Deputy Roush & Levi Trumbull Case, Frederick County Traffic Stop Controversy That Went Viral

The Levi Trumbull case has captured national attention and gone viral on TikTok after bodycam footage showed a controversial DUI arrest where the journalist suspect blew 0.00 on a breath test. Here’s everything you need to know about what actually happened, the viral social media response, and the current status of all legal proceedings.

Who Is Levi Trumbull? The Journalist at the Center of the Controversy

Background and Local Impact

Levi Trumbull is a Frederick, Maryland-based journalist who has been active in local journalism and government accountability. He has been involved in calling out school board meetings for free speech violations, establishing him as a vocal advocate for transparency and civil rights in the Frederick County area.

His background as a journalist adds significant context to this case, particularly regarding:

• Press freedom implications
• First Amendment considerations during police encounters
• The importance of accountability in law enforcement interactions with media

What Happened to Levi Trumbull? The Complete Timeline

The Initial Traffic Stop (March 29, 2025)

Levi Trumbull was pulled over by Frederick County Sheriff’s deputies on suspicion of driving under the influence. What should have been a routine traffic stop quickly became controversial when:

• Trumbull was arrested for suspected DUI
• He passed a breath test with a 0.00 blood alcohol content
• Despite the clean test results, he was still processed for DUI charges
• The entire incident was captured on police bodycam footage

The Charges Are Dismissed

The legal proceedings took a dramatic turn when all traffic citations against Trumbull were dismissed. Court records show that the deputy who made the arrest failed to appear in court, resulting in automatic dismissal of all charges.

Current Legal Status: All charges have been dismissed and expunged from Trumbull’s record.

Understanding Maryland DUI Laws: What Went Wrong

Frederick County DUI Procedures

In Maryland, DUI charges can be brought against individuals with a BAC exceeding the legal limit, typically 0.08%, but the law also allows for DUI charges based on impairment regardless of BAC level. However, police officers must abide by specific rules when handling pullovers and arrests for a DUI in Frederick County.

Legal Analysis of the Arrest

Legal experts reviewing the case believe this is likely a matter of lack of proper training on the law rather than willful misconduct, noting that FCSO has had only one complaint of false arrest in the past 12 months. This suggests systemic training issues rather than targeted harassment.

Key Maryland DUI Law Facts:

• A first time DUI involves up to one year in jail, up to 12 points on your driving record and $1000 in fines
• Penalties can range from a $500 fine and two months in jail up to a $5,000 fine and five years in jail
• Field sobriety tests and breathalyzers must follow specific procedures

The Viral Social Media Explosion

TikTok Trending Topics

The Levi Trumbull case has exploded across social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where multiple trending topics have emerged:

• “Levi Trumbull Pulled over Full Video,” “Levi Trumbull Arrest,” “Levi Trumbull Pt 3,” and “Levi Trumbull Final Part Maryland State Police” are all trending searches
• The bodycam footage has been shared across multiple TikTok accounts
• Trumbull maintains active TikTok presence under multiple account variations

Public Reaction and Media Coverage

The viral nature of this case has generated significant public discussion:

Local Impact: The case has raised such serious concerns that some business owners are reconsidering doing business in Frederick County

Regional Coverage: Local news outlets have picked up the story, with opinion pieces questioning law enforcement procedures

National Attention: The case has spread beyond Maryland through social media sharing and viral video content

Why This Case Matters: Police Accountability in Focus

The Bodycam Footage Controversy

The release of police bodycam footage has raised serious questions about law enforcement procedures. The video shows:

• A driver who clearly passed sobriety testing
• Continued processing despite negative breath test results
• Questions about proper DUI arrest protocols
• Potential concerns about police conduct during traffic stops

Press Freedom Implications

As a journalist, Trumbull’s case raises additional concerns about:

• Law enforcement interactions with media professionals
• First Amendment protections during police encounters
• The importance of transparent government accountability
• Potential chilling effects on investigative journalism

What Legal Experts Are Saying

Legal analysts have noted several concerning aspects of this case:

Procedural Questions: How can someone be arrested for DUI after passing a breath test with 0.00 BAC?

Due Process Concerns: The failure of law enforcement to appear in court raises questions about case preparation and commitment to prosecution.

Training Issues: The incident appears to stem from inadequate training on Maryland DUI laws rather than intentional misconduct

Public Trust Issues: Cases like this can impact community confidence in law enforcement procedures.

Is There a Levi Trumbull Lawsuit? Separating Facts from Speculation

Current Legal Status

Criminal Case: Completely resolved – all charges dismissed and expunged.

