Maryland law requires vehicles in the right lane to move to the left if an emergency vehicle is stopped on the road shoulder. Failing to do so may result in a traffic stop. A Maryland Delegate was recently pulled over for this infraction, although things took a turn for the worse once a police officer spoke with the driver. The driver reportedly failed a field sobriety test and is now facing DUI charges.
The officer claims to have smelled alcohol when he made initial contact with the driver. The driver reportedly had an expired driver’s license. The charges filed include operating a motor vehicle without the required authorization and license, as well as driving while consuming alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle.
DUI charges filed; driver released at the scene
The Maryland police officer who made the traffic stop did not book the state Delegate into jail. Instead, he was released into the custody of another driver. When police choose this option, a driver is typically issued a citation with a date to appear in court. If an individual fails to appear in court at the appointed time, an arrest warrant would likely be issued.
Navigating the criminal justice system regarding suspected drunk driving
Especially for those who have prominent careers and are known to the public, facing DUI charges in Maryland can have both an immediate and far-reaching impact on one’s professional and private life. To achieve the most positive outcome possible, it is best to enlist support from an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as an arrest has occurred. Chances of being able to mitigate one’s circumstances are typically better when an attorney is acting on behalf of a client.