Federal DUI Charge - ???

Question

A friend got arrested while driving intoxicated in a National Park and blew a 0.25 on the breathalyzer. They released him to a relative. How does the Federal DUI work with regards to the state that issued his drivers license? (Maryland) Does he need a lawyer to stay out of jail and/or keep his license? Will he have to attend AA meetings etc. Any insight into what he should do next would be apprciated. AA is definitely on the top of his list, but he would also like to stay out of jail and continue to be able to drive and maintain his job.

Answer 1

A couple friends got tickets from a park ranger and they still went to the local court to clear it up. It was for speeding in a park. Which is a traffic ticket as is DUI, even though not as serious. The funny thing is they were on skate boards doing over 10 mph. Most states will give you 1 year limited  driving, work and back only and make you complete a program.

Hope it helps.

Answer 2

Have your friend consult a DUI lawyer.  They will be much more help than YA.

Answer 3

It's still a state charge on federal property.  The level is more than three times the legal limit.  The license will be suspended.  Any requests for a hardship license will have to be done in court.  He will need a lawyer.  The court will not allow him to defend himself.

Answer 4

I found myself in the same situation in June (BAC was .26). It was a major s***w up, and I realize I could have killed myself, or worse, someone else.

Needless to say, I no longer drink or drive, and the offense will absolutely be my last. I have yet to attend my court appearance, but I have talked to a friend who had a federal DUI. Sentence CAN be a $5000 fine and 6 months in jail, as it is a class B misdemeanor. In reality, the government does not want to use its resources to send every offender to the can for 6 months. Neither he nor I will likely see more than a week of jail time, although it is on the table...

My buddy got a $1500 fine, alcohol classes (cost $1000) and probation for 3 years. After completion of the classes, they generally end the probation early as long as you haven't screwed up (which i WILL not do). He said the dude in front of him blew a .32, had no job and a long rap sheet. He only got his fine increased by 1000 (2500 total). I live in CA, and I have been told that the punishment for a Federal deuce is much less than that in State. Remember that federal judges have a lot more power than their state counterparts, so your mileage may vary. I'm just trying to let you know what I have heard. I will update you after I receive my sentence.

I must add that for me, this has been the biggest mistake of my entire life. The money can be earned again, and the classes will eventually be over, but the record will be with you for the rest of your life.