DUI Arrest Process in Wicomico

When someone who has been charged with a DUI is taken into custody, it can be a truly frightening process. One of the most important things for someone to remember if and when they find themselves in this situation is that they have the right to an attorney. It is always best to seek the guidance of an experienced DUI lawyer in Wicomico who can help their client navigate the process of defending their charge.

Once an individual has been arrested for a DUI, they will be:

• Taken to a local law enforcement station for processing.
• Subjected to a 20-minute observation.
• Administered the breath test.

In Wicomico, once the arrested individual has completed the processing period an officer may transport them back to their car. Other likely scenarios include:

• The car may be impounded.
• The car may be towed.
• The car may be left by the side of the road.

The Breath Test

By law, the officer who administers the breath test cannot be the same officer that was involved in the traffic stop. For the Wicomico DUI arrest process, the officer or toxicologist that handles the breath test will read certain documents to the individual who has been charged with the DUI. They will also ask them if they would like to follow through with the breath test. If the individual who has been charged agrees, they will proceed to blow into the breathalyzer device.

If the individual refuses, they will be advised of the administrative sanctions for refusing to take the test, which include the possibility that they might lose their license for a certain amount of time. If they still refuse, an individual will be asked to sign a statement saying that they refuse to take the test.

Another scenario may be that an officer will have the individual not sign at all and instead will record the fact that they chose not to take the test. Once the processing period for the DUI arrest is complete the individual will ultimately be released.

Drug Tests

Drug-related DUI’s in Wicomico are fairly uncommon, but there is sure to be a natural growth in the frequency of these cases due to the decriminalization of marijuana and the legalization of medical marijuana. Factoring in these two major changes, an increase of cases of individuals that will drive while high is to be expected.

There are currently no tests available for the DUI arrest process that can provide officers with perfect results regarding an individuals marijuana use. Blood tests that detect marijuana in an individual’s system are unlike the alcohol test, which is scientific and extremely reputable and reliable.

In fact, marijuana stays in the system for up to 30 days, which means that someone who may have smoked the substance three weeks prior to being given a blood test will still test positive for marijuana currently in their system.

There is currently no drug test available that will provide results as accurate as an alcohol test, which is why an attorney should be contacted immediately to help assist in a drug-related DUI case.

Contacting A Wicomico DUI Attorney

When faced with an impending DUI charge an individual should contact an attorney before taking the breath test if at all possible. This is extremely important due to the fact that the results of a breath test can greatly impact a person’s case and the decision to take the test and the results that follow cannot be undone.  With this in mind, it is very important to talk to an attorney right away. Also, a knowledgeable attorney that practices in Wicomico can help get their client released from jail if for whatever reason they are facing difficulty being released on their own.

While a person cannot contact an attorney during a DUI stop, they can obtain a lawyer prior to agreeing or denying to taking a breath test. They can also obtain the services of an attorney for a Wicomico bond hearing.