might be following you and observing the way you drive. Perhaps you made some errors, driving too slow, no turn signals, swerving or some other traffic violation.

One other way to prove that you were driving under the influence is if another driver or pedestrian “called in” via cell phone. The officer would receive the tip and then locate you. If you were still driving at the time of the call, the officer will follow you and make his own observations. If you have already stopped and the person who called in is reliable or known, the officer would come up to your car and begin the process. During your DUI trial, the person who called would have to be a witness in order to show probable cause for the officer to detain you and administer field sobriety tests.

Finally, it would come down to location and unless you could prove that someone else was driving, your presence in the driver’s seat with the car engine off on the side of the highways in Aspen Hill, Maryland could be sufficient to prove you were driving.

I live in Maryland and I usually go out with my friends every Saturday night and have two drinks and not worry about driving home. I always say to myself that I won’t be drunk and therefore, I won’t have any DUI issues. Do you think that what I do is safe?

Garry

Silver Spring, MD

You also might be saying to yourself that you live in America and in this country, we have rights and that we are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and that applies to all cases, even DUI cases in Maryland.

You might want to think twice about that, Garry. First of all, I have to say it is probably not safe to even have two drinks and drive yourself home. Depending on the quality and size of those two drinks, it could be enough to get you in hot water. One lousy drink is enough to get you arrested for DUI in Silver Spring, Maryland. If the police officer smells alcohol on your breath, he is more likely than not going to arrest you for DUI. The standard question that they would ask is, “have you had anything to drink tonight?” If you answer yes, you would have to take some tests to find out if you have been driving under the influence. These are the field sobriety tests and probably you would have a ride to the station. If you answer no and if the police officer smells it, it would have the same result. I am not an advocate of the field sobriety tests or police coordination exercises as others like call them. These tests engineered for you to fail so don’t engage in the officer’s exercises, which they “grade” in order to find a reason for them to arrest you.

My brother was arrested because of drunk driving. He has been charged with DUI here in Maryland. How exactly can a person be charged with a DUI? If we will be getting the services of a lawyer, what are the qualities that we should look?

Catherine

Wheaton-Glenmont, MD

In the state of Maryland, usually, it is legal to drink and drive. But if the motorist is under the influence, then that is when it becomes illegal. In general, driving under the influence refers to those cases in which the driver has taken drugs or the driver is drunk to an extent that that his mental and physical abilities are impaired and they no longer have the ability to operate the vehicle with the caution characteristic of a sober person under the same or similar circumstances.

If a police officer suspects that a driver is under the influence, that’s when he will be asked to stop and there will be series of test that the driver will be asked to do. If he fails the test, that’s when the driver will be charged with DUI.

If you will hire the services of a DUI lawyer to defend your brother on his case, the lawyer should be armed with specific legal as well as scientific knowledge. Defending a DUI case requires the lawyer to also have a practical awareness of the operation of breath test equipment, hospital testing equipment and instruments utilized by forensic laboratories in the process of testing for intoxicants. A competent and qualified lawyer has the ability to suppress evidence and produce good witnesses and aware of all kinds of loopholes.

I live in Maryland for 21 years and I never received a ticket. But just recently, I risk driving drunk and got arrested for DUI. I need some advice as to whether I will hire a lawyer or not. What are the benefits of a DUI lawyer?

Michael

Baltimore, MD

Maryland DUI laws are extremely complicated and their penalties are severe. Since you are facing a DUI charge in the state of Maryland, be smart enough to hire a qualified Maryland DUI lawyer. The right attorney can interpret the law to know your best options and correctly analyze your situation.

Approaching a DUI trial in Maryland without the benefit of a Maryland DUI attorney is as poor a judgment as driving under the influence. The repercussions of this decision could cost you money, time, and worse, your freedom. Know your right when it comes to Maryland DUI laws and find a qualified Maryland DUI lawyer.

My daughter is so afraid because this is the first time that she was charged for DUI. She was arrested in Maryland and she wants to know what are the things that she needs to do and the things that she needs to avoid. Thanks.

Sidney

Baltimore, MD

Thousands of drivers are charged with DUI every year. There are some things that they should do and some things they should avoid doing. The things that should be taken if charged with a DUI arrest in California are many and will cost time and money, to say the least.You are risking being stopped for driving under the influence if you are out having fun and consuming alcohol and then get behind the wheel of your car.

A critical step is seeking legal help. You need to find an experienced lawyer in Maryland that knows all of the laws concerning DUI and also has a proven record with DMV. That is because there will not only be a hearing for DUI charge in criminal court but there will also be one at DMV. The attorney needs to be aggressive in daughter’s driving privileges. There are a lot of good lawyers around in Maryland and I’m sure you are out to find one.

For now, the only thing I would suggest that your daughter should not be doing is to mix drinking and driving together.

I am kinda new to Aspen Hill and quite often my colleagues at work invite me for drink or two right after our shift. I am skeptical to join them or not since I always drive myself home after work or when attending special occasions from invitations of some friends. I don’t want to disappoint my colleagues the next time they will invite me. Is Driving Under the Influence in Maryland a serious offense?

Sarah, Aspen Hill MD

Sarah dear,

Whatever state you are living in DUI or DWI, still it is an offense that the government is taking drastic measures in order to prevent accidents caused by DUI or DWI.

As far as I can remember, here in Maryland, there are two types of offenses, these are Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Impaired. Of the two offenses, DUI is more serious compared to DWI.

I was told by my husband that here at Maryland, first time offenders for DUI the penalties are :

1. Suspension for driver’s license for 45 days
2. Fine is $1,000
3. Jail time is up to 1 year
4. Upon conviction 12 points is added to the driving record of the offender

Second Time Offender for DUI:

1. Increase of fine to $2,000
2. Jail time is up to 2 years

First time offender for DWI penalties are:

1. Suspension of driver’s license up to 60 days
2. Fine is $500
3. Jail time is 2 months
4. An addition of 8 points to the driving record of the offender

Second Time Offender for DWI:

1. Fine is $500
2. Jail time up to 1 year.

With the given details in relation to the penalties, it is very clear that DUI penalties are higher than DWI in terms of fine, jail time and additional point to the Maryland driving record of the offender.

If I were you girl, going out with colleagues at work is okay as long as you don’t drive your self home when you have taken in alcohol to your body. As mentioned above for the penalties, might it be for DUI or DWI, the penalties say for themselves. Jail time and additional points to your driving record will definitely change your life as much as it did to my friend who has been convicted of DUI a month ago.