Driving under the influence is always serious, but when a child is in the car, everything changes. In Maryland, having a minor passenger while impaired can lead to harsher penalties, additional charges, and lasting consequences. What may have started as a routine stop can quickly escalate into a high-stakes legal matter.

If you’ve been charged with DUI with a child in the vehicle, we know how overwhelming this moment can feel. At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we’re here to help you move forward, without judgment and with a clear plan.

Maryland Law: DUI with a Minor Passenger

Under Maryland Code Section 21-902, driving under the influence with a child in the vehicle can lead to enhanced penalties. The presence of a child raises the level of concern for prosecutors and judges, as these cases involve the safety of someone who cannot protect themselves.

Whether the DUI involves alcohol, drugs, or both, you may face not only steeper penalties for the DUI itself but also additional charges, such as child endangerment or neglect. Even first-time offenders may face jail time, depending on the circumstances of the arrest.

These laws aim to protect children and discourage risky behavior. However, they can also bring severe consequences for parents or caregivers who made a mistake or misjudged a situation.

Penalties You Could Face

When a child is in the car, a DUI charge becomes far more serious. Maryland law imposes harsher penalties that can include:

  • Up to 2 years in jail and a fine of up to $2,000 for a first offense 
  • Up to 3 years in jail and a fine of up to $3,000 for a second offense
  • Driver’s license suspension or revocation
  • Points added to your driving record
  • Mandatory ignition interlock device
  • Court-ordered alcohol or drug treatment

In some cases, prosecutors may also pursue separate child endangerment charges. These are handled in addition to the DUI and can increase potential jail time, fines, and long-term legal consequences, especially when child welfare agencies become involved.

How These Charges Affect Families and Careers

DUI charges involving a child can affect more than just your criminal record—they can change your day-to-day life.

Family courts may see a conviction as a sign of instability, which can influence custody or visitation rights. If Child Protective Services (CPS) becomes involved, there’s a risk of supervised visits or temporary loss of custody. Employers may also take action if your job involves driving, working with minors, or holding a professional license.

If child endangerment is part of the case, the stakes are even higher. These charges can lead to mandatory reports, long-term family court oversight, and additional legal proceedings that may affect your parental rights.

Possible Defenses We May Use

Not every arrest leads to a conviction. We look at every detail to find the strongest way forward. Depending on the facts of your case, possible defenses might include:

  • The officer lacked probable cause for the stop
  • Breath or blood tests were inaccurate or improperly administered
  • It’s unclear who was driving the vehicle

Each case is different, and we’ll take the time to understand yours. Our goal is to protect your rights, limit the consequences, and work toward the best possible outcome.

Why Choose Hartman Attorneys at Law

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, you get direct access to a dedicated defense attorney. Attorney Christian Hartman is a former prosecutor who once reviewed DUI cases for the state. That insight gives us an advantage in building strong defenses. He is certified in NHTSA field sobriety testing and has extensive experience handling DUI cases across Maryland. Christian is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD), an organization made up of the top DUI lawyers in the country.

We know timing matters. That’s why we’re available when you need us—nights, weekends, and beyond. You won’t be left wondering what’s next or who to call. We stay in close contact with our clients because that’s what we would want if the roles were reversed.

Contact an Experienced Annapolis DUI Attorney

A DUI with a child in the car can bring life-altering consequences, but it doesn’t have to define your future. The sooner we get involved, the more we can do to help. Call Hartman Attorneys at Law today for a free consultation. We’ll fight for you from the very first call, and we’ll be in your corner until the case is resolved.

DUI with a Child in the Vehicle

Driving under the influence is always serious, but when a child is in the car, everything changes. In Maryland, having a minor passenger while impaired can lead to harsher penalties, additional charges, and lasting consequences. What may have started as a routine stop can quickly escalate into a high-stakes legal matter.

If you’ve been charged with DUI with a child in the vehicle, we know how overwhelming this moment can feel. At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we’re here to help you move forward, without judgment and with a clear plan.

Maryland Law: DUI with a Minor Passenger

Under Maryland Code Section 21-902, driving under the influence with a child in the vehicle can lead to enhanced penalties. The presence of a child raises the level of concern for prosecutors and judges, as these cases involve the safety of someone who cannot protect themselves.

Whether the DUI involves alcohol, drugs, or both, you may face not only steeper penalties for the DUI itself but also additional charges, such as child endangerment or neglect. Even first-time offenders may face jail time, depending on the circumstances of the arrest.

These laws aim to protect children and discourage risky behavior. However, they can also bring severe consequences for parents or caregivers who made a mistake or misjudged a situation.

Penalties You Could Face

When a child is in the car, a DUI charge becomes far more serious. Maryland law imposes harsher penalties that can include:

  • Up to 2 years in jail and a fine of up to $2,000 for a first offense 
  • Up to 3 years in jail and a fine of up to $3,000 for a second offense
  • Driver’s license suspension or revocation
  • Points added to your driving record
  • Mandatory ignition interlock device
  • Court-ordered alcohol or drug treatment

In some cases, prosecutors may also pursue separate child endangerment charges. These are handled in addition to the DUI and can increase potential jail time, fines, and long-term legal consequences, especially when child welfare agencies become involved.

How These Charges Affect Families and Careers

DUI charges involving a child can affect more than just your criminal record—they can change your day-to-day life.

Family courts may see a conviction as a sign of instability, which can influence custody or visitation rights. If Child Protective Services (CPS) becomes involved, there’s a risk of supervised visits or temporary loss of custody. Employers may also take action if your job involves driving, working with minors, or holding a professional license.

If child endangerment is part of the case, the stakes are even higher. These charges can lead to mandatory reports, long-term family court oversight, and additional legal proceedings that may affect your parental rights.

Possible Defenses We May Use

Not every arrest leads to a conviction. We look at every detail to find the strongest way forward. Depending on the facts of your case, possible defenses might include:

  • The officer lacked probable cause for the stop
  • Breath or blood tests were inaccurate or improperly administered
  • It’s unclear who was driving the vehicle

Each case is different, and we’ll take the time to understand yours. Our goal is to protect your rights, limit the consequences, and work toward the best possible outcome.

Why Choose Hartman Attorneys at Law

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, you get direct access to a dedicated defense attorney. Attorney Christian Hartman is a former prosecutor who once reviewed DUI cases for the state. That insight gives us an advantage in building strong defenses. He is certified in NHTSA field sobriety testing and has extensive experience handling DUI cases across Maryland. Christian is also a member of the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD), an organization made up of the top DUI lawyers in the country.

We know timing matters. That’s why we’re available when you need us—nights, weekends, and beyond. You won’t be left wondering what’s next or who to call. We stay in close contact with our clients because that’s what we would want if the roles were reversed.

Contact an Experienced Annapolis DUI Attorney

A DUI with a child in the car can bring life-altering consequences, but it doesn’t have to define your future. The sooner we get involved, the more we can do to help. Call Hartman Attorneys at Law today for a free consultation. We’ll fight for you from the very first call, and we’ll be in your corner until the case is resolved.