Not Driving? You Can Still Earn a DUI in Annapolis, MD If You Say or Do the Wrong Thing

If you’ve had a few many too drink, and decide to sit in your car to take a break or attempt to sober up, you can still earn a DUI in Annapolis, MD. According to Maryland law, you don’t actually have to be driving in order to get drunk driving charges. You simply have to be thought of as in “actual physical control” of the vehicle, and you could go to jail for an Anne Arundel County DUI. Here, a lawyer discusses what you shouldn’t do if you find yourself talking to the police in such a situation.

Don’t Admit to Driving

Telling the police officer that you drove, and then decided you were too inebriated to get to your destination so you pulled over, puts you in danger of getting an Annapolis DUI. You are admitting that you were driving under the influence of alcohol. Therefore, simply tell the officers that you weren’t feeling good and decided to sit in your vehicle until you were able to drive.

Avoid Field Sobriety Tests

You are not under any obligation to perform field sobriety tests and you have the right to refuse them. Field sobriety tests are notoriously flawed and extremely subjective. If you are asked to perform these tests in conditions that are less than ideal, you can find yourself acting intoxicated when you aren’t. Additionally, the results of your test actually rely on that particular officer’s opinion, which can vary from another officer’s. Simply refuse to perform the tests and you could prevent yourself from receiving a Maryland drunk driving charge.

If you find yourself in jeopardy of receiving a DUI in Annapolis, MD, contact the law offices of Jimeno and Gray by calling (410) 590-9401. We can give you advice and potentially prevent you from receiving harsh charges that you may not deserve.

Request your free copy of the book The ABCs of DWIs in Maryland, written by Anne Arundel County DUI attorney Gregory Jimeno, when you call.