DUI with Child in Car, Calvert County, MD | Endangerment Defense
If you’ve been charged with DUI while a child was in the car, I want you to hear this directly from me:
You’re not just facing a DUI anymore.
In Calvert County and across the state of Maryland, driving under the influence with a minor in the vehicle escalates everything—the charges, the penalties, and the risks to your freedom and family.
A Standard DUI Becomes a Major Legal Emergency
Under Maryland Transportation Article § 21-902(b)(2), driving while impaired by alcohol while transporting a minor under the age of 18 is treated as an aggravated offense.
That means even if it’s your first DUI, you’re now facing:
- Up to 2 years in jail
- Additional fines on top of standard DUI penalties
- Child endangerment allegations
- Investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS)
- Potential loss of custody or visitation rights in family court
And if your BAC was particularly high—or if there was an accident—felony charges may be on the table.
“But I Didn’t Mean to Put Anyone at Risk.”
I know. Most of my clients in these cases are parents, caregivers, or guardians who made a poor decision during a stressful or emotional moment.
You weren’t out partying. You weren’t trying to be reckless.
You just didn’t realize you were over the limit—or how serious the consequences would be with a child in the car.
That doesn’t make the charges go away.
But it does shape how I build your defense.
How I Defend DUI with a Minor Cases in Calvert County
At Haskell & Dyer, I treat these cases with urgency and care.
We investigate:
- Whether the traffic stop was lawful
- If field sobriety tests were administered correctly
- Whether your rights were thoroughly explained
- Your driving behavior and any potential medical conditions
- The context of the situation—were you trying to get home safely, or did the officer misjudge you?
I also work closely with family law attorneys and CPS professionals to protect your parental rights and reputation, particularly if a report has been filed with social services.
“When a child’s involved, everything changes—how the court sees you, how the prosecutor charges you, and how fast you need to act. I won’t let one moment define your life.”
— Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq.
You Have a Lot to Lose. Let’s Start Protecting It—Today.
A DUI with a minor in the car is a wake-up call—not just legally, but emotionally.
I help good people who made a mistake fight to keep their freedom, their family, and their future intact.
👉 Book your consultation online now or call us directly at 301-627-5844.
By Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq., Criminal Defense Attorney
DUI & Traffic Violations – Calvert County