Civil Lawsuit: As of now, there is no confirmed federal civil rights lawsuit or settlement proceedings on public record.

Why People Are Talking About a Lawsuit

The viral nature of this case has led to widespread speculation about potential civil litigation, including:

• Social media discussions about civil rights violations
• Public calls for accountability
• Speculation about federal civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983
• Questions about potential monetary damages for false arrest

What Could Happen Next

While no lawsuit has been filed, legal experts note that cases involving:

• False arrest claims
• Civil rights violations under federal law
• Police misconduct with clear documentation
• Wrongful detention of journalists

Often result in civil litigation, especially when there’s clear documentation like bodycam footage.

Potential Civil Rights Claims Could Include:

• Fourth Amendment violations (unreasonable seizure)
• Fourteenth Amendment due process violations
• First Amendment violations (if press freedom was impacted)
• State law claims for false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress

Understanding the Expungement Process

What “Dismissed and Expunged” Really Means

In Maryland, when charges are dismissed and expunged:

• Criminal Record: Completely cleared as if the arrest never occurred
• Background Checks: The arrest will not appear on standard background checks
• Legal Standing: The individual can legally state they were never arrested for these charges
• Employment Impact: No requirement to disclose the dismissed charges to employers

The Court Process

The dismissal occurred due to:

• Deputy’s failure to appear in court
• Automatic dismissal under Maryland court rules
• Subsequent expungement filing and approval
• Complete record clearance

Frederick County Context: Local Law Enforcement Profile

Sheriff’s Department Statistics

According to public records, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office has had only one complaint of false arrest and two complaints of excessive force in the past 12 months, suggesting this incident may be an outlier rather than a pattern.

Community Impact

The case has had significant local impact:

• Questions about deputy training programs
• Calls for policy review and updates
• Some businesses reconsidering operations in Frederick County
• Increased scrutiny of traffic stop procedures

Policy Implications

This case may lead to:

• Enhanced DUI arrest training protocols
• Improved breathalyzer procedure compliance
• Better court appearance accountability measures
• Community oversight discussions

Understanding Your Rights During Traffic Stops

Key Takeaways from the Trumbull Case

This incident highlights several important rights every driver should know:

Right to Remain Silent: You’re not required to answer questions beyond providing identification and registration.

Right to Refuse Field Sobriety Tests: In Maryland, you can decline field sobriety tests, though refusing a breath test has license consequences.

Right to Legal Representation: If arrested, you have the right to an attorney before questioning.

Right to Fair Treatment: Law enforcement must follow proper procedures during arrests and testing.

Special Considerations for Media: Journalists have additional First Amendment protections during government interactions.

When to Consider Legal Action

If you’ve experienced similar treatment during a traffic stop, consider consulting with an attorney if:

• You were arrested despite passing sobriety tests
• Proper procedures weren’t followed
• You suffered damages from wrongful detention
• Your civil rights may have been violated
• You need help challenging breathalyzer results, blood tests, or chemical testing procedures

Frequently Asked Questions About the Levi Trumbull Case

Was Levi Trumbull actually drunk during the arrest?

No. Court records and bodycam footage confirm that Trumbull blew 0.00 on the official breath test, indicating no alcohol in his system at the time of testing.

What were the original charges against Trumbull?

Trumbull faced DUI-related traffic citations following his March 29, 2025 arrest in Frederick County, Maryland.

Why were the charges dismissed?

The charges were dismissed when the arresting deputy failed to appear in court for the scheduled hearing. This resulted in automatic dismissal of all citations under Maryland court rules.

Has Trumbull filed a lawsuit against the police?

There is currently no public record of a civil lawsuit filed by Levi Trumbull against Frederick County or the Sheriff’s Department. However, the statute of limitations for civil rights claims typically allows up to three years to file.

Can the charges be refiled?

Since the charges have been dismissed and expunged, they cannot typically be refiled for the same incident, especially given the procedural dismissal and lack of evidence supporting the original arrest.

What does this case mean for police accountability?

This case has sparked discussions about proper DUI arrest procedures, the importance of following legal protocols, adequate training on Maryland DUI laws, and the role of bodycam footage in ensuring accountability.

Why did this case go viral on TikTok?

The case gained traction on TikTok through multiple trending hashtags and video content, with users sharing the bodycam footage and discussing police accountability issues. The stark contrast between a 0.00 BAC test and a DUI arrest created compelling content for social media discussion.

What’s Levi Trumbull’s background as a journalist?

