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Pulled Over in Towson or Bel Air? Here's What a DUI Defense Attorney Wants You to Know

By Lesley Atkinson, DUI Defense Attorney serving Towson, Bel Air, Baltimore County, and Harford County July 23, 2026

If you've been stopped and arrested for driving under the influence in Towson, Bel Air, or anywhere else in Baltimore County or Harford County, the first thing I tell every client is this: an arrest is not a conviction. Maryland DUI and DWI cases are won and lost on details, and there are far more defenses available than most drivers realize.

I'm Lesley Atkinson, and I've spent my career defending people across Towson, Bel Air, and the surrounding Central Maryland communities against DUI and DWI charges. Whether your stop happened on York Road in Towson, Route 1 in Bel Air, I-695, or MD-24, the same core principles apply. Below, I'm walking through some of the most common and effective defense strategies we use to challenge a DUI stop from the very first flashing light in the rearview mirror.

1. Was There Reasonable Suspicion for the Stop in the First Place?

Police in Maryland cannot pull you over on a hunch. Officers must have reasonable, articulable suspicion of a traffic violation or criminal activity before initiating a stop. If the stop itself was unlawful — say, an officer claims you "weaved" but dashcam footage shows otherwise, or a tip was too vague to justify the stop — everything that followed, including field sobriety tests and breath results, may be suppressed.

2. Challenging the Field Sobriety Tests

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) like the walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus are far less reliable than most people assume. These tests were never designed to be performed:

  • On uneven pavement, gravel shoulders, or sloped roadways

  • At night, in poor lighting, or in bad weather

  • By people with knee, back, or inner-ear conditions

  • By drivers wearing heels, work boots, or other inappropriate footwear

I regularly cross-examine officers on whether the test was administered according to NHTSA protocol. A single deviation — wrong instructions, wrong stance, wrong counting method — can undermine the results entirely.

3. Questioning the Breathalyzer and Blood Test Results

Breath test machines (Maryland typically uses the Intoximeter EC/IR II) require regular calibration, certified operators, and strict observation periods. Common issues we look for include:

  • Missing or improperly documented 20-minute observation period before testing

  • Machine calibration and maintenance records that are incomplete or overdue

  • Operator certification lapses

  • Mouth alcohol contamination from burping, reflux, or recent use of mouthwash

  • Rising blood alcohol defense — your BAC at the time of testing may have been higher than it was at the time of actual driving

Blood draws come with their own chain-of-custody requirements. Every hand-off of that sample, from the phlebotomist to the lab to the courtroom, must be properly documented.

4. Medical and Physical Conditions Mistaken for Impairment

Diabetes, GERD, inner ear disorders, fatigue, and even certain prescription medications can produce symptoms that look identical to impairment — slurred speech, poor balance, flushed skin, or the odor of certain substances on the breath. Part of building a strong defense is documenting your medical history and, where appropriate, bringing in expert testimony to explain what really happened.

5. Miranda and Statements Made During the Stop

Not every statement made during a DUI stop is automatically admissible. If you were in custody and questioned without being advised of your rights, we examine whether those statements can be used against you — and whether they should be suppressed.

6. Checkpoint-Specific Defenses

Both the Baltimore County Police Department (which patrols Towson) and the Harford County Sheriff's Office and Bel Air Police Department (which patrol Bel Air) periodically run sobriety checkpoints, particularly around holidays. Maryland law requires these checkpoints to follow strict constitutional guidelines: neutral formulas for stopping vehicles, advance public notice, proper signage, and supervisory approval of the checkpoint plan. A checkpoint that deviates from its own operational plan — regardless of which agency ran it — can be challenged in court.

7. Video Evidence Often Tells a Different Story Than the Police Report

Dashcam and body-worn camera footage frequently contradicts the narrative in an officer's written report. I request and review this footage in every case, because it's often the single most powerful piece of evidence for the defense.

Every DUI Case in Towson and Bel Air Is Different

There is no one-size-fits-all defense. The right strategy depends on where you were stopped, which agency conducted the stop — Baltimore County Police, Harford County Sheriff's Office, Bel Air Police, or Maryland State Police — what equipment was used, and the specific facts of your case. What matters most is having someone review every detail — the stop, the tests, the paperwork, and the footage — before you decide how to proceed.

Charged with a DUI or DWI in Towson or Bel Air? Let's Talk.

If you or someone you love has been arrested for DUI in Towson, Bel Air, or anywhere in Baltimore County or Harford County, don't wait to get answers. The sooner we start reviewing your case, the more options we have.

Call Attorney Lesley Atkinson today at 410-882-9595 for a confidential consultation.

This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact Lesley Atkinson directly at 410-882-9595 to discuss the specific facts of your situation.