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Maryland DUI Drug Arrests

Individuals facing Maryland DUI drug arrests should speak with a well-practiced DUI attorney immediately. DUI drug cases could have a significant impact on a person’s professional and personal life, no matter what substance a person allegedly used. Consult a hard-working defense attorney about your rights and begin building your defense case.

How Much Priority is Placed Upon DUI Drug Arrests by Maryland Law Enforcement?

All DUI cases and arrests, regardless of whether they are alcohol or drug-related, are a high priority for law enforcement in Maryland. Authorities are always on the lookout for unsafe drivers who could possibly be under the influence of a substance. There are sometimes areas where there is enhanced DUI enforcement and there are specific units and many different law enforcement agencies in Maryland that focus solely on intoxicated driving enforcement.

These efforts by authorities do not discriminate between DUI alcohol and DUI drug enforcement. On the road, it is considered a threat to public safety by law enforcement whether a person is operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a drug or alcohol. Consequently, authorities take DUI drug offenses very seriously and they treat them like DUI alcohol charge cases.

How Police Officer Look for Evidence of Drug Use by Drivers

When searching for evidence of intoxicated driving after pulling someone over, a police officer could make observations based on how the individual was driving. This may include noting if they were driving erratically or dangerously. They would look for physical observations based on a person’s demeanor, physical appearance, motor coordination, and how clearly or not they are speaking. If the person is removed from the vehicle, they would look at the person’s physical coordination.

This may include checking if the person stands up, stands still, and maintains balance. A law enforcement officer would always look for pupil dilation. They would also look within the vehicle at what is visible from outside the vehicle for any drugs, paraphernalia, or any other evidence of drug use. A defense attorney could review the evidence authorities are using against a person and check how they collected it to begin with to see if the proper procedure was followed.

Marijuana-Related Drug Cases in Maryland

Marijuana-related drug cases are different in Maryland. Marijuana is decriminalized in Maryland in small quantities. While less than ten grams is not criminal. it is still a civil offense and a person could be issued a civil citation, which is essentially a ticket. It should be noted that it would not be a criminal offense if it is less than ten grams. Driving under the influence of marijuana is still fully criminal just like driving under the influence of alcohol.  The main way it is different is that the specific way to prove impairment by marijuana could be different compared to other drugs. While the prosecutors still have to prove specifically that a person was impaired by marijuana, marijuana is like any other drug as far as the law is concerned.

Since it has been decriminalized, the people of Maryland and law enforcement typically do not necessarily treat marijuana as exactly equivalent to other drugs. Prosecutors and courts, in their discretion, may be more willing to negotiate a more lenient resolution to cases involving marijuana. In most cases, driving while impaired by marijuana is still looked at harshly and considered a criminal offense no matter how lenient a court or prosecutor’s attitude towards marijuana use is. Consequently, driving under the influence of marijuana is still considered a serious charge just like driving under the influence of alcohol or driving under the influence of different types of drugs.

An Accomplished Attorney Could Help With Maryland DUI Drug Arrests

Reach out to an accomplished lawyer following any Maryland DUI drug arrests. A seasoned defense attorney who is familiar with such cases might be able to explain how courts may try a person’s case, could help them collect evidence to refute any allegations authorities may hurl their way, and may also be experienced in handling cases involving whichever drug that was allegedly used. Call today to let an attorney champion your case.

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