Levi Trumbull Lawsuit 2026, No Lawsuit Filed Yet—But May 2025 Court Victory Over False DUI Arrest Sparks Civil Rights Speculation
As of February 2026, Levi Trumbull has not filed a lawsuit against the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, although supporters are actively anticipating legal action following his false arrest for DUI in March 2025. On May 8, 2025, the traffic court judge dismissed both traffic citations against Trumbull after the deputy who arrested him failed to appear at the hearing. No DUI charges were ever filed despite Trumbull being arrested and having his vehicle towed after blowing 0.00 on a breathalyzer test.
The bodycam footage documenting a completely sober man being arrested for DUI has gone viral, raising urgent questions about police accountability in Frederick County, Maryland—and whether Trumbull will pursue a Section 1983 civil rights lawsuit for false arrest.
What Happened: The March 2025 False Arrest
Deputy Christian Roush stopped Trumbull in March 2025, accusing him of running a red light during a routine traffic stop. Trumbull, a content creator who records police interactions with the public, knew his legal rights and calmly refused field sobriety tests—which Maryland law allows.
Officers insisted he take a breathalyzer test. He took it, and the result showed 0.00—meaning there was no alcohol in his system at all. According to local police officers, that wasn’t enough, so they went on to arrest Levi for DUI. His car was towed, and he was taken into custody.
The bodycam footage from the traffic stop was released to the public, and it clearly showed that at the time of arrest, Levi Trumbull was sober. The video evidence became Trumbull’s most powerful weapon—and the reason thousands of supporters now demand he file a lawsuit.
The May 2025 Court Victory That Changes Everything
On May 8, 2025, Levi had to attend court for the two traffic citations that were issued due to the incident. The deputy was absent at the hearing, and the judge threw out both tickets. No DUI charges were brought forward.
This court outcome strengthens any potential civil rights lawsuit substantially. When criminal charges are dismissed—especially when the arresting officer doesn’t even show up to defend the arrest—it suggests the initial detention lacked probable cause.
Similar patterns appear in the Warren Sapp Lawsuit, $20M Civil Rights Claim After Wrongful Arrest, Sheriff’s Office Admits Errors case, where dropped criminal charges supported civil rights claims.
Has Levi Trumbull Filed A Lawsuit?
As of February 2026, he hasn’t launched a lawsuit against the police department or the county yet, but those who are supporting him are clearly eager and waiting for something like the Levi Trumbull Lawsuit.
If Levi decides to take the matter to court, he would probably file a false arrest and civil rights violations complaint under Section 1983, claiming that no valid basis for the arrest was given. The federal civil rights statute allows individuals to sue government officials who violate constitutional rights under color of law.
According to legal experts, his possible lawsuit might set a new precedent for civil rights in Maryland. If the case is successful, agencies may be compelled to implement new training initiatives that emphasize constitutional awareness during stops.
The Legal Basis For A Potential Lawsuit
If Trumbull files a Section 1983 civil rights lawsuit, he would likely allege violations of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. His legal claims could include:
False Arrest: Being detained without probable cause after blowing 0.00 on a breathalyzer test.
Unlawful Seizure: Having his vehicle towed and impounded despite no evidence of intoxication.
Malicious Prosecution: If he argues the traffic stop itself was pretextual—designed to harass him because of his police accountability activism.
Reputational Harm: Being publicly arrested for DUI when completely sober damages credibility, especially for someone who documents police encounters.
Similar to allegations in the Jake Kidder Lawsuit, Michigan Man’s Car Wash Arrest Sparks Fourth Amendment Lawsuit—When A Cigarette Became “Evidence” Of Drug Dealing case, Trumbull’s bodycam evidence could prove officers violated constitutional protections.
Why This Matters Beyond One Man
For many, the Levi Trumbull case is about institutional consistency rather than just one man’s experience. What happens to people without a platform if someone who is aware of their legal rights and has access to the media can be treated in this way?
The question struck a deep chord with the community, motivating people to write to local officials, attend town meetings, and push for more precise arrest policies. Trumbull’s case demonstrates how body cameras and social media can expose police misconduct—but only when citizens know their rights and demand accountability.
