DUID Defense Lawyer in Baltimore

Fighting Drug DUI Charges in Maryland

If you were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) or driving while intoxicated by drugs (DWI), it is important that you contact an experienced drug DUI lawyer right away. In most cases, you will not be required to submit to a blood or urine test. However, if you were arrested, you should consult with an attorney before submitting to any tests.

At Scheuerman Law LLC, our DUID lawyer in Baltimore, MD has handled hundreds of DUI cases. We know the law and we know how to fight DUI charges. If you have been arrested for a DUI, we can help.

Have questions about your DUI case? Call our Baltimore DUID lawyer at (410) 630-4274 or contact us online.

Maryland DUID Laws

Under Maryland law, it is illegal to drive or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS), which includes both illegal drugs and certain prescription medications. The presence of any amount of a CDS that impairs a person's ability to drive safely can lead to a drug-related DUI charge.

If you are convicted of a DUI, you face a number of penalties, including:

• Fines
• Jail time
• Harsh license penalties
• Mandatory alcohol & drug education classes

The consequences of a DUID conviction can be severe and far-reaching. If you are convicted, you may have to deal with the consequences for years to come. In addition to the penalties listed above, you may also have to deal with a damaged reputation and the possibility of being unable to obtain a loan or lease a car in the future.

In order to fight your DUID charges, we must look for weaknesses in the prosecution's case. The most effective way to do this is to conduct an investigation into the police officer who arrested you.

What is a Drug Recognition Expert?

In Maryland, police officers may call upon the services of a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) to assist in determining drug impairment during a DUI investigation. A DRE is a law enforcement officer who has received specialized training to identify individuals under the influence of drugs.

When an officer suspects drug impairment and believes a DRE's expertise is necessary, they may request the presence of a DRE at the scene or during the arrest process. The DRE will then conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if the driver is impaired by drugs and, if so, attempt to identify the category or categories of drugs involved.

The evaluation conducted by a DRE typically includes the following steps:

• Preliminary examination: The DRE will interview the arresting officer and gather information about the driver's behavior, physical appearance, and any other relevant observations.
• Eye examination: The DRE will conduct an examination of the driver's eyes, looking for specific signs of drug impairment, such as pupil size, reaction to light, and other eye movements.
• Divided attention psychophysical tests: The DRE will administer a series of tests similar to field sobriety tests to assess the driver's divided attention capabilities, physical coordination, and cognitive functioning.
• Vital signs and physical examination: The DRE will measure the driver's blood pressure, body temperature, and pulse rate, as well as conduct a general physical examination to check for signs of drug influence.
• Blood or urine test: If the DRE determines that drug impairment is likely, they may recommend the driver undergo a blood or urine test to confirm the presence of drugs in their system. This test is typically performed by a medical professional.

Based on the DRE's evaluation, the officer can use the information as evidence to support the arrest and subsequent drug-related DUI charges. The DRE's expertise is particularly valuable in cases involving drug impairment, as they are trained to identify and categorize various types of drugs that may be influencing a driver's abilities.

What to Look for in a DUI Attorney

When choosing a DUID attorney, you want to find someone who is experienced, knowledgeable, and who will be able to effectively represent you. You want to find an attorney who will be able to take the time to answer your questions and who will be available to you throughout the course of your case.

At Scheuerman Law LLC, our DUID lawyers in Baltimore have five decades of combined experience. We know that you may be facing serious penalties and we are ready to fight for you.

Contact us today at (410) 630-4274 to schedule a free consultation.