When a police officer pulls you over on suspicion of DUI, it can be a very scary situation, and you will want to know how to deal with it properly, both before and after any arrest is made. But whether you read any further or not, know that finding a good DUI lawyer is the most important step right now to getting yourself back on track!
Chemical Tests such as Breath Test
In many states, implied consent laws essentially force drivers to consent to BAC testing if an officer has suspicion that the driver is under the influence of alcohol. Refusal to take the test could result in up to a full year suspension of your driver license. It is recommended that you consent to such tests since even if your BAC is tested above the .08 legal limit, the maximum license suspension is often less than it would be should you refuse to have the test taken at all. Consult a lawyer for more information on how to approach this situation in your state. If you do refuse the test, the officer must inform you of the penalties for test refusal.
- The Breath Test: In many states, a breath test cannot be administered by just any person, sometimes not even by the officer. The person administering the test must be a “qualified person” using approved instruments.
- Blood Test: Depending on which state you are in if blood is taken there could be time limits. For example, in Maryland, a blood test for police testing has to be taken within two hours of driving and must be administered by a licensed professional.
If You Are Arrested for DUI:
The DUI BAC limit is .08. Plan on an arrest if you test higher than this. Other consequences could occur.
- Your license will almost certainly be confiscated by the officer, and you will be given a temporary license. In many states, by law you only have 10 days to request a hearing. If you do not request the hearing within this time limit, your license is gone for a long period of time.
- You need to find a good DUI lawyer in Baltimore is your best chance of finding the best possible outcome for your situation, and getting yourself back on track.Jonathan Stone is an expert on the practical implications of criminal law. He lives in the Baltimore, Maryland metro area and writes articles for information hubs such as BaltimoreDUIlawyers.org and Virginia DUI Lawyer Virginia Blog.