Columbia DUI Defense Lawyers

Attorneys Providing a Strong Defense Against DUI Charges in Columbia, MD

There are many reasons why drivers may be arrested for DUI. An officer who pulls a driver over may believe that the person has been drinking alcohol or using other substances. Based on what happens during a traffic stop, an officer may decide to arrest a driver, which can set off a chain of events that may leave a person feeling overwhelmed as they deal with license suspension proceedings, court dates, and the possibility of serious penalties. Legal help from an experienced attorney can be crucial in these cases, and it can help ensure that a person's rights will be protected.

At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we represent people in Columbia who have been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. We can help our clients challenge the evidence against them and take steps to protect their licenses while avoiding convictions that could have an impact on their day-to-day lives.

Substances That Can Lead to DUI Charges

A person can be charged with driving under the influence based on alcohol consumption, the use of controlled substances, prescription drugs that were taken as directed, or any combination of substances that have allegedly caused them to be unable to operate a vehicle safely. A person who is accused of driving while over the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration or with controlled substances in their system may be charged with DUI. In other cases, drivers may be charged with driving while impaired (DWI) based on claims that the use of alcohol or other substances affected their ability to drive safely, even if they were not over the legal limit.

A DUI case will usually begin when a police officer observes driving behavior that may indicate that a person is intoxicated. This may include weaving across the road, delayed braking, speeding, or running a red light or stop sign. A traffic violation may provide an officer with a reason to stop a driver, and they may then look for further signs of impairment, such as red eyes, an inability to answer questions, or unsteady movements. Tests performed during a traffic stop may help an officer determine whether a person is intoxicated. If the officer believes there is probable cause for an arrest, the driver will be taken into custody.

Addressing Field Sobriety Tests

The tests used by officers during traffic stops are meant to evaluate a person's level of impairment and determine whether they may be intoxicated. Field sobriety tests may include the walk and turn test, which measures how well a person can walk along a straight line and follow instructions. The one-leg stand test may gauge a person's ability to balance while standing on with their foot raised. An eye movement test known as the horizontal gaze nystagmus test may also be used to look for signs of intoxication.

Field sobriety tests are often treated as if they are reliable proof of impairment. In reality, these tests can be subjective. A driver's performance can be affected by factors like uneven pavement, poor roadside lighting, the shoes they are wearing, or nervousness about a potential arrest. In many cases, officers may interpret people's actions as indications of intoxication when their responses had nothing to do with alcohol or drugs.

Our attorneys can review reports filed by police officers and any body camera or dash camera footage to look at what actually happened during field sobriety tests. We can determine whether an officer failed to give the proper instructions, misjudged a driver's performance, or ignored an obvious explanation for a person's actions. We will look closely at whether weather or traffic conditions made tests unreliable.

Blood Tests

After a person is arrested for DUI, they will typically be asked to submit to chemical tests to measure the level of alcohol in their system or detect the presence of drugs. Blood tests may be performed, and blood samples may be analyzed by laboratories. However, specific steps must be followed when drawing blood and handling blood samples.

Our lawyers can determine whether blood test evidence can be challenged. The chain of custody from the moment blood is drawn and when it is analyzed at a laboratory must be fully documented, and any gaps or inconsistencies in documentation can raise doubts about whether the sample was properly preserved. The timing of a blood draw matters as well, since a delay may allow a driver's alcohol level to continue rising, and test results may not accurately reflect the driver's condition while they were actually driving. Laboratory errors, improper storage temperatures, and problems with lab equipment can also affect the accuracy of blood test results.

Breathalyzer Tests

People who are arrested for DUI may be asked to take breath tests to measure their blood alcohol concentration. Breathalyzer devices will only provide accurate results if they have been calibrated correctly and if maintenance has been performed as required. A device that has not been serviced or calibrated according to a specific schedule can produce incorrect results.

Certain medical conditions, including acid reflux or diabetes, may affect a person's breath chemistry. These issues could lead to falsely elevated readings. Residual alcohol in the mouth from a recent drink, breath mints, or certain medications could also lead to inaccurate results if the proper waiting periods are not followed before administering a breath test. Our attorneys can request maintenance records, review the qualifications of officers who performed tests, and look at the procedures followed during testing to determine whether test results can be challenged.

The Importance of Legal Representation in a DUI Case

Between DUI charges and administrative proceedings addressing the suspension of a person's driver's license, multiple legal concerns will need to be addressed when a person has been accused of intoxicated driving. Securing legal representation from the outset of a case can ensure that a person understands exactly what is at stake and will be able to make informed decisions throughout each step of the legal process.

At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our lawyers will review all available evidence to determine the best strategies for defense. We will make sure clients know what to expect at every hearing or court appearance, making sure they are fully prepared to answer any questions they may be asked. We can also make sure clients are dressed correctly and that they will be able to present a positive image when appearing in court. We will always be available to answer clients' questions and make sure they feel prepared to address the issues that may arise during their cases.

Contact Our Columbia, Maryland DUI Defense Lawyers

At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our lawyers can review the details of a DUI case, explain the options available to a client, and make sure they are fully prepared to defend against a conviction. Contact our Columbia DUI attorneys at 301-762-7500 to schedule a free consultation today.