The Levi Trumbull case’s accessibility is what makes it such a powerful conversation starter. It reflects a growing national apprehension about arbitrary arrests that do not adhere to strict procedural standards.
What The Sheriff’s Office Claims
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office will likely argue they had probable cause for the traffic stop based on the alleged red-light violation. They may claim Deputy Roush observed signs of impairment that justified requesting sobriety tests and that Trumbull’s refusal to perform field sobriety tests raised suspicion.
However, the breathalyzer test result which was zero, would become a central piece of evidence contradicting any claim of alcohol impairment. The deputy’s failure to appear at the May 2025 hearing also undermines the Sheriff’s Office defense.
Potential Settlement Value And Legal Precedents
Civil rights false arrest cases typically settle for $10,000 to $500,000 depending on factors like duration of detention, criminal charges filed, reputational harm, and defendant’s awareness of their rights. Trumbull’s case includes several factors that could increase settlement value:
- Bodycam footage documenting 0.00 breathalyzer before arrest
- Vehicle impoundment causing financial loss
- Dismissed traffic citations after deputy’s no-show
- Public figure status amplifying reputational damage
- Potential retaliation for police accountability activism
Maryland’s cap on local government tort liability is $900,000 per claim as of 2025, meaning Trumbull’s maximum potential recovery from Frederick County is limited unless he proves intentional constitutional violations warranting punitive damages.
Current Status As Of February 2026
Before the video footage even came to light, Levi was telling the public about it, but when the video footage was made public, everyone came to support Levi Trumbull. The widespread public support and viral bodycam footage create pressure on both Trumbull to file suit and the Sheriff’s Office to settle preemptively.
No lawsuit has been filed as of February 6, 2026. Maryland’s statute of limitations for Section 1983 civil rights claims is three years, meaning Trumbull has until approximately March 2028 to file if he chooses to pursue legal action.
FAQs About The Potential Levi Trumbull Lawsuit
Has Levi Trumbull filed a lawsuit?
No. As of February 2026, no lawsuit has been filed against the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office or Deputy Christian Roush. However, supporters anticipate legal action given the bodycam evidence and dismissed criminal charges.
What would a Levi Trumbull lawsuit claim?
A potential lawsuit would likely allege false arrest, unlawful seizure, and Fourth Amendment violations under Section 1983 for arresting him for DUI after he blew 0.00 on a breathalyzer test.
What happened in court in May 2025?
The judge dismissed both traffic citations against Trumbull after Deputy Roush failed to appear at the May 8, 2025 hearing. No DUI charges were ever filed.
Where did the arrest happen?
Frederick County, Maryland in March 2025. Deputy Christian Roush conducted the traffic stop and arrest.
What evidence supports a potential lawsuit?
Bodycam footage showing a 0.00 breathalyzer result before arrest, dismissed traffic citations, the deputy’s failure to appear in court, and no DUI charges ever being filed all support false arrest claims.
How much could Trumbull win if he sues?
Civil rights false arrest cases settle for $10,000 to $500,000 depending on factors. Maryland caps local government liability at $900,000 per claim unless intentional constitutional violations are proven.
What is the deadline to file a lawsuit?
Maryland’s statute of limitations for Section 1983 civil rights claims is three years. Trumbull has until approximately March 2028 to file suit based on the March 2025 arrest.
The Bottom Line
The “Levi Trumbull lawsuit” everyone is searching for doesn’t exist yet—but the foundation for a strong civil rights case is undeniable. A completely sober man arrested for DUI, bodycam proof of a 0.00 breathalyzer, dismissed traffic charges, and a deputy who didn’t even show up to defend the arrest create compelling evidence of false arrest.
Whether Trumbull files suit or negotiates a settlement behind closed doors, this case has already accomplished something important: it reminded thousands of people that knowing your rights matters, recording police encounters protects you, and one person’s courage to fight back can spark broader accountability.
Last Updated: February 6, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides legal information about potential Levi Trumbull litigation and is not legal advice. Anyone experiencing false arrest should consult qualified civil rights attorneys about their specific situations.
Falsely arrested or detained without probable cause? Document everything, preserve bodycam footage requests, and seek legal counsel immediately.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah