Preliminary Breath Test in Maryland

During a traffic stop, officers who suspect a driver may be driving under the influence of alcohol often administer a preliminary breath test (PBT), also known as a ‘breathalyzer.’ Although the test is well-known publicly, it is less known that, according to Maryland law, drivers may refuse the roadside breath test. While drivers may refuse…

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Diabetes and Odor of Alcohol in Maryland

Officers in Maryland regularly look for signs of drunk driving, such as odor of alcohol, during traffic stops. While odor of alcohol is often a result of alcohol consumption, it can also be caused by diabetes. As a diabetic person’s insulin levels reach abnormal levels, his/her body attempts to use stored fats and proteins as…

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Ignition Interlock in Maryland

The Ignition Interlock Program involves installing an Alcohol Breath-Analyzed Ignition Interlock Device in the participant’s vehicle’s ignition system. Once installed, the vehicle will not start if an unacceptable level of alcohol is detected in the driver’s breath after blowing into the device. The Interlock program can be made available either optionally or as a requirement…

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Probation Before Judgment in Maryland

Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a disposition for criminal and traffic cases, which means that a defendant will either plea or be found guilty, but the Court may then defer proceedings and place the defendant on probation before entering the judgment into Court record. The result is that the guilty finding is essentially struck before…

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DR-15A in Maryland

After making a DUI arrest, officers must confiscate the driver’s Maryland driver’s license and provide form DR-15A, which is both an Officer’s Order of Suspension and a temporary driver’s license. The temporary license is valid for 45 days from the issue date (or until an MVA license hearing, if requested within 10 days of the…

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