Know your Maryland DUI rights on St. Patrick’s Day

If you are pulled over for driving under the influence of alcohol on Thursday, then it is important to know your St. Patrick’s Day DUI rights.

After you are pulled over for suspicion of drunk driving, the police officer will request that you take the standard field sobriety tests.

What are the Maryland DUI standard field sobriety tests?

The Maryland DUI standard field sobriety tests are used to to assess if there is probable cause to arrest you for drinking and driving.

National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration has sanctioned three specific tests for police officers to use when assessing a suspected drunk driver in Maryland.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)

The first test is the horizontal gaze nystagmum (HGN) test. Here, the police officer is tracking how smoothly a person’s eyes track an object.  In Maryland, the a failure of the HGN tests indicates that alcohol is present in the suspected drunk driver.

The Walk and Turn

The second test is the walk and turn test.  The police officer will ask a suspected drunk driver to walk on an imaginary  line and turn around. During this test, the police officer is watching for clues that the suspected drunk driver’s coordination is impaired.

The One Leg Stand

The final test is the one leg stand.  The police officer will ask a suspected drunk driver to stand on one leg and keep their balance for 30 seconds.  During this test, the police officer is watching for clues that the suspected drunk driver’s balance is impaired.

Am I required to take the Maryland standard field sobriety tests?

In Maryland, you can and should refuse to take the standard field sobriety tests.  These tests are not being performed for your benefit, but are used by the police officer to build their DUI case against you.  In my experience as a Maryland DUI Attorney, most police officers have already decided to arrest a suspected drunk driver regardless of whether they submit to the field sobriety tests.

Can I have a DUI lawyer present when I take the standard field sobriety tests?

If you are pulled over on St. Patrick’s Day for a DUI, then you do not have the right to speak with an attorney unless you are placed under arrest.  You will not be permitted to speak to an attorney prior to taking the standard field sobriety tests.  Therefore, you should refuse to take the standard field sobriety tests and ask to speak to your attorney after you are arrested.

Schedule a free St. Patrick’s Day DUI Rights Attorney consultation

The best way to avoid a St. Patrick’s Day DUI in Maryland is to not drink and drive!  Have a designated driver, or use Uber.

Most importantly, know your St. Patrick’s Day DUI rights.

If you are faced with the unfortunate situation of being arrested for a DUI on St. Patrick’s Day, then immediately call Albers & Associates.

Carroll County DUI Attorney Ross W. Albers offers a free consultation to explain and review your Carroll County DUI arrest. During your free consultation, Albers & Associates will review the facts, charges, MVA consequences and possible criminal penalties of your Carroll County DUI case.

Contact Albers & Associates today to schedule a free consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available.