WORCESTER COUNTY LEADS THE CHARGE AGAINST DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OFFENSES

Worcester County, MD - In the relentless pursuit of justice in alcohol and drug-related driving offenses, Worcester County, Maryland, again stands at the frontline. The Office of the State's Attorney for Worcester County, led by State's Attorney Kris Heiser, has achieved a remarkable record - the highest conviction rate in the State of Maryland for the prosecution of alcohol and drug-related driving offenses, according to data released by the University of Maryland's National Study Center for Trauma and EMS.

Worcester County prosecutors displayed commendable tenacity in handling nearly 1,000 DUI/DWI cases in 2023 alone, securing an awe-inspiring 91% conviction rate. In context, the statewide average conviction rate for the same year was 79%. Worcester County significantly outperformed the statewide average.

Law Enforcement Officers from the Maryland State Police (Berlin Barrack) and Ocean City Police Department led the way in taking drunk and impaired drivers off the street. These dedicated law enforcement officers, along with Officers from the Department of Natural Resources Police, Worcester County Sheriff's Office, Berlin Police Department, Pocomoke City Police Department, and Ocean Pines Police Department, work diligently every day to keep the streets of Worcester County safe for the motoring public.

For this substantial accomplishment, the Maryland State's Attorney's Association has applauded Worcester County prosecutors, recognizing them for consecutively having the State's top DUI conviction rate since 2019.

State's Attorney Kris Heiser has expressed immense pride in her team's tireless efforts in prosecuting DUI cases.

She commented, "I am extremely proud of our aggressive efforts in the prosecution of DUI cases," commented State's Attorney Kris Heiser. "Having the highest conviction rate in the State for the last 6 years demonstrates to our community that we will continue to deliver the results they deserve and hold drunk drivers accountable for endangering our citizens. Because drunk driving is 100% preventable, especially in resort towns like Ocean City, where there are so many alternative modes of transportation available, the prosecution of these offenses will remain a priority for our team of prosecutors."

Heiser also expressed gratitude to local law enforcement for their proactive measures and professionalism in building robust cases for prosecution.

Heiser continued, "I also want to thank all of our police officers for being proactive in stopping dangerous drivers on our roadways and for their expertise and professionalism in bringing us quality cases to prosecute in court. Our team shares a mutual respect and admiration for our police partners, and I know our community appreciates our joint efforts to keep them safe."

This record is a stern reminder that driving under the influence is a serious crime in Worcester County, particularly in resort towns like Ocean City. Here, with numerous alternative modes of transportation at hand, DUI is deemed 100% preventable.

For this reason, prosecuting these offenses will remain a priority for the prosecutors, further reinforcing their commitment to community safety.

State's Attorney Kris Heiser acknowledged the dedication and hard work of Assistant State's Attorneys Farlow, Haskell, Rinaldi, Smith, and Baldwin. These individuals lead the Office's District Court Division in prosecuting most of these offenses, demonstrating daily the strength of their commitment to justice.

Thus, Worcester County, Maryland, once again demonstrates its unwavering commitment to the safety and justice of its residents. As the county's conviction rates rise, so does its dedication to holding those who endanger others accountable for their actions.