Facing a DWI charge in Maryland can feel overwhelming, but experienced defense attorneys use proven strategies to protect their clients’ rights. Understanding how these maryland dwi lawyer approach your case can make the difference between a conviction and a favorable outcome.
Challenging Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests are far from foolproof. Defense lawyers examine whether officers followed proper procedures during these roadside assessments. Medical conditions, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and even certain medications can affect test performance.
Attorneys scrutinize the officer’s training records and look for deviations from standardized testing protocols. Many people don’t realize that field sobriety tests are voluntary in Maryland, and this knowledge becomes crucial in building a defense.
Questioning Breathalyzer Accuracy
Breathalyzer machines require regular calibration and maintenance to provide accurate results. Defense attorneys investigate whether the device was properly maintained and calibrated before your test. They also examine the officer’s certification to operate the equipment.
Environmental factors can influence breathalyzer readings. Recent dental work, diabetes, acid reflux, and even certain diets can produce false positives. Skilled lawyers identify these variables and use them to challenge test results.
Recent data shows that Maryland processes over 25,000 DUI cases annually, with conviction rates varying dramatically based on defense quality. Professional attorneys achieve dismissals or reduced charges in approximately 40% of cases they handle, compared to just 15% for those representing themselves.
Challenging the Traffic Stop
The foundation of any strong DWI defense begins with examining the initial traffic stop. Maryland law requires police officers to have reasonable suspicion before pulling over a vehicle. Defense attorneys scrutinize dash cam footage, police reports, and witness statements to determine if the stop was legally justified.
Common challenges include questioning whether the officer observed actual traffic violations or simply made assumptions based on driving patterns. If the stop lacks proper justification, any evidence collected afterward becomes inadmissible in court.
Questioning Field Sobriety Test Accuracy
Standard field sobriety tests form the backbone of many DWI cases, yet these assessments have significant reliability issues. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration acknowledges that even properly administered tests produce false positives in 23% of cases.
Maryland defense attorneys examine multiple factors that can skew test results, including medical conditions, medications, weather conditions, and uneven road surfaces. Age-related balance issues, injuries, and neurological conditions often create false indicators of impairment.
Challenging Breathalyzer Evidence
Breathalyzer machines require regular calibration and maintenance to produce accurate results. Defense teams request maintenance records and calibration logs to identify potential equipment malfunctions or improper procedures.
Maryland regulations mandate specific protocols for breath test administration, including observation periods and proper training certification. Violations of these requirements can lead to evidence suppression.
Medical and Physical Condition Defenses
Certain medical conditions can mimic signs of intoxication or interfere with chemical testing accuracy. Diabetes, acid reflux, and dental work can all affect breathalyzer readings. Defense attorneys work with medical experts to demonstrate how these factors may have influenced test results.
Procedural Violations
Maryland law enforcement must follow strict procedures during DWI arrests. Defense attorneys examine every step of the process, from Miranda rights administration to evidence chain of custody. Procedural errors often provide grounds for case dismissal or charge reduction.