The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Maryland woman is accused of attempting to drink from an open bottle of wine after deputies stopped her following reports that her vehicle was being driven erratically.
According to court documents, deputies responded to multiple calls about a Dodge Charger that was allegedly being driven “all over the roadway” on the evening of August 28. Dispatchers later advised deputies that the vehicle had pulled into a Popeyes parking lot in Dunkirk.
When deputies arrived, they found the Charger parked across two spaces and partially extending into the parking lot’s travel area, according to the probable cause statement.
The driver was reportedly the same person witnesses described to dispatchers. While speaking with her, a deputy reported smelling alcohol and observing that she had difficulty speaking clearly.
The woman allegedly gave unusual answers when questioned, including reportedly telling deputies she was in Virginia even though the encounter took place in Maryland.
As deputies instructed her to leave the Charger, she allegedly picked up an open bottle of wine and tried to take a drink. According to reports, the deputy removed the bottle from her hand.
She was asked to perform field sobriety tests but allegedly refused. Deputies arrested her and transported her to the Calvert County Detention Center.
A search of the vehicle allegedly turned up a pill that investigators identified as suspected clonazepam, and it was submitted to the Maryland State Police laboratory for testing.
The woman was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis and cited for 12 traffic-related offenses, including driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, reckless driving, negligent driving, registration violations, and possessing an alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a vehicle.
According to court records, she was released on her own recognizance the following day.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a DUI offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.