Posted on April 02, 2023 in Field Sobriety Tests

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is illegal, and it’s also reckless. Those convicted often face steep penalties, even including jail time. When police make a traffic stop and need to determine if a driver has been drinking, officers usually initially rely on a Breathalyzer test. However, these tests are not always accurate and can give false readings. Nevertheless, if a driver takes a Breathalyzer test and gets a false reading, a DUI charge will likely follow.

What can cause a false reading?

Acetone is one cause of false Breathalyzer readings. When the body breaks down food, acetone can be a byproduct. It has a fruity or sweet odor and commonly exists in the breath of anyone. Research has shown that people with hypoglycemia may have more acetone in their breath.

Also, diabetics often receive false breathalyzer readings. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 23 million people in the United States have diabetes, and around five million of them are not even aware that they have it. A person with diabetes can have high enough levels of acetone in their breath to give Breathalyzer readings of .06. Certain diets as well as fasting may also cause higher levels of acetone in a person’s breath.

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 Posted on March 27, 2023 in DUI Charges

Una condena por manejar bajo la influencia de alcohol o de drogas puede tener un enorme efecto en la vida del acusado, que puede tocar casi cada aspecto de su vida. Si usted se encuentra frente a acusaciones penales por conducir intoxicado, seguramente quiere saber cuáles sanciones le esperan si el fiscal logra condenarlo.

La suspensión de la licencia de conducir

Después de una condena, es posible que usted pierda su licencia de conducir por un tiempo. La duración de la suspensión depende de si es su primera o segunda condena (enlace en inglés). Por ejemplo, después de su segunda condena por manejar intoxicado en un período de tres años, la duración máxima de la suspensión aumenta de 60 días a 120 días.

Cárcel y multa

Bajo ciertas circunstancias, es posible que la corte condene a un acusado a la cárcel por hasta un año por su primera condena, o una multa de hasta $1,000, o los dos (enlace en inglés). Si es su segunda condena por el mismo delito, la condena de prisión máxima se aumenta a dos años, y la multa a $2,000.

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 Posted on March 25, 2023 in DUI Charges

A charge of driving under the influence of alcohol can cause a person many sleepless nights. Just being accused of DUI can be stressful and even humiliating, often causing damage to a person’s reputation. That’s particularly true for public servants, including police officers. A conviction usually comes with significant penalties, although being accused of DUI does not necessarily mean the accused individual will be convicted.

Crash blamed on drunk driving

Recently in Severna Park, a detective was charged with driving under the influence after being involved in a crash. The accident happened at night near Gov. Ritchie Highway and Jones Station Road shortly before 8:30 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day. According to reports, authorities responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash and found a vehicle that had hit a road sign.

After speaking with the driver, officers reportedly observed signs of impairment and placed the man under arrest. Apparently, the driver is a 15-year veteran of the Anne Arundel County Police Department and recently worked as a detective with the Criminal Investigation Division. Reports indicated that he also received other traffic-related offenses. Reportedly, the officer has been suspended with pay pending an investigation.

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