Levi Trumbull Lawsuit, No Civil Case Filed Yet—But Charges Dismissed After Deputy No-Shows in Court
There is currently no Levi Trumbull lawsuit filed against Frederick County Sheriff’s Office or Deputy Christian Roush. However, following Trumbull’s March 29, 2025, DUI arrest in Frederick County, Maryland—where he blew 0.00 on a breathalyzer—all traffic citations were dismissed on May 8, 2025, when the arresting deputy failed to appear in court. Trumbull has up to three years under Maryland’s statute of limitations to file a civil rights or false arrest lawsuit.
Here’s what went viral: a Frederick County journalist who reports on police accountability was arrested for DUI despite testing completely sober. Body camera footage shows the whole thing—and now people are asking when the lawsuit is coming.
What Happened During the March 29, 2025 Traffic Stop?
On March 29, 2025, a sheriff stopped Levi and alleged that he had gone through a red light at Route 355 and Lowes Lane in Frederick County, Maryland, around 9:40 PM.
The sequence of events:
- Deputy First Class Christian Roush pulled Trumbull over, claiming he ran a red light
- Trumbull had forgotten his driver’s license at home
- The deputy requested field sobriety tests, suspecting impairment
- Trumbull lawfully declined the voluntary field sobriety tests (legal in Maryland)
- Officers insisted on a breathalyzer test
- Result: 0.00 blood alcohol content—completely sober
- Despite the zero reading, Trumbull was arrested for DUI
- His vehicle was towed and impounded
- He was taken into custody for further evaluation
A Drug Recognition Expert at the detention center was unable to determine any impairment. Trumbull invoked his right to remain silent.
Why Are People Calling This a False Arrest?
The body camera footage—which went viral on TikTok and social media—shows several issues:
Trumbull exercised his legal rights: Maryland law doesn’t require drivers to perform field sobriety tests. These are voluntary and subjective.
He blew 0.00 on the breathalyzer: There was zero alcohol in his system.
The arrest report contradicts video evidence: The deputy’s report described Trumbull as having bloodshot eyes and appearing jittery, but the body camera footage shows him coherent and steady.
No DUI charges were filed: Despite being arrested for DUI, prosecutors never formally charged Trumbull with driving under the influence.
The arrest raised questions because Trumbull is a known journalist who covers police accountability issues and government transparency in Frederick County.
What Happened in Court?
Trumbull faced DUI-related traffic citations following his March 29, 2025 arrest in Frederick County, Maryland. The charges were dismissed when the arresting deputy failed to appear in court for the scheduled hearing on May 8, 2025.
The court outcome:
- Two traffic citations issued: running a red light and failure to provide driver’s license
- Deputy Roush did not appear for the scheduled hearing
- Under Maryland court rules, the deputy’s absence resulted in automatic dismissal
- All charges were dismissed and will be expunged from Trumbull’s record
- No formal DUI charge was ever filed
The dismissal means the tickets are erased as if they never happened.
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Is There a Levi Trumbull Lawsuit Filed?
No. As of January 2026, there is no public record of a civil lawsuit filed by Levi Trumbull against Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Roush, or Frederick County.
However, the statute of limitations for civil rights claims typically allows up to three years to file. Since the incident occurred March 29, 2025, Trumbull has until March 2028 to file a federal civil rights lawsuit under Section 1983 or state law claims.
There has not been any official legal action against the estate to this point, but Levi has initiated a public records complaint that the local law enforcement agency makes available information about the event.
What Claims Could Trumbull Potentially File?
If Trumbull decides to sue, legal experts suggest potential claims include:
False Arrest: Alleging there was no probable cause to arrest him despite a 0.00 breathalyzer reading
Violation of Fourth Amendment Rights: Unlawful seizure and detention without justification
Violation of First Amendment Rights: Potential retaliation for his journalism work covering police accountability
Malicious Prosecution: Though charges were dismissed, the arrest itself caused harm
State Law Claims: Maryland tort claims for false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress
Evidence supporting potential claims includes the body camera footage showing the 0.00 breathalyzer result, the Drug Recognition Expert’s inability to find impairment, and inconsistencies between the arrest report and video evidence.
What Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Says
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office has declined to provide comment on the incident, which is typical when potential civil litigation exists.
The department’s position during the arrest was that they had probable cause based on Trumbull’s refusal to perform field sobriety tests. However, Maryland law explicitly allows drivers to refuse these voluntary tests without penalty.
Analysis of the sheriff’s office complaint history shows only one false arrest complaint in the 12 months preceding this incident, suggesting this may be a training issue rather than a pattern of misconduct.
Who Is Levi Trumbull?
Levi Trumbull is a Frederick, Maryland-based journalist who specializes in:
- Covering law enforcement interactions and police accountability
- Reporting on government transparency issues
- Documenting civil rights violations
- Calling out school board meetings for free speech violations
His background as a journalist adds significant context—he was in the unique position of being both the subject and the documentarian of the arrest. His work frequently involves holding local officials and law enforcement accountable, which some have speculated could have motivated the stop.