Trumbull has been involved in local journalism focusing on government accountability, including calling out school board violations of free speech rights. His background in watchdog journalism adds context to questions about whether this was related to his reporting activities.

Could this lead to changes in police procedures?

High-profile cases often prompt departments to review their training and procedures. Given that this appears to be a training issue rather than willful misconduct, it could lead to enhanced DUI arrest protocols and better legal education for deputies.

How has the Frederick County community responded?

The case has raised such concerns that some business owners are reconsidering doing business in Frederick County, indicating significant community impact and calls for accountability.

The Bigger Picture: Police Accountability and Civil Rights

What This Case Represents

The Levi Trumbull incident represents broader issues in law enforcement:

• Procedural Compliance: The importance of following proper testing and arrest protocols
• Training Adequacy: The need for better education on Maryland DUI laws
• Public Transparency: How bodycam footage provides accountability
• Legal Process: The significance of law enforcement participation in court proceedings
• Community Trust: The impact of controversial cases on police-community relations
• Press Freedom: Special considerations when journalists interact with law enforcement

Journalist Rights and Law Enforcement

This case highlights unique considerations for media professionals:

• First Amendment protections during government encounters
• The importance of transparent interactions with press
• Potential chilling effects on investigative reporting
• Community accountability journalism and its risks

Social Media’s Role in Police Accountability

The viral TikTok response demonstrates:

• How social media amplifies police accountability issues
• The power of video evidence in public discourse
• Community mobilization through viral content
• The intersection of traditional media and social platforms

Future Implications and Precedent

Potential Policy Changes

This case could lead to:

Training Improvements: Enhanced education on Maryland DUI laws and proper arrest procedures

Technology Updates: Better breathalyzer protocols and documentation requirements

Accountability Measures: Stricter court appearance requirements for law enforcement

Community Oversight: Increased civilian review of police procedures

Similar Cases in Maryland

Legal experts note this case may influence:

• How similar false arrest cases are handled
• Training standards across Maryland law enforcement
• Community expectations for police accountability
• Social media’s role in documenting police interactions

Legal Precedent Considerations

While not resulting in litigation, this case establishes:

• Documentation standards for DUI arrests
• Community expectations for proper procedures
• The importance of officer court appearances
• Social media’s role in legal accountability

Resources for Similar Situations

If You Face Similar Treatment

Immediate Steps:

• Remain calm and comply with lawful orders
• Request bodycam footage through public records requests
• Document everything you can remember
• Contact a qualified DUI attorney immediately

Legal Resources:

• Frederick County has numerous experienced DUI attorneys who can challenge evidence and procedures
• Maryland Legal Aid provides assistance for civil rights violations
• ACLU of Maryland offers resources on police accountability

Documentation:

• File public records requests for all related materials
• Preserve any personal recordings or witness information
• Request court transcripts of any proceedings
• Maintain detailed timeline of events

Conclusion: What the Levi Trumbull Case Teaches Us

The Levi Trumbull case offers important lessons about police procedures, legal rights, and the power of documentation in ensuring accountability. While all criminal charges have been dismissed and there’s currently no confirmed civil lawsuit, the case continues to spark vital conversations about law enforcement practices, training adequacy, and civil rights protection.

The viral social media response demonstrates how modern technology and platforms can amplify accountability issues and create pressure for systemic improvements. The fact that this appears to be a training issue rather than willful misconduct suggests that proper education and procedure updates could prevent similar incidents.

Whether you’re a Frederick County resident, a journalist concerned about press freedom, someone interested in police accountability, or simply want to understand your rights during traffic stops, this case provides valuable insights into how the legal system works and why proper procedures matter.

Key Takeaways:

• Always know your rights during police encounters
• Understand that proper procedures protect everyone involved
• Documentation through bodycam footage serves the public interest
• Training and education are crucial for preventing similar incidents
• Social media can be a powerful tool for accountability and awareness
• The legal system provides remedies for procedural violations

For Journalists Specifically:

• First Amendment protections extend to police interactions
• Government accountability work may create additional scrutiny
• Professional obligations don’t override legal rights
• Community journalism serves vital democratic functions

Sources:

• Radio Free Hub City opinion analysis and FCSO complaint statistics
• Frederick County court records and legal proceedings
• TikTok trending content analysis and social media tracking
• Maryland DUI law resources and legal procedure guides
• Local news coverage and community response documentation

This article is based on publicly available information, court records, and verified news sources. Legal situations can change rapidly. For specific legal advice about similar situations, consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction.