03 May Maryland County councilman pleads in drunk driving defense

On behalf of Jack B. Rubin, PA posted in Drunk Driving on Friday, May 3, 2013.

Facing drunk driving charges can be challenging for the average of us Maryland residents. Someone who is in the public eye may find launching a drunk driving defense even more difficult and pressure-filled. Recently, a Baltimore County Councilman chose to plead guilty to a driving under the influence charge that had been leveled against 44-year-old Todd Huff. Prosecutors agreed to leave off additional charges in exchange for the guilty plea.

A Baltimore County Circuit judge is now deciding what sentence to impose in the wake of Councilman Huff’s plea. The drunk driving charges originated back in February when a police official decided to pull Huff over due to not having headlights on while driving. A blood-alcohol test ultimately revealed that his alcohol level was tested at 0.20 percent, significantly higher than the legal limit of 0.08 percent.

Reports indicate that Huff has taken full responsibility for his actions. He has gone so far as to enter into substance abuse treatment for alcohol. The therapist who has been working with the councilman testified to the judge that Huff always shows up early for his appointments. Further, the councilman appears eager to participate in the process and open to solving his challenges with alcohol. These are all factors which could work in his favor as the judge deliberates on his sentence.

All individuals who find themselves contemplating a drunk driving defense in the state of Maryland have the right to attempt to negotiate with authorities if they so choose. Alternatively, accused individuals may decide to vigorously fight the charges they face. Prosecutors have a high burden of proof to overcome and failing to meet that burden will result in an accused individual’s being judged not guilty of a charge.

Source: The Baltimore Sun, “Baltimore County Councilman Todd Huff pleads guilty to DUI, says he’s ‘learned from this mistake’,” Alison Knezevich, April 18, 2013