Harford County Lawyers
Cecil CountyMaryland Drunk Driving Lawyer
DUI Lawyer Serving Elkton Maryland
If you are pulled over for DUI or DWI in the state of Maryland you may not be sure exactly why you were pulled over. Many times the reasons you were pulled over had nothing to do with the arresting officer thinking you were intoxicated. Sometimes you can be pulled over for erratic or improper driving behavior and then, once the officer approaches you, he or she decides that you may be drunk or intoxicated. Per Maryland law, to legally pull you over, a police officer only has to have reasonable suspicion you have committed a crime or are about to commit a crime. A Cecil County Maryland Drunk Driving Defense Attorney can help you understand the situation and also protect your rights.
If you have been pulled over and the officer subsequently believes he has probably cause to believe you to be under the influence and you are ultimately charged with DUI in Maryland it is in your best interest to consult with a skilled and aggressive Elkton DUI Lawyer. Call Maryland DUI Defense Attorney William F. Riddle at 410 620 1343. Or, email Mr. Riddle here to schedule a free consultation. Mr. Riddle will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your case and make sure your rights are protected. As part of his pledge to his clients he will make sure that the police officer had a legitimate legal reason to pull you over and arrest you.
Reasons A Police Officer Might Pull You Over Thinking You May Be DUI
Weaving/Swerving
Drifting Into Other Lanes
Driving Below Speed Limit
Erratic Braking
Driving On Center Lane Marker
Driving On Right Shoulder Marker
Signaling Inconsistently With Driving Actions
Driving Without Headlights On
Inexplicable Slowing Or Stopping
Being Reported By Another Citizen
Determining Probable Cause In Maryland
Merely being pulled over for any of these driving behaviors in Maryland does not necessarily constitute probable cause to arrest for Driving Under the Influence in Maryland. Once you are pulled over you have no legal obligation to answer any incriminating questions the officer may ask you. Of course, the police will be looking for signs of drunkenness such as bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, decreased motor skills and an alcohol odor from your car or breath.
A Maryland police officer needs probable cause to arrest you by law. However, he or she only needs reasonable suspicion to believe a crime has been committed or is about to be commited to pull you over. Thus, any infraction of the motor vehicle code gives the police reasonable suspicion but that’s not probable cause to arrest you for a DUI without more. Accordingly this is why you may want to refuse to answer questions or do field sobriety testing.
Contact A Skilled Elkton Maryland DUI Lawyer
Working with a skilled Cecil County Maryland DUI Lawyer is very beneficial as they will plan a strategic and sound defense for you and they will make sure your rights are protected every step of the way. Call Cecil County DUI Defense Lawyer William F. Riddle at 410 620 1343. Mr. Riddle can also be contacted via email by clicking here. With many years serving those charged with DUI in northern Maryland he will aggressively fight for your rights while attempting to minimize the consequences of your charges.