While
the Washington Post Article presents
some findings regarding marijuana usage, a case may be made in Maryland
regarding the impairment of a driver under the influence, or impaired by
marijuana while driving. Furthermore, in Maryland, a blood sample is required
from a driver who is involved in any fatal accident, when police officer's
suspect that the driver may have used any drugs and/or alcohol.
Currently
in Maryland it is against the law to drive, or attempt to drive while under the
influence of alcohol, or while impaired by drugs and/or alcohol. In order to
determine the level of any of those substances in someone's system, the police
can use an intoximeter (breath test), or blood test.
If a
police officer believes that a person is under the influence or impaired by
drugs and/or alcohol - the police officer will first attempt to administer an
intoximeter test, then if the results of that test do not accurately reflect
the level of impairment that the officer is detecting, the police officer will
then call in a Drug Recognition Expert to administer additional testing.
The
Drug Recognition Expert is a police officer who has additional, extensive
training regarding persons under the influence of drugs (legal or illegal). If
the Drug Recognition Expert determines that an impairment exists, he or she
will request a blood sample from the suspected impaired driver.
Being charged with DUI or DWI is a serious matter that could
affect the rest of your life. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration could
suspend or revoke your driving privileges, and the State of Maryland courts
could give you a fine or send you to jail. With my experience as a former State Trooper and Prosecutor, i am in a unique position to assist with any questions.
