A DUI alcohol restriction is a limitation of your driving privileges in Maryland imposed by a judge or administrative law judge.
DUI alcohol restriction imposed after guilty plea
Back in 2012, just about 4 years ago, I pleaded guilty to a DUI. This occurred while I was fairly young, and in college, and I have since certainly made sure to never get behind the wheel after drinking ever again. I’ll include that I’m now also a highly functioning, productive member of society, with strong morals and integrity, who made a young, dumb mistake many years ago.
After having my Maryland State driver’s license suspended, it was reinstated with a code J “alcohol restriction”. I am eligible to have the restriction removed in another 6 months. A select few bars/alcohol vendors have denied me service because of this alcohol restriction; however, I was under the impression that this restriction simply meant that I could not operate a vehicle with any amount of alcohol in my system, but had nothing to do with the purchase of alcohol.
It is a pretty embarrassing event when I am out with friends, and I am rejected entry into a bar because of this restriction. God forbid, if I was on a date with a girl, and was denied a glass of wine because of this restriction.
A DUI alcohol restriction prevents you from driving with alcohol in your system. It does not prevent you from drinking at a bar or restaurant. Businesses can deny service to anyone, so long as not for a discriminatory purpose. A business can refuse to serve you and claim that it is to protect themselves from liability, and that would be a justifiable reason.
What is a DUI alcohol restriction?
A DUI driving restriction is a limitation of your driving privileges that may have been imposed for various reasons. The MVA may restrict your driving privileges as a result of a judge’s decision in a court or administrative hearing case in which you are involved, because of an alcohol- or drug-related incident, or for medical or other reasons.
You are prohibited from driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol, or any other mood-altering substance, in any amount. Furthermore, if you receive two alcohol-related convictions within a 2-year period you will be subject to a 3-year alcohol restriction. If you are under 21 years of age you are restricted from driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level between .02 grams/100 ml and .08 grams/100 ml.
Schedule a Free DUI Attorney Alcohol Restriction Consultation
Albers & Associates is located in Carroll County, Maryland. Westminster DUI Attorney Ross W. Albers is a former Baltimore City DWI prosecutor. Albers & Associates was recognized in 2016 by Maryland Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Criminal Defense: DUI. Carroll County DUI Lawyer Ross W. Albers is a member of the National College for DUI Defense. Contact Albers & Associates to schedule a free Maryland DUI alcohol restriction consultation.
The post Does the DUI alcohol restriction only pertain to driving? appeared first on Albers and Associates.