The body camera footage and his own documentation of the incident garnered over 200,000 views on social media, sparking national conversations about police procedures, training adequacy, and civil rights.
Why This Case Matters Beyond Levi Trumbull
The incident highlights several systemic issues:
Training gaps on Maryland DUI laws: Deputies appeared unaware that field sobriety tests are voluntary and that a 0.00 breathalyzer reading contradicts DUI suspicion
Probable cause standards: What constitutes sufficient evidence to arrest someone for DUI?
Accountability mechanisms: The deputy’s failure to appear in court prevented any judicial review of the arrest’s validity
Technology’s role: Body camera footage provided undeniable evidence contradicting the written police report
Press freedom concerns: Journalists covering law enforcement shouldn’t face potential retaliation through questionable arrests
The case has prompted Frederick County residents to attend town meetings, contact local officials, and demand clearer arrest policies and better training.
Your Rights During a Traffic Stop in Maryland
This case offers important lessons about knowing your rights:
Field sobriety tests are voluntary: You can politely decline without penalty. These tests are subjective and designed to collect evidence against you.
Breathalyzer tests have different rules: Under Maryland’s implied consent law, refusing a chemical breath test at the station carries license suspension penalties.
You have the right to remain silent: You don’t have to answer questions beyond providing license, registration, and insurance.
Document everything: If you have a dashcam or phone, documentation can protect you if reports don’t match reality.
Request body camera footage: File a Maryland Public Information Act request to obtain official records.
Know the difference between detention and arrest: Officers need reasonable suspicion to detain you, but probable cause to arrest you.
What Happens Next?
Several potential outcomes exist:
Trumbull files a civil rights lawsuit: He has until March 2028 to file federal or state claims seeking monetary damages and policy changes.
Settlement negotiations: The parties could settle privately before any lawsuit is filed.
No lawsuit is filed: Trumbull may decide the dismissed charges are sufficient resolution.
Policy changes: Frederick County Sheriff’s Office could implement new training or procedures regardless of litigation.
Similar cases emerge: Others in Frederick County who experienced questionable arrests may come forward.
Legal experts suggest that if filed, the case could set precedent for Maryland civil rights law, potentially requiring agencies to implement new training emphasizing constitutional awareness during traffic stops.
How This Compares to Other Police Accountability Cases
Recent similar cases across the country show:
Wrongful arrest lawsuits settle for $50,000 to $500,000+ depending on circumstances, harm caused, and evidence quality
Body camera footage dramatically increases settlement values when it contradicts police reports
Journalist arrests face heightened scrutiny due to First Amendment implications
Deputy no-shows in court often strengthen civil cases by suggesting the officer knew the arrest was problematic
Cases with clear evidence (like a 0.00 breathalyzer) tend to settle rather than go to trial
The viral nature of Trumbull’s case—with millions of social media views—adds public pressure that often accelerates resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Levi Trumbull filed a lawsuit yet?
No. As of January 2026, there is no public record of a civil lawsuit filed against Frederick County, the Sheriff’s Office, or Deputy Roush.
How long does he have to file?
Maryland’s statute of limitations for civil rights claims is typically three years, giving Trumbull until March 2028 to file.
Were the charges dismissed or dropped?
Dismissed. When Deputy Roush failed to appear in court on May 8, 2025, the judge dismissed all traffic citations. They will be expunged from Trumbull’s record.
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.
Why was he arrested if he blew 0.00?
The deputy claimed probable cause based on Trumbull’s refusal to perform voluntary field sobriety tests and alleged signs of impairment—despite the breathalyzer showing zero alcohol.
Was this retaliation for his journalism?
While some speculate the arrest targeted Trumbull because of his police accountability reporting, there’s no direct evidence proving retaliation. It may be a training issue rather than intentional targeting.
What could Trumbull win in a lawsuit?
Similar cases settle or result in judgments ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, plus policy changes and attorney fees.
What is Frederick County doing about this?
The Sheriff’s Office has not publicly commented. Local residents are demanding better training and clearer arrest policies.
Key Takeaways
No lawsuit has been filed yet—Trumbull has until March 2028 to file civil rights claims
All criminal charges were dismissed May 8, 2025 after the deputy failed to appear in court
Trumbull blew 0.00 on the breathalyzer but was still arrested and his car impounded
Body camera footage contradicts the arrest report regarding signs of impairment
This appears to be a training issue rather than willful misconduct, according to local analysis
The case has sparked national conversations about police procedures, civil rights, and accountability
Whether or not Trumbull files a lawsuit, the incident highlights the importance of knowing your rights, documenting interactions with law enforcement, and holding agencies accountable for proper training and procedures. The body camera footage and public pressure have already brought attention to training gaps that could prevent similar incidents.
Know Your Rights
For information about your rights during traffic stops, visit:
Maryland Judiciary: www.courts.state.md.us ACLU Know Your Rights: www.aclu.org/know-your-rights Maryland Public Information Act Requests: www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov
To file complaints about police conduct:
Frederick County Sheriff’s Office: (301) 600-1046 Maryland Police Training Commission: (410) 653-4200
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.
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