Tougher Maryland DUI Laws Possible After General Assembly

Tougher Maryland DUI laws are possible after the death of Montgomery County Police Officer Noah Leotta.  Officer Leotta was killed in December 2015 by a drunk driver in Rockville, Maryland.  The man accused of killing him had three prior DUI convictions.

This prompted outrage and a push for tougher Maryland DUI laws.  In fact, Maryland drivers may soon see a change.  Current Maryland DUI laws aren’t as strict as some states, but now, Maryland drivers may be facing a mandatory ignition interlock.

Tougher Maryland DUI Laws Coming?

At the 2015 Maryland General Assembly session, the Drunk Driving Reduction Act failed at the House level.  This would have required an ignition interlock to be installed in cars of those who are found to have a BAC of .08.  An ignition interlock prevents a car from starting unless the driver can pass an automated breath test.  Currently, a person is only required to have an ignition interlock installed if they are found to have a blood-alcohol content of .15 or more, are younger than 21, were driving drunk with children in the vehicle, or refused the breathalyzer test.

Now, Noah’s Law has been introduced, and would apply the same rules with respect to an ignition interlock, even for first time offenders.

MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) released a report Wednesday dedicated to Officer Leotta that said ignition interlock technology has stopped 1.7 million drunken drivers across the country.  Twenty-five states have already enacted legislation that requires all DUI offenders to use the device, according to MADD.

Worried about Tougher Maryland DUI Laws?  Schedule a free DUI Attorney Consultation today!

If you have been charged with a Maryland DUI, do not wait to contact a DWI attorney.  If Noah’s Law passes and the ignition interlock mandate is enforced, then you may wish to request a MVA hearing to challenge the MVA’s action on your driving privilege.

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 as 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.