Annapolis, MD DUI Defense Attorney

Skilled Defense Lawyer Representing Clients Accused of DUI/DWI in Annapolis, Maryland

Getting pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving can be a panic-inducing experience. Knowing how to respond to these allegations is critical for protecting your future. At The Law Office of Caroline Norman Frost, we have experience representing clients accused of drunk driving.

Our Annapolis DUI defense attorney can review your case in detail to determine the best course of action, pursuing a reduction or dismissal of charges. With over 10 years of legal experience, including years spent as an Assistant State's Attorney, you can trust Attorney Caroline Norman Frost to provide you with insightful legal guidance.

What Is the Difference Between a DUI and a DWI?

In Maryland, the distinction between a DUI and a DWI matters far more than many drivers realize. Between the two, a DUI is the more serious charge. It generally applies when a driver has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher, or when the evidence shows substantial impairment. A DWI is typically charged when alcohol or drugs have affected a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely, but not to the degree required for a DUI conviction.

The penalties reflect that difference. A DUI conviction can lead to steeper fines and possible jail time of up to one year for a first offense. A DWI is only punishable by up to two months in jail for a first offense, but it still creates a criminal record and can affect employment, insurance rates, and future driving privileges. Understanding which charge applies, and whether the evidence supports it, is one of the first steps in building a defense.

Challenging Blood/Breath Test Results in Drunk Driving Cases

Chemical test results often form the backbone of a drunk driving case, but the test results do not always tell the whole story. Breath testing devices must be properly calibrated, maintained, and administered according to strict procedures. Even small deviations can produce inflated or unreliable readings. Medical conditions, recent dental work, certain medications, and residual mouth alcohol can all affect breath test accuracy.

Blood tests raise their own concerns. Issues with sample collection, storage, chain of custody, or laboratory analysis can compromise results. Delays between driving and testing can also distort the picture, especially when alcohol levels were rising or falling at the time of the stop. An effective defense examines not just the chemical test result, but how that evidence was obtained and whether it can withstand scrutiny in court.

What Are Field Sobriety Tests?

Field sobriety tests are roadside exercises officers use to assess coordination, balance, and attention. Common examples include the walk-and-turn, the one-leg stand, and the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. These tests are often presented as hard and fast measures of impairment, but in reality, they are highly subjective.

Road conditions, weather, footwear, age, injuries, and anxiety can all affect performance. The tests also rely on the officer's interpretation, which can be influenced by expectations formed before the driver ever steps out of the vehicle. Importantly, drivers are not required to perform field sobriety tests in Maryland. A careful review of how the tests were explained, administered, and documented can reveal weaknesses that undermine the prosecution's case.

Contact an Annapolis DUI Defense Lawyer Today

A DUI arrest can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what comes next. The stakes are real, and the consequences can follow you for years if the case is not handled properly. A focused DUI defense begins with understanding the facts, the procedures used by law enforcement, and the options available under Maryland law.

Call 443-278-1562 or contact our Annapolis, Maryland DUI defense lawyer to schedule a free consultation with The Law Office of Caroline Norman Frost and get clear, practical guidance about your next steps.