Hunt Valley DUI Defense Attorneys

Knowledgeable DUI Defense Lawyers Addressing Drunk Driving Charges in Hunt Valley, MD

When you are pulled over by police, an officer may suspect that you have been drinking alcohol or are intoxicated due to the use of other substances. You could be arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI), and you may be unsure about what to do next. DUI charges are taken seriously by law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges in Maryland. If you are convicted, you may face fines, the suspension of your driver's license, and even jail time.

As you address DUI charges, legal representation from an experienced attorney can be essential. At Posner & Cord, LLC, we provide legal help to people in Hunt Valley who have been arrested for intoxicated driving. We can advise you on the issues that may be addressed in your case, the penalties you may face, and the options for defending against a conviction. By reaching out to us as soon as possible after being stopped or arrested, you can make sure you are taking the right steps to minimize the ways your life may be affected.

What Happens During a DUI Traffic Stop

Police officers will typically pull drivers over after observing traffic violations or other indications that a person may be impaired by alcohol or drugs. Issues such as swerving, speeding, or failing to use a turn signal may lead to a traffic stop, and while interacting with the driver, the officer will look for some of the common signs of impairment, which may include:

• Odor of Alcohol: An officer may pay attention to the smell of alcohol on a person's breath or in the vehicle. The smell of marijuana may also be a sign that a person could be impaired because of the use of this drug.
• Slurred Speech: When a person has difficulty forming words clearly or responding to questions, this may be an indicator of intoxication.
• Delayed Responses: In addition to speech issues, other slow or awkward reactions may be viewed as a sign of intoxication. When a person has trouble taking out their wallet, finding objects in a purse, or reaching into a glove compartment to retrieve insurance information, an officer may believe that they are impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Bloodshot Eyes: When a driver's eyes are red or they seem to have trouble focusing, this may be seen as a sign that they have been drinking alcohol or using substances like marijuana.

If an officer suspects that a driver is intoxicated, they may ask the driver to step out of the vehicle to perform field sobriety tests. These tests may measure a person's balance, coordination, and ability to follow instructions. An officer may also request a breath test using a portable, handheld device. The results of these tests may serve as the basis for a DUI arrest.

Responding to a Police Officer During a Traffic Stop

The way someone speaks and behaves during a traffic stop could have an impact on a DUI case. It is important to remain calm and be respectful when speaking with a police officer. However, a person has the right to remain silent, and they are not required to provide any information other than basic identifying details, such as their name, driver's license, and insurance information. A driver can decline to answer questions about whether they have been drinking alcohol or using other substances, how much they have consumed, where they have been, or where they are going.

Drivers may also decline to perform field sobriety tests or take portable breath tests during traffic stops. These tests are voluntary, and a person cannot be penalized for refusing to participate. However, after being arrested for DUI, a person will usually be asked to take a breathalyzer test or consent to have their blood drawn and analyzed. Post-arrest chemical tests are mandatory under Maryland's implied consent law, and refusing to participate will result in an automatic driver's license suspension.

Potential Defense Strategies in DUI Cases

There may be a variety of options for defense depending on the circumstances of a DUI arrest, including what happened during a traffic stop and what tests were performed. Our lawyers can help clients understand the strategies that may be successful, which may include:

• Challenging the Traffic Stop: We may take steps to show that a police officer did not have a valid legal reason to stop a driver. If there was no reasonable suspicion of a DUI offense or a traffic violation, the traffic stop may have been illegal.
• Questioning Field Sobriety Test Administration: We can look at whether tests performed during a traffic stop were conducted properly and under the right conditions. We may be able to show that issues unrelated to intoxication affected a person's performance.
• Reviewing Breath Test Devices and Procedures: If a breathalyzer test showed that a person was over the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration, we can take steps to determine whether the device had been calibrated correctly, whether the proper maintenance had been performed, whether an officer followed the right procedures, or whether there may have been other reasons why results could have been inaccurate.

Building an effective defense will require a close review of police reports, video evidence, testing procedures, and other factors. Our attorneys will help determine what steps can be taken to defend against a DUI conviction, or we can work with clients to negotiate agreements that will help them to avoid serious, long-term penalties.

Contact Our Hunt Valley DUI Defense Lawyers

At Posner & Cord, LLC, our lawyers can review the details of a DUI arrest and explain the legal options that may be available. We are ready to stand by the side of our clients during DUI cases and advocate for solutions that will minimize the penalties that could affect their lives. Contact our Hunt Valley, MD intoxicated driving defense attorneys at 410-252-0600 to schedule a free consultation.