Field Sobriety Test Attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, Proficient in Challenging Field Testing Procedures in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, and Throughout Maryland
Failed or refused a field sobriety test in Maryland? We know you're worried, and our Maryland field sobriety test lawyers are here to help.
Maybe you were nervous, had physical limitations, or just couldn't perform the tests perfectly. Now you're facing DUI charges based on roadside tests. But here's what most people don't know:
- Field sobriety tests can be highly inaccurate.
- Medical conditions can affect your performance.
Our team has successfully challenged countless field sobriety test results, often getting DUI charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
Ready to defend your DUI case? Contact us now for a free case evaluation.
What Is a Field Sobriety Test?
A field sobriety test is a series of physical tasks police officers use to determine if you're impaired by alcohol or drugs. Unlike chemical tests that measure your blood alcohol content directly, field sobriety tests look for physical signs of impairment.
Police officers use field sobriety tests to build probable cause for an arrest. They're looking for specific clues that suggest you're not sober enough to drive safely.
Field sobriety tests are divided into three parts:
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test
The officer moves an object, like a pen or flashlight, from side to side in front of your eyes, watching how your eyes track it. They're looking for involuntary jerking of your eyeballs, which can happen when you're intoxicated.
Walk and Turn Test
The officer asks you to take nine steps along a straight line, turn using small steps, and return in the same manner. The officer watches for possible clues of impairment, including:
- Inability to keep balance
- Stepping off the line
One-Leg Stand Test
The officer asks to stand on one leg with the other foot raised about six inches off the ground while counting aloud. The officer looks for:
- Swaying
- Using arms for balance
- Putting your foot down
One-leg tests can be challenging even for completely sober people.
Can You Refuse a Field Sobriety Test in Maryland?
Yes, you can refuse to take field sobriety tests in Maryland, and there's no direct penalty for doing so. Unlike breathalyzer tests, field sobriety tests are completely voluntary.
But here's what many drivers don't understand. Whether you refuse the field sobriety tests or take them, the officer will likely still ask you to take a breathalyzer test if they suspect impairment.
This is where the situation gets more complicated. While you can legally refuse a breathalyzer, doing so in Maryland triggers automatic penalties. Your license will be automatically suspended for:
- 270 days for a first refusal
- 2 years for a second or subsequent refusal
Penalties for DUI or DWI Offenses in Maryland
Maryland distinguishes between driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) offenses.
For a first DUI offense, you face:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- License suspension for up to 6 months
For a first DWI offense, you face:
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Fines up to $500
- License suspension for up to 6 months
These penalties become more severe if your impaired driving caused life-threatening injuries or death. You could face:
- Up to 3 years in prison for causing injuries
- Up to 5 years in prison for causing a fatality
If you refused a field sobriety test and are now facing DUI or DWI charges in Maryland, contact us today. Our Maryland field sobriety test lawyers can help you fight to get your charges dismissed or reduced.
How Our Maryland Field Sobriety Test Lawyers Can Defend You Against DUI or DWI Charges
Each DUI or DWI case is unique and requires a customized defense strategy. We examine every detail of your case to build the strongest possible defense.
Invalid Traffic Stops
Police can't pull you over just because they have a feeling you might be impaired. They need a valid reason, like observing you speeding, making an illegal turn, or more.
If we can prove the officer had no legal reason to stop you in the first place, everything that followed—including field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and any statements you made—may be thrown out. Without probable cause, the entire case against you crumbles.
Flawed Field Sobriety Test Results
Our Maryland field sobriety test lawyers can challenge your field sobriety test results.
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test Results
The horizontal gaze nystagmus test can give false results due to many factors unrelated to alcohol, including:
- Inner ear problems or infections
- Certain medical conditions
- Previous head or eye injuries
- Improper test administration by the officer
Walk-and-Turn Test Results
The walk-and-turn test unfairly disadvantages many people, including those who:
- Naturally have poor coordination or balance
- Were wearing unsuitable footwear like boots or heels
- Have any leg or back issues affecting balance
One-Leg Stand Test Results
The one-leg stand test can be failed by people who:
- Are overweight
- Have knee, ankle, back, or foot problems
- Have conditions like plantar fasciitis or arthritis
Furthermore, according to the NHTSA, field sobriety tests are only reliable when administered exactly according to strict protocols.
If our field sobriety test attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, can show the tests weren't conducted properly in your case, their reliability becomes questionable.
We fight for your best possible outcome:
- Dismissal of all charges
- Reduction to lesser offenses
- Not-guilty verdict at trial
- Minimized penalties and consequences
Contact us to discuss your situation with our field sobriety test attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD.
Why Choose Maronick Law LLC for Your DUI or DWI Case in Maryland
Getting charged with DUI or DWI can make you feel lost and scared. At Maronick Law LLC, we know what works to protect people like you.
Why We're Different
We see DUI cases differently than other lawyers. Thomas J. Maronick Jr. worked as a police sergeant for many years before becoming a lawyer. This means we know exactly what police should and shouldn't do during a traffic stop. We catch mistakes that could help your case.
We Leave No Stone Unturned
We study everything about your case, from why you were stopped to whether your field sobriety test was done right. This approach and our 80 years of combined experience have helped many people avoid serious DUI charges.
Our Achievements
People trust us because we deliver:
- Named one of Maryland's Super Lawyers
- Perfect 10.0 rating from legal directories like Avvo
- Listed in America's Top 100 National Trial Attorneys
Real stories from people across Maryland we've helped:
“I was recently charged with a DUI in Kent County, MD. I retained Mr. Maronick's law office directly after this happened. His office team is incredibly professional, friendly, and helped me every step of the way. When I finally went to court, the outcome far exceeded my expectations! I can't say enough great things about Mr. Maronick and his team!” - Ryan Cook
Don't let DUI charges destroy your future. Discuss your case with us today to learn how our Maryland field sobriety test lawyers can fight for you.
Contact Our Maryland Field Sobriety Test Lawyers at Maronick Law LLC Today for a Free Consultation
A DUI conviction can derail your career, destroy your professional reputation, and cause chaos in your personal life for years to come.
For help from field sobriety test lawyers in Maryland, contact Maronick Law LLC online or call 443-551-2747 today.