Phelps in Trouble?

I find the comments from those outside of Maryland on Phelps' news item interesting. However, being one who lives within the boundaries of the State of Maryland and from my professional experience, please allow me to comment some of things already said. Regarding license restrictions in Maryland and DUI/DWI, if you are convicted of DUI or DWI, you may have your license suspended (for a time determined by the judge), revoked or restricted (alcohol restriction, driving restriction like may drive to and from work). If Phelps was driving against a restriction on his license, it could be for something like the requirement for glasses or contact lenses. Maryland is no "pushover" for DUI/DWI offenses. If the judge in Salisbury, Maryland (which is the County seat of Wicomico County in Maryland's eastern shore) "throw the book" at Michael, just remember the maximum penalties already stated in the press. The up to $1,000 fine and/or assignment to drive rehabilitation and/or assignment to Drinking Driver Monitor Program and/or up to 1 year in imprisonment in the county's detention center and/or assignment to community service are all at the judge disposal. And, there's the fines for running the stop sign and points, plus the points for a conviction of either DUI or DWI. Judges in smaller Maryland Counties tend to be very conservative, especially to those miscreants not "from around here" and don't take a liking to outsides messing around in their communities and posing a threat to the public. Judges here take a dim view of defendants, especially those with stature, who don't show up for trials. I agree that Mr. Phelps needs to accept the consequences of his stupidity and pay with whatever is meeted out to him by the court. However, if this make him realize, once and for all, that this type of behavior is not acceptable for anyone, then all the better. Drinking and driving is a serious offense, nonetheless; my past experience with victims and offenders alike have reminded me of this. There is one thing we need to remember in the United States, is that one is innocent until proven guilty. I am sure we all agree the seriousness of this, but permit the Maryland courts adjudicate Phelps' guilt or innocence.

I find the comments from those outside of Maryland on Phelps' news item interesting. However, being one who lives within the boundaries of the State of Maryland and from my professional experience, please allow me to comment some of things already said. Regarding license restrictions in Maryland and DUI/DWI, if you are convicted of DUI or DWI, you may have your license suspended (for a time determined by the judge), revoked or restricted (alcohol restriction, driving restriction like may drive to and from work). If Phelps was driving against a restriction on his license, it could be for something like the requirement for glasses or contact lenses. Maryland is no "pushover" for DUI/DWI offenses. If the judge in Salisbury, Maryland (which is the County seat of Wicomico County in Maryland's eastern shore) "throw the book" at Michael, just remember the maximum penalties already stated in the press. The up to $1,000 fine and/or assignment to drive rehabilitation and/or assignment to Drinking Driver Monitor Program and/or up to 1 year in imprisonment in the county's detention center and/or assignment to community service are all at the judge disposal. And, there's the fines for running the stop sign and points, plus the points for a conviction of either DUI or DWI. Judges in smaller Maryland Counties tend to be very conservative, especially to those miscreants not "from around here" and don't take a liking to outsides messing around in their communities and posing a threat to the public. Judges here take a dim view of defendants, especially those with stature, who don't show up for trials. I agree that Mr. Phelps needs to accept the consequences of his stupidity and pay with whatever is meeted out to him by the court. However, if this make him realize, once and for all, that this type of behavior is not acceptable for anyone, then all the better. Drinking and driving is a serious offense, nonetheless; my past experience with victims and offenders alike have reminded me of this. There is one thing we need to remember in the United States, is that one is innocent until proven guilty. I am sure we all agree the seriousness of this, but permit the Maryland courts adjudicate Phelps' guilt or innocence.