Montgomery County DUI Acquittal After Body-Camera Footage Contradicted Officer Testimony
Location: Montgomery County, Maryland
Attorney: Max Frizalone
Year: 2026
Result: Not guilty of DUI and DWI
The Case
Our client faced DUI and DWI charges after an officer followed him from a bar and observed poor driving. The client had facial injuries consistent with his account that he had been involved in a fight. He performed field sobriety tests and, following his arrest, provided a breath sample reportedly above the legal limit.
The defense required a careful examination of the officer's observations and the evidence supporting the allegations.
The Defense
At trial, attorney Max Frizalone challenged a major inconsistency in the officer's account.
The officer testified that he smelled a strong odor of alcohol, which matched what he had written in his report. A supporting officer's body-camera recording, however, captured the charging officer saying during the stop that he did not smell alcohol at all.
Max used that contradiction to impeach the officer's testimony and challenge his credibility. The defense also raised reasonable doubt about whether the client's poor driving and disorientation resulted from alcohol or from his facial injuries.
The State did not call the breath-test technician after the contradiction in the charging officer's account was exposed.
The Result
The court found our client not guilty of DUI and DWI.
Why Careful Video Review Matters
Body-camera footage gives the defense an opportunity to compare an officer's later testimony with statements and observations recorded during the encounter. Details about timing, wording, and what an officer actually observed can become important subjects for cross-examination.
This case illustrates the value of examining the underlying evidence closely and preparing to question the account presented at trial.
If you are facing DUI or DWI charges, FrizWoods offers a free consultation to discuss your case and potential defenses. Learn more about our Maryland DUI defense practice.
Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.