As a criminal defense attorney with over 30 years of experience representing clients in DUI cases, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to thoroughly review the evidence and approach each case with a strategic mindset. Recently, I represented a 19-year-old man charged with driving under the influence in Baltimore County, Maryland, and I’m proud to say that my client’s case ended in a favorable outcome, due to an in-depth examination of the facts and my knowledge of how to handle DUI cases effectively.
The Facts of the Case
My client, a 19-year-old man, was pulled over by a Maryland State Trooper for speeding in a 55-mph zone. He was driving 86 mph, which certainly raised concerns about reckless behavior on the road. However, while speeding is serious, it is not automatically indicative of alcohol consumption or impaired driving.
The trooper’s report indicated that my client exhibited several “clues” during the field sobriety tests, such as swaying and stumbling, as well as smelling of alcohol. In the report, the officer also noted that my client denied consuming alcohol, which is a common narrative in DUI arrests. It might have been easy for many criminal defense attorneys to take this report at face value, assume the case was cut and dry, and advise their client to enter a guilty plea.
However, as someone who has handled thousands of DUI cases—both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney—I knew better than to simply accept the trooper’s assertions without question.
The Importance of Thorough Investigation in DUI Defense
One of the key aspects of DUI defense that many attorneys overlook is the careful examination of all available evidence. In this case, I knew the trooper’s written report alone wasn’t enough to form a complete picture of what actually happened during the arrest.
Fortunately, the body-worn camera footage from the officer’s interactions with my client was available. After reviewing the video in detail, I quickly realized that the officer’s report had exaggerated—or in some cases, misrepresented—how my client performed during the field sobriety tests. The video told a very different story to the written report suggested.
The Importance of Securing Probation Before Judgement (PBJ) for DUI Cases
After carefully reviewing the evidence and discussing the case with my client, I rejected the plea offer made by the prosecutor in the District Court. While it might have been tempting to settle for a plea that could have resulted in a conviction and license points, I knew that this wasn’t the best option for my client. Instead, I made the decision to remove the case to Circuit Court, where the matter would be handled by a more experienced prosecutor.
In Circuit Court, I had the opportunity to present my case more effectively, and after discussing the facts with the prosecutor, the state ultimately agreed to dismiss the alcohol-related offenses.
In the end, my client was granted Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for his DUI charge. This means that he avoided a criminal conviction, and he won’t have points added to his driving record. PBJ allows individuals to move forward without the long-term consequences that a DUI conviction can carry, such as a criminal record, higher insurance rates, and potential job-related issues.
My client would now only be facing the speeding charge, which is a far less serious offense.
Why Hire an Aggressive DUI Defense Attorney
Experience in DUI defense can make all the difference. With years of prosecuting and defending DUI cases, I know how to challenge inaccurate reports, assess evidence, and negotiate effectively for the best outcome.
If you’re facing DUI charges, contact an experienced attorney who will fight to protect your rights and uncover the truth. Unlike many defense lawyers in Maryland, my team is in criminal traffic court every day.
Contact me directly at bthompson@silvermanthompson.com or 410.659.9930 to discuss this case or how I can represent you in your DUI, DWI, or other traffic-related matter.